WednesdayJournal_082626

W E D N E S D A Y

August 26, 2026 Vol. 47, No. 9

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JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

2026 ANSWER BOOK INSIDE

Israel boycott question stays on ballot after 2-1 vote

It took a long time, but the line stretched down Madison Street when the store finally opened on Aug. 19

Clerk Waters removed from electoral board participation prior to hearing

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

SYDNEY LOVAN

People pack Pete’s Market for the grand opening Store offers special giveaways and deals on the big day

By SYDNEY LOVAN Reporting Intern

The long-awaited opening day for the new Pete’s Fresh Market finally arrived

and it drew a large crowd of customers to Oak Park Avenue and Madison Street.

People lined up around the block early Wednesday morning, Aug. 19, to check out what it had to offer. Suzen Riley and

Stephanie Townsend were two of the first people in line for the big day. Townsend said she arrived at around 7:40 a.m. for See PETE’S on page 12

Barring success of a last-minute court appeal, an advisory referendum question that’s been debated for months will be on the Nov. 3 village of Oak Park election ballot.

An objection to the question, “Should the state of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the state of Israel?” was overruled 2-1 Monday by a village electoral board consisting of President Vicki Scaman and Trustees James Taglia and Chibuike Enyia.

Enyia joined the board Monday after VilSee ISRAEL BOYCOTT on page 13

Follow us on Instagram! @wednesdayjournal Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Sponsored Content

MY MAMA FROM MA BELL

M

y mother, Pat Harney, had an excellent job before she was a stay at home mom. She worked for Illinois Bell, the telephone company, from 1951 to 1963. My mom would have liked to have been a teacher or a nurse but her parents were not wealthy people.

There was no money for college or nursing school. Federal loans for college tuition did not exist at that time for women.

adoption if both parents worked outside the home. By that time my mother’s salary was higher than her husband’s (my father), her father’s, and her father-inlaw’s. But after waiting many years for my father to finish college and find a job with prospects, my mom wanted to raise children more than she wanted to continue in her career. So she left the professional world.

A lack of a higher education did not deter my mother from finding a careertype job. In the 1950s a woman with a high school diploma could land a good job in corporate America if she was a good applicant. In the case of Illinois Bell, the applicant had to be smart, capable, diplomatic, personable, and present a polished and professional image. My mom was all those things.

Years later after my brothers and I were in school full time, my mother tried to restart her career. However, she could never achieve the same professional status that she had enjoyed before she was a stay at home mom. The professional world had left her behind. Due to automation and technology, my mom’s skills were just not as valuable in the 1970s as they were in the 1950s. I think if my mom was still alive today, she would have a lot of sympathy for young adults who are finding it difficult to find entry level professional positions.

After doing well on the testing and interviews, my mother was hired as an Illinois Bell Customer Service Representative. The job of customer service in the 1950s was much different than it is today. It was a prestigious job with great pay and one of the best benefits packages in corporate America. Even though the job did not require a college degree, it was considered a professional position.

My mother excelled at being a customer service representative. She really enjoyed her work and received several promotions.

However, she also wanted to be a mother.

Sadly, being a survivor of ovarian cancer, my mother could not bear children. So, undeterred, she and my father elected to adopt children.

Back in 1963, the adoption agency would not approve the

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

The unemployment rate for recent college graduates (ages 22–27) sits at around 5.6%, higher than the 4.2% rate for the overall workforce. This higher rate is largely driven by a sharp drop in overall hiring and a lack of entry-level openings. It is the “low hire, low fire” environment.

Some blame AI but the rise in the jobless rate for recent college grads predates widespread adoption of AI. Rather, according to economists, the most blame can be squarely placed on the shoulders of remote and hybrid work.

A study found that it is harder for managers to train and mentor young workers when they aren’t physically in the same space. Consequently, some companies are reluctant to hire less experienced workers in a work from home environment.

Whatever the reason, the result is the

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same: Getting that first professional job can be hard. Employers want people with experience.

The good news is that a college degree is still valuable but employers want more than a diploma and a good GPA. They want candidates who can contribute quickly, have real-world experience, can critically think, problem-solve, communicate, and work well with others.

So what are recent college graduates to do?

First, network.

One recruiter said job seekers should spend at least 2/3 of their job-seeking time reaching out, emailing, texting, messaging, calling, having meetings, buying coffee for, and directly connecting with people they know, people who know them. Tell them what you are looking for, ask for advice, introductions, or conversations.

Second, show what you can do.

If you do not have professional experience, use what you do have. School projects, writing samples, case studies of something you analyzed, a design portfolio, a side business, a research poster. Even a scrappy self-directed project beats a polished resume with nothing behind it. It’s evidence you can do the job rather than just be a degree holder. Also learn to use AI tools. Be able to explain how and when you would use it.

Third, have a specific story of what you want.

“I’m open to anything” seems like you have no direction. “I want to work in operations at a logistics company because I spent two summers dispatching for my uncle’s trucking outfit and got interested in routing efficiency.” That is memorable and gives someone a reason to think of you when an opportunity comes along.

all of it counts if you describe it in terms of what changed because you were there. “You moved table turnover from slow to fast, directly increasing revenue but keeping high situations calm and customers happy.”

Finally, be easy to work with.

Respond to emails. Show up on time.

Research the company before the interview. Ask thoughtful questions. Send a thank you note. These things seem basic but a surprising number of candidates skip them.

One resource is New Work Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young workers get hired in the AI age. Everything is free.

To me the most important characteristic in finding a job is PERSISTENCE. President Calvin Coolidge once said something that has stood the test of time: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Finding the right job requires persistence just like creating an estate plan requires persistence. You don’t protect your family by putting estate plan on your to-do list and hoping you will get around to it.

You won’t find the right job by lying on the couch watching Netflix and waiting for someone to contact you.

Get up. Make the call. Send the email.

Ask for the introduction. Meet for coffee.

Learn something new. Rinse and repeat.

You can do this.

Go out there and make it happen!

Fourth, translate your experience into accomplishments. Waiting tables, running a campus club, coaching, babysitting —

This content is made possible by our sponsor and is independent of our editorial staff.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Oak Park to Outer Banks: Local teen makes her mark on the stage and screen Watch the newest season of ‘Outer Banks’ to see her performance

By SYDNEY LOVAN Reporting Intern

From her dining room table to a big stage to the big screen, 13-year-old Savannah Lumar has already racked up an impressive resume in performing. Her newest role is on the hit Netflix series Outer Bank playing young Kiara for the final season which debuted Aug. 20.

Casey Tencate, Lumar’s mother, said she knew she had a “little superstar” since before she could speak when she would get on their table at home and sing songs from Frozen.

Lumar began her acting and singing career with a summer camp led by Ovation Academy, a local performing arts program where she was encouraged to pursue per-

forming professionally. Both Lumar and Tencate credit Ovation and Oak Park for shaping who she is today in this industry.

“I think if we didn’t live in this community, she might not have had these same opportunities,” said Tencate. “We know people that are very talented and want to do this, but they live in an area that doesn’t harbor the arts and doesn’t have those same opportunities, so Oak Park is definitely a huge part of why she was able to get where she’s at now.”

Within a couple of years, her passions came full circle as she booked the role of young Elsa on the Broadway North American tour. From there, she has transitioned to television and film acting appearing in the new Superman movie, Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta, and the new season of Outer Banks.

Behind the glitz and glamour of her acting career and nation-wide traveling is a normal teenage girl going to middle school and doing homework like her peers.

“I just live a normal life, and people, like

PROVIDED BY CASEY TENCATE

Savannah Lumar on the set of ‘Outer Banks,’ Season 5.

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W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

General Manager Max Reinsdorf Staff Reporters Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss Sports Reporters Melvin Tate, Bill Stone News Intern Sydney Lovan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Contributing Editor Donna Greene Columnists Marc Blesoff, Nicole Chavas, Jack Crowe, Vincent Gay, Mary Kay O’Grady, John Stanger, Josh VanderBerg Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea PROVIDED BY CASEY TENCATE

Local actress Savannah Lumar a lot of my friends, didn’t even know when I first met them, they didn’t even know that I was acting,” said Lumar.

Lumar said more people have taken notice of her acting achievements, and she relies on her existing friends and family to navigate the new attention that comes with it. Her mom advises her against social media pressures telling her to, “respond to the positive, ignore the negative, be mindful of people’s intentions.”

Tencate said it is “surreal” to see her on the screen at home because she is treated like a normal kid, but it’s easy to believe it is just a character because of her talent in playing a role.

“Just even thinking about it now, just the fact that she was on that stage in front of 1000s of people at times, and just like so confident and so in her element, and just like doing things that I never would even dream of doing myself. I really look up to her in that sense,” said Tencate.

Lumar said she hopes to continue performing for the rest of her life and her ultimate dream is to be in a horror movie taking inspiration from classics like the Scream franchise.

Her advice to any other young people looking to get into the industry is to, “Be yourself and really just show people who you are, and don’t be nervous. I mean, you can be nervous, but don’t let your nerves stop you from what you truly want to do.”

Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Sports Photographer Steve Johnston Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley

H OW TO R E ACH US P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 ■ PHONE (708) 613-3300 ■ EMAIL dhaley@newswellchicago.org ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com

CIRCULATION Jill Wagner • jill@oakpark.com • (708) 613-3340 PRINT/DIGITAL ADVERTISING Lourdes Nicholls • lourdes@oakpark.com • Ext. 3329 Emma Cullnan • emma@oakpark.com • Ext. 3304 CALENDAR EVENTS calendar@wjinc.com Wednesday Journal is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago.

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

La Shawn Ford reflects on relationships and transitions A progressive Black man who works in the system

By BILL DWYER Staff Reporter

(Editor’s note: Wednesday Journal/ Austin Weekly News is following Ford as he prepares to move from Springfield to the national stage in Washington D.C. come January. This is the first installment of that coverage.

La Shawn K. Ford is feeling the pull of both the past and the future as the Labor Day weekend heralds the final stretch of the election season.

In January Ford is virtually guaranteed to take Danny K. Davis’s seat in the U.S. Congress, and he is keenly aware of the historical weight of taking the place of an iconic figure with 50 years of public service.

On the morning of Governor’s Day at the State Fair in Springfield, as he walked over to the Illinois State Capitol Building, coffee in hand, Ford reflected on his 20 years of public service in the Illinois House and his thoughts on the new challenges awaiting him in Washington.

Ford is the prohibitive favorite to win in November against 88-year-old Kane County Republican Chad Koppie, who does not live in the district.

“I don’t like parties,” Ford said unsolicited, smiling and rolling his eyes just a bit at folks who left receptions at 9 or 10 the night before and headed out for another watering hole. It’s simply not his style.

“I do the work and go home,” he said. A huge part of that work, he said, involves people.

“It’s all about relationships,” Ford said as we walked past the Stratton Building where he has his office. “I’m working on maintaining the relationships I’ll need in Washington.”

People and relationships are subjects

that come up naturally with Ford. There is a reason Davis, a man with more than half a century’s experience challenging unjust and exclusionary systems, endorsed him early ahead of a crowded field. Asked what counsel Davis has offered him, Ford said Davis doesn’t rely much on words.

“I just watch how he behaves,” Ford said.

“He’s more of a teacher by example. He makes comments and suggestions about what he sees. That’s his way of telling me what to expect.”

Davis, Ford said, makes a point of listening to people. The moderates, the political middle, Ford said, “have to listen to everybody.”

The interior of the restored Illinois State Capitol building is all stone and brass and marble and burnished wood, with reflected light and color all about, an environment with as deep a sense of place and permanence as any in Rome or London.

Sitting on a simple bench overlooking the ornate brass railings of the Capitol Rotunda, Ford spoke of the tension in governance between making needed changes and maintaining the structures that have been built by others; the tension between the liberal impulse to challenge what’s wrong and make changes, and the conservative desire to preserve what’s been built.

It’s not a binary choice for Ford, who sees value and purpose in both, even as he works for change. He also sees negatives in both; a tendency on the left to tear down useful structures and abandon effective practices, a tendency on the right to protect structures and practices that are unjust or that no longer serve a just purpose.

“I think that conservatives for the most part think our democracy is already perfected,” Ford said. “Where liberals say, no, we need to make some changes.”

“The liberals say, ‘We’re not being inclusive. We need to make change.’ That’s what

BILL DWYER

La Shawn K. Ford reflects on his 20 years of service in the Illinois House, early morning, Aug. 19, in the State Capitol. liberals are, a big tent, making sure that we perfect our democracy.”

“The difference between the far left versus the far right, when it was the Tea Party, is the Tea Party wanted to take us back to days that were shameful for America, it wasn’t inclusive,” Ford said. “I’m a progressive liberal that believes that our democracy needs to be changed to be more inclusive and fair.”

While he’s not a member of Democratic Socialists of America, Ford said he appreciates the energy and drive they bring to the political process.

“They want to push our system, to challenge it,” he said. “And I find that to be necessary. I think that’s what makes our democracy move, because you’ve got people pushing, pushing, pushing.”

“I believe the DSA can push the moderates to do more. We’ve got to swing big, we gotta make sure we get healthcare for all.

We have to make sure we’re able to change the tax system so that the wealthy billionaires pay more. And the only way you’re going to do that is you have a force that’s

going to push it.”

Where Ford differs with the DSA is in his approach to the reality of government in a two party system. He is committed to working for change not only in the streets, but in the suites.

“Many times it takes years and years to effect change,” he said. Change requires “a well-rounded democracy” that combines experienced political leadership and the insistent energy of people like the DSA. He refuses to apologize for the need to push hard for changes to a still imperfect union, saying, “Dr. King said we can never be satisfied.”

“There’s no way we could have been emancipated without radical fights,” he said. “No way we could have used public bathrooms or sat at the front of the bus without radical involvement. These changes in our democracy came because of radical involvement.”

But you can’t score if you’re not on base, and while Ford is committed to swinging for the fences on some issues, he also celebrates the infield singles that help set you up to score.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM “So, do we say, we throw the baby out with the bath water if we can’t get everything we get nothing? That would be bad,” he said. “And that would not help improve our democracy, by saying all or nothing.”

“Even (Alexandria Ocasio Cortez) is different than who she was,” Ford said. “She realized that in this space, there are advocates that are going to push the establishment to do more, and they have to have people, elected officials, that are going to push the agenda for them.”

“But then you also have to trust the people that you elect and know that they’re listening to you, and when they go into the negotiations that they’re gonna come out and they’ve given it their all.”

“I know, as a Black man, we need to swing big. I look at Jan. 6, and say, ‘Look at them,’” Ford said of the violent protestors who stormed and defiled the nation’s capitol on Jan. 6, 2020. “Imagine, they were upset over the fact that their candidate lost.”

But while many whites have had no problem with the violent events of Jan. 6, those same people blanche at any expression of Black frustration and anger.

“Black people should be climbing over state capitols all over the United States and at the U.S. Capitol,” Ford said. “Over our exclusion in this democracy, and how we’re treated in the criminal justice system, in the banking industry, in the higher

ed space, just in the everyday of Walking While Black.

“There is a lot for us as Black people, especially Black men, to want to push for more than small bites,” Ford said.

“But I know that you can’t cut your nose off to spite your face,” he said. “That’s what some people want, (they) want you to not have the ability to stay the course, and (in doing so) eliminate yourself.”

While Ford acknowledges significant differences between working in a state capitol and in Washington D.C., he said there are also similarities, and the lessons he’s learned in 20 years of legislating in Springfield have prepared him to take the next step forward.

Ford, like Davis, seeks the input of voters and fellow elected officials.

“I want to strengthen my relationships here so that we can build a coalition and I can be a strong Congressperson for the 7th district,” he said.

An hour later, over at the annual Democratic County Chair Association brunch at the Bank of Springfield Center, Ford is doing just that, greeting and chatting with old friends and acquaintances as he moves about the crowd.

He is clearly “going places.” It’s just as clear he’s not really going anywhere, and that last week he was not saying goodbye, just “I’ll be seeing you later.”

BILL DWYER

La Shawn Ford takes a selfie with Elise Foster, President of Branch 11 of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Aug. 19, at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association annual brunch.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT Meyah Gunn Senior Server

How did you end up at Maya Del Sol? I was browsing Culinary Agents, saw a restaurant with my name, and said, “Well, I absolutely need to at least interview..”

What do you love most about the job? The people, coworkers and guests alike. It’s a restaurant where love and kindness are truly felt in every interaction A favorite memory from your time here? The constant laughs with my coworkers. We always work hard, but the fleeting moments of humorous connection are the best.

Outside of work, what keeps you busy? I love writing poetry, attempting pottery, reading, and making time for the people that I love.

Your go-to order at Maya — one dish, one drink. The Platanos De Ropa Vieja is my absolute favorite. A lovely balance between savory and sweet. It’s always a crowd pleaser. The el jengibre is insane. Hands down the best drink on the menu. It’s a pear bomb with a hit of ginger, and has a citrus finish that will make you want ten more.

One thing guests would be surprised to know about you? There might be two; I went to culinary school and grew up in South Carolina. We need to incorporate more sweet tea here!

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

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President Vicki Scaman, village staff and board members listen to public comment speakers during the finance committee meeting on Aug. 20.

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Oak Park finance committee moves more policy updates to village board Investment, fund balance and debt management policies referred to village board

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Oak Park’s village government is entering an unprecedented time for major capital projects, and its finance committee is putting added focus on financial management and responsible oversight of these projects.

A feeling of mutual appreciation between village finance staff and trustee members of the committee was apparent during the finance committee meeting on Aug. 20 where five more draft policies were reviewed and recommended to the full board. This is an ongoing process to assess and implement about 50 to 60 policies to guide the future of village financial practices.

Kevin Bueso, Oak Park’s CFO, said these policies have already existed, but the staff is working to expand them and align them to governmental accounting standards and Government Finance Officers Association best practices. He also said the goal is to make sure everything is “practical” and that the systems they have in place will be able to manage and implement the changes.

“We’re really setting up the stage for a lot of automation, and then eventually all of these will be, you know, again set up in a way that is more status quo maintenance kind of thing,” said Bueso.

Of the five policies discussed last week, three were the main focus of the meeting.

See FINANCE on page 17

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

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A firefighting first for River Forest 24-year-old Julia Massey becomes the first female firefighter in River Forest

By JACKIE PISANO Staff Reporter

One hundred and forty six years ago, the Village of River Forest was first incorporated as a municipality.

Now, nearly a century and a half later, River Forest has reached a new landmark moment — welcoming its first female firefighter.

At the village’s July 20 board meeting, Julia Massey blazed a new trail in town, officially being sworn in as one of the River Forest Fire Department’s newest faces and the municipality’s first-time, boots-on-the ground female firefighter.

For Chief Tom Gaertner, Massey’s hiring isn’t just a significant moment for the fire department — it’s an opportunity to showcase to River Forest residents the impact that having diversity in the workplace benefits everyone.

“Julia earned this role the same way every candidate does, through rigorous testing and demonstrated skill — and that’s what matters most,” Gaertner said. “At the same time, it’s meaningful that young people in River Forest can now see a broader range of possibilities in this profession. Diversity on our crews makes us better at serving this community, in how we problem solve on-scene and how we connect with the residents we protect. Julia will build her own reputation the way every firefighter/paramedic here does — through her performance on calls.

That’s what will define her career.”

Massey, a 24-year-old Elmwood Park native, is the first in her family to work in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services.

She says her interest in working in the field blossomed after working in an emergency room and waiting to transition out of hospital care roles.

“I always wanted to work in the medical field growing up, which led me to a variety of jobs to gain different experience,” she said. “Once I got my EMT license, I quickly figured out that I wanted to become a firefighter and paramedic.”

Following her graduation last month from the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Paramedic Program, Massey is currently preparing for her first day on the job in River Forest through rigorous daily training at

PROVIDED

Elmwood Park native Julia Massey (center) was hired last month by the Village of River Forest Fire Department. the Romeoville Fire Academy.

According to Gaertner, Massey was among 15 applicants vying for two department vacancies this year. Like all prospective firefighters, she underwent a meticulous standard testing process, which included a written exam, in-person interviews, background check, psychological exam and polygraph.

After all exam areas were scored, Gaertner says a ranking list was then compiled, from the best total scoring candidates down to the lowest. He says Massey scored at the very top of the list, thus being called back first for hiring.

Currently, the River Forest Fire Department has 23 firefighters on staff.

Since being hired, Massey says she is ea-

ger to begin her firefighting career in River Forest and at the same time, hopefully inspire young girls in the neighborhood to explore careers in public service.

“I am most looking forward to learning from the people around me, putting newly developed skills into practice and for the opportunity to serve the River Forest community,” she said. “I would say that female representation is important in all fields of work because it reinforces the idea to younger girls that they are capable of anything they set their minds to.”

Gaertner agrees, adding that while Massey was hired for her strengths regardless of gender, he hopes her onboarding with the department can demonstrate to the entire village that for people who are

“willing to do the work,” success in the field of firefighting and public service can be something people of all backgrounds can aspire to have.

“I hope [Massey’s hiring] demonstrates that the River Forest Fire Department is committed to hiring the best possible people to serve this community — full stop,” he said. “Julia met every standard our profession requires, and her success shows that the path to this career is open to anyone willing to do the work. Beyond that, I hope it shows our residents that the department reflects the community we protect, and that when a young person in this village sees a fire truck go by, they can picture themselves in that seat one day, regardless of who they are.”

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

OPRF jumps 10 spots in U.S. News annual rankings Named the 24th best high school in Illinois

By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School has jumped an impressive 10 spots to 24th in the state of Illinois in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of public high schools. The rankings were released Aug. 18. The U.S. News rankings are calculated using five factors that include College Readiness, College Curriculum Breadth, State Assessment Proficiency, State Assessment Performance, and the school’s graduation rate. OPRF’s overall score increased to 96.99 from 95.57 last year.

The test score data that U.S. News used in compiling the rankings is two years old coming from the 2023-24 school year. That year Illinois used the SAT exam for state mandated testing of high school juniors.

In 2025 Illinois switched back to using the ACT for state mandated testing.

Supt. Greg Johnson said that OPRF ranked in the top 3% in both the state and nationwide.

“OPRF’s strong performance highlights the commitment of its students, teachers and staff to academic excellence and student success,” Johnson said.

College Readiness and College Curriculum breadth are mostly based on the percentage of seniors who received a qualifying score on at least one Advanced Placement exam and, to a lesser degree, the percentage of students who took an AP class. According to U.S. News 60% of OPRF students took at least one AP exam and 50% of OPRF students passed at least one AP Exam in 2023-24.

Jen Hester, assistant superintendent for student learning, said there has been more emphasis on exposing more students to rigorous course work.

“Our students have really risen to the challenge by taking more rigorous coursework over the past several years, our teachers have been working on making a rigorous curriculum accessible to all of our students,” Hester said.

Commenting generally on the efficacy of rankings such as U.S. News, Hester said, “It’s always hard to know what they’re based on, they seem to change year to year but I would say we always enjoy being celebrated.” Hester said.

FILE

OPRF ranked highest in, 20th and 22nd in the state respectively, in state assessment proficiency and state assessment performance categories. The proficiency metric is based on overall results and the

performance metric is based on how aggregated scores compare with U.S. News’ expectations based on the proportion of students in a school who are Black, Hispanic or from low income households.

According to U.S. News 35.9% of what U.S. News calls underserved students, meaning Black, Hispanic and low income students, were considered proficient compared to 72.8% of other students. But the gap between underserved students and not underserved students at OPRF was 13.7% less than the statewide gap.

According the U.S. News, using the data from the 2023-24 school year, 73% of OPRF students met the science proficiency standard, 65% met the reading standard, and 56% met the standard in math. U.S. News reported that OPRF had a graduation rate of 95% which ranked it tied for 92nd in the state.

U.S. News rated OPRF as the 540th best public high school in the nation.

As usually happens selective enrollment schools swept the top spots in the state rankings with Northside College Prep in Chicago taking the top spot. The highest ranking non-selective enrollment school was Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire which was ranked eighth in the state. Other suburban schools that ranked ahead of OPRF were Hinsdale Central (9th) Neuqua Valley (12th) New Trier (13th) Vernon Hills (14th) Glenbrook North (15th) Deerfield (17th) Fremd (18th), Barrington (19th), Libertyville (20th) Hersey (22nd) and Glenbrook South (23rd).

OPRF was ranked higher than demographically similar Evanston Township High School, which was ranked 31st in Illinois.

Chicago Magazine puts OPRF in suburban Top 6

By BOB SKOLNIK Staff reporter

U.S. News & World Report is not the only publication to publish rankings of Chicago area high schools this month.

The recently published September issue of Chicago Magazine includes rankings of Chicago area public high schools. The magazine ranked OPRF sixth among public high schools in suburban Cook County.

Chicago Magazine based its ratings on

data from the 2024-25 school year when the ACT exam was used for state mandated testing of high school juniors. The magazine’s rankings were based on six factors: proficiency and growth in English, Language Arts as measured by ACT results, proficiency and growth in math as measured by ACT results, consistent attendance and graduation rate.

In that data 79% of OPRF students were rated proficient in ELA while 71% were rated as proficient in math in 202425. In growth, measuring how much stu-

dents learn in a year compared to comparable students, OPRF scored in the 59th percentile in ELA and the 53rd percentile in math compared to the state average.

OPRF had a consistent attendance rate, the percentage of students who were in school for at least 90% of school days, of 81% and a graduation rate of 97%.

Chicago Magazine ranked Glenbrook North High School tops in suburban Cook County, followed by New Trier, Hersey, Prospect, Glenbrook South, and OPRF.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

9

Bresnahan debuts at D97’s short-and-sweet board meeting School district is now on Instagram

By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter

Terri Bresnahan, Oak Park’s new elementary school superintendent, attended her first District 97 school board meeting as superintendent on Aug. 11 and it was one of the shortest regular meetings in recent history, lasting just over 67 minutes.

Whether that is a product of it being a summer meeting without any public comment or an indication of things to come is yet to be determined but in her first superintendent’s report Bresnahan indicated that she wants to keep school board meetings moving along.

“We’re going to keep our board meetings really tight and succinct,” Bresnahan said during her approximately 15-minute-long superintendent’s report during which she reported on her first six weeks as superintendent and recent happenings.

Cheree Moore, school board president, said it was relief to finally have a permanent superintendent in place after having interim superintendents all last year after previous superintendent Ushma Shah suddenly and unexpectedly resigned last August for reasons that have never been explained.

“I’m so excited,” Moore said of having Bresnahan at the helm and a permanent superintendent on the job. “She jumped right in and her experience just like shines through. Like so many things that we’ve been kind of having to step in and do now I can tell that Terri’s here, I don’t have to worry about it.”

Bresnahan has brought a brisk, confident style to her new job.

“I’m always like ‘slow down,’” Moore said after the Aug. 11 meeting. “She’s very high energy, she’s amazing, she’s a hard worker, she’s compassionate.”

Bresnahan has been on the job in D97

since July 1 and was happy to finally have a school board meeting.

“It was wonderful,” Bresnahan said of her first meeting as D97 superintendent.

“I’ve been eagerly anticipating the meeting so it’s nice to be here, be together, the opportunity to be with the board as a whole is something I look forward to.”

Bresnahan is beginning her 12th year as a superintendent and comes to D97 after 5 years as the superintendent in Elk Grove based Community Consolidated District 59 and 6 years as superintendent at Berkeley School District 97.

Bresnahan announced at the Aug. 11 meeting that D97 now has a presence on Instagram to spread the word about what is going on in the district. D97’s Instagram handle is @OakParkD97. D97 already had a Facebook page. She suggested that those who want to follow the day-to-day goings on in the district should check out the district’s social media pages.

“If you want to see all the wonderful, great pictures and video clips please make sure you’re following us on social media,” Bresnahan said.

D97 has hired an additional communications person, Oak Park resident Jamie Lavigueur, to help out chief spokeswoman Amanda Siegfried in the communications department. Lavigueur began work in July and launched the district’s Instagram page. She is the mother of two students who attend Lincoln School. She previously worked as the director of communications at St. Francis High School in Wheaton and at Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills based Community Consolidated School District 181.

Bresnahan greeted the entire D97 staff at the district’s first Institute Day on Aug. 24 which was held at Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum at UIC so that the entire staff could assemble in one room. The first day of school for students is Aug. 26.

BOB SKOLNIK

New District 97 Superintendent Terri Bresnahan (right) delivers her report as board President Cheree Moore (left) listens during the Aug. 11 school board meeting, Bresnahan’s first as superintendent.

Who’s new at District 97?

In addition to Bresnahan and Lavigueur other significant new administrative hires this year in D97 include Curtis Alsip as buildings and grounds chief, Daniel Medina as tech director, and Luke Pavone as an HR director.

Alsip comes to D97 from OPRF where he served for three years as director of buildings and grounds.

Medina, who will work under Michael Arensdorff, the chief tech officer, comes to D97 from Park Ridge-Niles School District 64, where he served as district network manager and helped oversee the district’s technology infrastructure, systems and cybersecurity. At D97 Medina will lead day-to-day IT and security efforts, making sure tech systems run smoothly. He will also guide the district’s tech team and strengthen the district’s cybersecurity strategies to keep district data and systems safe and secure.

Pavone will work under Natacia Campbell Tominov, the lead person in HR and equity. Before joining D97 this summer Pavone served as director of human resources for the Will County Regional Office of Education. His career also includes leadership roles in Proviso Township High School District 209, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 and Beverly Hills Unified School District in California.

Lee-Ann Roskoph, who spent the past 15 years serving as a popular adminis-

trative assistant at Lincoln, has been hired to be the executive assistant to the superintendent and school board secretary where she calls the roll, tallies votes and keep minutes. Roskoph replaces Lonya Boose, a long-time district employee who also held the title of the since eliminated position of Director of Human Experience.

Another administrative position that was eliminated this year was the Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools post which had been held by Luis Fernando De Leon. Assistant Superintendent Patrick Robinson, who also served as interim superintendent from January until July 1, has assumed responsibility for both middle and elementary schools.

New school board member Vincent Gay, who was attending his first meeting as a school board member after being appointed in June to replace Becky Perez who resigned from the board, praised Roskoph.

“She worked at Lincoln when we came into the district,” said Gay, a former Lincoln parent. “In terms of, like, the best people we’ve ever worked with in the district Lee-Ann is on the Mount Rushmore in our family. You would call the office, she would know you by voice.”

Gay was welcomed to the board with tongue in cheek comment by Moore.

“It is thankless job,” Moore said. “You will probably hate all of us in a couple of months.”

10

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Balancing the budget will get harder for D97 schools Revenue growth likely to slow, says district

By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s District 97 elementary schools will have an operating surplus this year but an overall deficit budget according to the tentative budget presented at the Aug. 11 school board meeting. The $5 million in capital improvements, much of it spent on new roofs put on this summer at Percy Julian and Gwendolyn Brooks middle schools and partial roof replacement at Beye and Irving schools, will result in a projected overall budget deficit of $3,161,000 this year despite an operating surplus of $1,839,000.

“Your deficit spending is intentional,” D97’s financial advisor Robert Grossi told the school board. “It’s definitely related to the capital projects that we’ve planned for.”

Overall D97 projects spending $137,423,000 in the current fiscal year and projects revenues of $134,262,000. About $5 million of that spending will come from the capital projects fund.

The district is projected to end the year with just over $51.7 million in cash reserves which is equivalent to 138 days of operating expenses. The school board has a policy of keeping reserves at between 90 to 180 days of operating expenses. Citing persistent late distribution of property tax revenue by Cook County due to the late issuance of tax bills, and uncertainties in state and federal funding Grossi said he would like the district to increase its cash reserves.

“We anticipate challenges going forward so we’d like to build that fund balance reserve,” Grossi said.

In previous years Grossi said D97 was often able to fund facilities work from structural operating surpluses but that is no longer the case.

“If we continue with the volume of expenditure we’re going to start draining fund balances,” Grossi said.

Grossi said revenues are likely to increase by only around 2 to 2.5% longer term which will make balanced budgets a greater challenge. He said the goal is to present balanced budgets in the future but that could require some cuts in spending.

“It’s going to be hard to maintain balanced budgets without making adjustments to the expense side,” Grossi said.

FILE

District 97 administration building D97 is considering issuing working cash or life safety bonds to fund future facility improvements. These types of bonds typically do not require a referendum.

The tentative budget will be put on public display for 30 days on Aug. 22. At the school board’s Sept. 22 meeting a public hearing will be held on the budget and then later in that meeting the school board will vote to approve the budget.

Revenue is projected to increase by 5% this year. Property tax revenue is projected to increase by 5.8% while revenue from the Illinois corporate and personal property replacement tax, which is levied on businesses, is projected to decrease by 1.6%. State funding is expected to in-

crease by about 1.5% while federal funding is projected to increase by 3.3%.

Just under 85% of D97’s revenue comes from local sources, mostly real estate taxes while 12.1% comes from the state and 3.3% comes from the federal government.

Operating expenditures are projected to increase by 3.6% this year. Salaries account for 64.1% of expenditures while employee benefits account for 14.4% of expenditures. The total cost for salaries is projected to increase by 3.1% this year while the costs of employee benefits, primarily health insurance, are expected to increase by 10.3%. Purchased services are projected to account for 11.6% of expenses. Grossi said that D97, like most school

districts, is spending more on tuition at specialized schools for students with special needs who can’t be properly served within the district.

Capital spending is way up this year rising to $5 million from just $15,000 last year.

Later this year, solar panels are expected to be installed on the new roofs at Brooks and Julian and at some other schools. In addition to the roof work this summer, nine of the district’s 10 schools saw state mandated “life safety’ improvements this summer such as new doors.

A new elevator was installed at Brooks Middle School and a new gym floor was put in at Mann School.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Overnight parking and single-family zoning issues remain separate Village says lifting the ban is not being considered

By SYDNEY LOVAN Reporting Intern

Proposed changes to single-family zoning designations throughout Oak Park are at the forefront of public discussion with community concerns raised over how these changes might impact Oak Park’s historic limits on parking cars on most streets overnight.

Craig Failor, Oak Park’s head of development services, simply said they wouldn’t.

“The zoning recommendations have no impact on the overnight parking ban per se. What the recommendations indicate is that there should be a discussion and consideration about the ban, but the overnight parking ban has nothing to do with zoning,” said Failor. “It’s not even a consideration at this point.”

The overnight parking ban dates back to 1937 and has been challenged and changed over the decades. It currently restricts parking on streets from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., except for designated permit and multifamily housing areas which require a displayed parking permit.

Even in multifamily areas, one cannot park in front of churches, schools and parks and on blocks where there is over 50% single-family housing according to the village website.

On June 1, Illinois passed the People Over Parking Act which prohibits local governments from enforcing minimum parking requirements on developments within half a mile from a transportation hub or an eighth of a mile from a transportation corridor. This covers about 85 to 90% of Oak Park according to Failor.

The recommendations from Opticos, a consulting firm hired by the village to study zoning, does briefly mention overnight parking on page 26 of the document and the Strategic Vision used to create the recommendation “identified the overnight parking regulations as an issue

warranting review,” and “any changes should be studied carefully and discussed publicly as part of the village’s broader land use goals.”

Although any decisions made on singlefamily zoning do not directly change anything with parking, concerns have been brought up for how it can indirectly impact it down the road.

“If the village permits substantially greater residential density, more households will mean more cars,” wrote Audrey Strode in a letter to the editor published in Wednesday Journal.

Without the ability to require on-site parking for developments, most overnight parking permits are already sold out and no plans to lift the overnight parking ban, it begs the question where people will be able to park.

Failor said he thinks developers will still include parking even though it is no longer mandated.

“I think people who would develop properties within the village will probably provide parking because they’re more marketable,” said Failor. “It’d be very difficult for a developer to come in and build multiple buildings that do not have parking associated with them.”

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Long-awaited opening from page 1 the 9 a.m. opening.

“We waited 10 years, we can wait 10 more minutes,” said Townsend just before the doors opened.

Riley said she was most excited for the special deals, and that Pete’s is a go-to store for her because it carries allergy-friendly food she can buy.

The grocery store handed out vouchers to the first 200 customers for a special “goodie bag” of Pete’s brand grocery items such as specialty popcorn made fresh in-store, tortilla chips and trail mix. There were additional deals on items throughout the store and a special giveaway that people can register for a chance to win a year of free groceries. The giveaway is open until Sept. 15.

This is the second Oak Park location for the largest family owned and operated grocery store chain in Illinois. The site has VANESSA DREMONAS been in developExecutive director of Pete’s ment since 2018 Fresh Market and construction began in 2021 facing multiple delays and roadblocks throughout the process.

“Everyday I told my husband, ‘when are they going to open?” said Mary Harbour, a resident of Oak Park and attendee of the grand opening. “I just can’t wait to get in there and run.”

Vanessa Dremonas, executive officer and daughter of Pete’s founder James Dremonas, said the store has had people “working around the clock for the last couple of weeks,” to get the location ready for the big day.

“We’re run by people who love the company and longstanding employees who have been with us for decades. There’s a lot of love and heart that comes into everything that we do, and that’s why it took this

“There’s a lot of love and heart that comes into everything that we do, and that’s why it took this long.”

SYDNEY LOVAN

Attendees of Pete’s Fresh Market grand opening line up along Madison Street.

SYDNEY LOVAN

A customer of Pete’s Fresh Market scans the QR code for the grand opening giveaway. long,” said Dremonas.

The facility offers a huge variety of products from a bakery with specialty homemade treats, a popcorn station, butchers and even a fresh juice bar.

“Our goal is to always get it right about 90%, and then the other 10% is for the customers to tell us what they want,” said Dremonas. “We are very open to hearing feedback from customers.”

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

ISRAEL BOYCOTT

‘genuine’ in the circulator’s affidavit renders any of the signatures fraudulent, undermines the integrity of the election, or affects the guarantee of a fair and honest election. from page 1 “Absence any showing of actual fraud or misconduct, the omission of the words lage Clerk Christina Waters was disquali- ‘and are genuine’ from the circulator’s fied by a Cook County circuit court judge affidavit substantially complies with Secafter a 9 a.m. hearing that same day. The tion 28-3 of the Election Code.” electoral board began its proceedings an Prior to the roll-call vote, Scaman made hour later. it clear that the electoral board was not At a hearing Aug. 19, attorney Michael making a decision on the substance of Kasper of the Chicago government-rela- the referendum question. tions law firm Kasper, Holmes & Dring, “Our job here is solely representing the referto determine whether it endum question objecmeets the criteria of betors Alan H. Peres and ing on the ballot,” she Piergiorgio Uslenghi, said. “The case law does pointed out Waters had not support the objecsigned the petition in tion of these petitions.” support of the referenIn his statement prior dum question. He reto the vote, Enyia notquested her recusal and ed he had given much Waters refused. thought to the matter.

On Monday, Waters That included during entered council chama 25-minute recess afbers shortly before the ter Kasper and Scott 10 a.m. hearing and Erdman, attorney for was asked by Brooke the proponents Oak Lenneman, partner for Park residents Caren village attorney Elrod Van Slyke and Jesse Friedman, to step into Bauer, had made their an adjacent hallway. individual cases before She did not return.

CAREN VAN SLYKE the board. Lenneman Enyia subsequently Oak Parkers for Free Speech was clear that Scaman, joined the board at the Enyia and Taglia could council table. not deliberate together Lenneman wouldn’t outside of the council say whether Waters was chambers during the aware she had been disrecess, only retaining qualified. Waters could the ability to confer innot be reached by phone dividually with her as or text later Monday. needed.

“Hearing some of the key answers that I received back from the petitioners’ atLack of language use questioned torney who drew up the petition, I don’t Enyia ultimately cast the deciding vote think there was any sort of workarounds on the matter, after Taglia voted in favor or thoughts to deceive signers or petiof the objectors’ argument that “the cir- tioners or those reading those petitions,” culators’ affidavit did not include an ex- Enyia said in his statement prior to the plicit certification that the signatures are vote. ‘genuine,’” i.e., actual use of that specific “I would say if there was some finding language, according to the board’s find- of fraud to go along with this, then we ings and decisions document made avail- really are in that mode of there is someable to Wednesday Journal post-hearing. thing here. But there was nothing found After Taglia, Scaman voted against the along those lines, just this phrase was left objectors’ argument, and Enyia did like- out.” wise.

After the proceedings, Kasper was The findings and decisions document asked if he would appeal the decision. went on to say the “objectors have failed “Probably,” he said. to establish that the absence of the word

On the ballot

“I’m so delighted that this board understood that 3,500 people put their names on something to say that the whole community needs to decide on this referendum, I think this is really a victory for democracy.”

‘A victory for democracy’ Erdman declined comment after the hearing. But Bauer and Van Slyke, members of Oak Parkers for Free Speech, both said they were pleased with the outcome.

“We’re happy with the result,” Bauer said.

“I think there’s no evidence of fraud. That was what we expected; a line-and-sheet challenge to every single page, that’s usually how these things go. That’s what our attorney told us to prepare for.

“We were meticulous in vetting our signers and training our volunteers and our circulators. We knew we had a very high quality signatures and petitioners who signed.

So I think the decision reflects the will of the Oak Park voters.”

As far as the term “genuine” being left out of the petition, Bauer said it was “a scrivener’s error. It happens.”

Van Slyke said she was pleased by the outcome.

“I’m so delighted that this board understood that 3,500 people put their names on something to say that the whole community needs to decide on this referendum,” she said. “I think this is really a victory for democracy.”

As far as an appeal, which has to be made

13

before Thursday, the date by which the referendum question is added to the Nov. 3 ballot, Bauer said Oak Parkers for Free Speech will reevaluate if served with court documents.

The group Jewish Community and Friends for Democracy, which was not affiliated with Peres and Uslenghi, declined comment Monday.

Specific guidelines crucial Enyia said he was presented with packets of material by Lenneman regarding the referendum ahead of being tabbed for the electoral board, just in case Waters would not be able to participate.

“I mean, I think it’s democracy, right?” he said of the 2-1 vote. “You are presented these two sides to this case, they give us very specific guidelines that we’re allowed to interpret from and having no specific prior precedent case to actually work off of, it makes it hard to determine. It could have gone either way.

“It really depended on that finding of fraud. I think that’s what it really came down to, was there any indication that fraud was shown. Knowing that that element wasn’t there made it difficult to rule one way or the other.”

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OPRF senior Nolan Krueger of Students Feeding Students addresses the OPRF school board on Aug. 20.

OPRF snack cabinets are stocked for now as students keep up push Best ways to help hungry students remains active discussion

By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter

When Oak Park and River Forest High School students returned to school this week they found, just like at the end of last

school year, four cabinets stocked with free snacks in the school’s hallways. The snack filled cabinets will remain for at least the first semester even though the OPRF District 200 Board of Education has yet to vote on a proposal by the Students Feeding Students (SFS) group for the school to fund eight snack cabinets.

Although SFS has only raised enough money to buy snacks for the first few weeks of school the OPRF administration has committed to buying the snacks when the

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM addressing their proposal while remaining SFS initial inventory runs out.

“We’ve committed to supplying the exist- hopeful that their slightly revised proposal ing four cabinets through the remainder will ultimately be approved.

“We almost feel like we’ve been swept of the semester after the current Students Feeding Students inventory has been ex- under the rug,” Brummell said. “The rehausted,” said OPRF spokeswoman Karin sponses from some of the people in power Sullivan in a text message. that we’ve talked to and some of the people The school board and administration from the board have felt almost dismissive, are still trying to figure out the best way or as if they’re trying to talk us out of the to combat food insecurity at OPRF. After initiative, which isn’t something we’re alstudent and adult organizers of the effort most comfortable doing and it’s not somepresented their first proposal at the June thing we’re interested in giving up,” 25 school board meeting, they hoped and Back in June, board members Fred Arsaid they been led to believe that the school kin, Jonathan Livingston and Kathleen board would consider and vote upon SFS’s Odell were supportive of the proposal, formal proposal at an August school board while three other board members, Tim meeting. But that did not happen.

Brandhost, Josh Gertz and board presiThe students and a new dent Audrey Williamsparents’ group, OPRF Lee were skeptical saying High School Mutual Aid, that snack cabinets didn’t had hoped the board seem like the most targetwould approve their ed or best way to really proposal that the school help students who might budget $157,119 to fund be food insecure. eight snack cabinets this Now OPRF wants to school year. create a committee to Over the summer orgastudy the issue. nizers have met multiple “We want to bring times, sometimes togethmore people into the coner, sometimes separately, versation to help us think with OPRF administrathrough a productive tors about the proposal way forward,” said Lee trying to respond to conWilliams, the school’s cerns that some board head of equity and stumembers expressed at dent success. Williams KARIN SULLIVAN the June 25 board meethas been the administraOPRF communications director ing and work out how the tor working most closely proposal could be implewith the proponents. mented.

“And that’s not to say that “We have shown conthe conversations that tinued persistence in we have had are not promeeting with the adminductive, but we want to istration,” said Nolan learn more, and we want Krueger, a leader of SFS, told the school to think about this in a more holistic way, board on Aug. 20. about how we should go forward to serve Before the Aug. 20 meeting Krueger told our students.”

Wednesday Journal that it felt a little like After the meeting Odell and board memthe administration and school board were ber Graham Brisben said they are not disslow walking them. He had hoped that turbed by the lack of action and are lookthe school board would formally consider ing for the best solution to the problem. and vote on their plan before the new year “Everyone shares an appreciation for the school began. SFS was ready to present issue and a desire to address it,” Odell said. its revised 13-page proposal at the Aug. 6 “And it’s just taking some time.” school board meeting but the SFS proposal Brisben praised the students in SFS. was not put on the agenda of either that “I think their interests, their motivameeting or the Aug. 20 meeting. tions are all in the right place,” Brisben “It’s been a really long process,” Krueger said. “And I think they’re doing a good job said. taking the constructive feedback they’ve Krueger and another member of SFS, been hearing at the board table. And I Delaney Brummel made public comments know they’re continuing to work with the at the Aug. 20 school board meeting ex- administration, to refine the best approach pressing their frustration with the delay in for going forward.”

“We’ve committed to supplying the existing four cabinets through the remainder of the semester after the current Students Feeding Students inventory has been exhausted.”

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

The price is always right with Bread Drop Bakery, a project not a business Dave Deutsch has customers ‘pay what you feel’

By SYDNEY LOVAN Reporting Intern

The comforting smell as it heats up, a staple for breakfast, a shared loaf during a holiday or just a warm piece at the end of a long day. These are all of the things that drive Dave Deutsch’s belief that “bread is a basic.”

Deutsch began Bread Drop Bakery just a couple of months ago from his hobby that grew too large for his own four walls.

“Instagram definitely was serving me up the midlife crisis reels of sourdough, and my daughter was home from spring break, and I mentioned to her that I was thinking about trying it, and so she encouraged me, and we made a starter together over that week, which became our friend Gabriel,” Deutsch said.

Sharing his bread is his favorite part of

the process, so he began giving loaves to friends and family. He then started a limited drop system for people to “reserve” a loaf and get it delivered directly to their door. He calls it more of a project than a business with a unique model asking customers to “pay what you feel” even if that means nothing at all.

Oak Park is home to over a dozen bakeries specializing in a variety of treats, but Deutsch offers a unique take on a traditional storefront.

“I don’t think I’m a bakery by any means of the sense, I think that it’s the vernacular that people have gotten used to associating with baked goods,” Deutsch said.

Deutsch does every part of the process himself starting at 4:30 a.m. to get most of the process done before he clocks in for his full-time job. He posts the notices that bread is available, drives around Oak Park

PROVIDED BY DAVE DEUTSCH

Dave Deutsch, founder of Bread Drop Bakery, with loaves of bread he made.

PROVIDED BY DAVE DEUTSCH

Bread made by Dave Deutsch for Bread Drop Bakery.

to deliver it and handles the follow-up with customers.

With his limited manpower, he is still able to do three to four drops a week selling about four to six loaves each time. The customer is able to try the bread and determine what they think it is worth before paying. Deutsch said the drops have been successful so far, selling fast and receiving more support than he thought he would get initially.

“I don’t want to push the payment because it could be that they don’t have the money right now or maybe it didn’t hit, that’s okay too,” said Deutsch. “This is

the type of community where this thing works.”

As it is early-on in the creation process, Deutsch said he is still working out how to continue this project while prioritizing a positive experience for customers and his own career.

“I think my bread and butter will be my job,” said Deutsch. “I do have ambitions to do these bigger and have people pick up from me, but I just have to figure out the missing piece of that.”

Bread drops are announced on Instagram and Facebook, and customers can reserve their loaf on the website.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

FINANCE

Funding policies from page 6 The values-based investment policy was revisited from initial conversation at the meeting on Aug. 6. The changes to the draft policy included the shift to monthly reporting and a clearer outline of seven values that financial institutions will be evaluated on as a piece of a larger, overall rubric.

The investment policy is some of the most “groundbreaking” work being done in the draft policies, and if the village board adopts the policy, it will be among the first of its kind for communities in Illinois.

“It’s a lot of work, but it can be done,” said Bueso.

The fund balance draft policy was also up for discussion and the proposal aims to create a standalone range for the general fund while also expanding to look at smaller funds such as water, sewer and parking. This policy looks to set a range of targets for cash reserves held by the village.

The standalone policy would create

SYDNEY LOVAN

A TV displays information from the presentation shown at the finance committee meeting on Aug. 20. three different levels with the baseline being 16.67%, the operating target of 20% and an upper review threshold of 25%.

The village is currently in excess of the 25%, but Bueso said having a strong fund balance is beneficial for maintaining a strong credit rating especially while

entering a period of taking on bonded indebtedness to pay for capital projects. He estimated that conversations around how to spend that excess money would be better served to take place closer to 2028.

Any decision for funds above or below the balance range would require input

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and direction from the full board with additional planning steps.

“I just do like to see again that this fund balance is being used intentionally, strategically, and that there is a plan,” said Bueso.

The third policy discussed was debt management which “establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating, authorizing, structuring, issuing, administering, and refunding village debt,” according to the draft document.

It outlines a 25% goal for the Debt and Liability Carrying Charge ratio which is calculated by dividing the annual debt costs by the adjusted governmental revenues. Any new-money debt that would cause the ratio to go higher would require a strategic plan, discussion and decision by the village board.

“As the board got serious about moving forward with the largest facility project that we’ve had in 50 years of a new police station under my leadership, with the partnership with Village Manager (Kevin) Jackson, we’ve intentionally moved through this process,” said President Vicki Scaman “These have always been understood to be really big decisions.”

All draft policies can be found on the village website.

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Homes

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

PROVIDED

This home on Euclid Avenue won a Historic Preservation Award for 2025.

Homes news you can use New prez at Wright Trust, zoning change presentations, awards season starts

By LACEY SIKORA Real Estate Reporter

PROVIDED

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust named Chris Taylor its new President and CEO. He will begin the job in midOctober.

Wright Trust names new president The end of summer is proving to be a busy time for news on the housing side of Oak Park. After a nation-wide search, the Frank Lloyd Wright

Trust announced its new president and CEO. Chris Taylor will take the reins at the trust in mid-October. He comes to the trust with over 25 years of experience leading mission-driven arts and cultural organizations. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and a bachelor’s in religious studies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he also holds a Master of Arts

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Administration and Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In a written statement provided by the trust, Taylors says, “It’s an honor to lead the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust at a pivotal moment in its history. Frank Lloyd Wright talked about a house being built of the hill, not on the hill.

He was talking about sustainable design long before it was fashionable. That way of thinking has something to say about how we build and live now and into the future.

My job, along with a dedicated group of staff and volunteers, is to make sure the trust sets the stage so people can experience Wright’s legacy firsthand.”

Under long-time President and CEO Celeste Adams, the trust began a fundraising effort, which is on-going, for its new Learning Center on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park.

t coverage. t price. t here in town.

Open hearings on abolishing single-family zoning

In an effort to increase “missing middle” housing Oak Park’s village board is engaged with consulting firm Opticos Design to consider a plan which would remove single-family zoning from the village. On July 28, the village board voted to refer the “Shape Oak Park” zoning proposal to the Plan Commission.

The proposal can be found online here: https://engageoakpark.com/shape The board is holding community listening sessions on the following dates:

■ Sept. 14 at the CRC 6:30 to 8 p.m.

■ Sept. 19 at the Farmers Market 10 a.m. to noon ■ Sept. 19 at the Oak Park Public Library main branch 1 to 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 20 at the Oak Park Conservatory 10 a.m. to noon ■ Sept. 20 at Brookdale Senior Living Oak Park 1 to 3 p.m.

■ Sept. 24 Virtual session

More details on information sessions can be found at the Engage Oak Park website: https://engageoakpark. com/shape/widgets/108543/key_dates

Nominations open for community awards Is there a particular block in the village that is aesthetically pleasing? A storefront or two-flat that has a welcoming façade? Have you noticed an amazing renovation or restoration of one of the historic buildings in your neighborhood? Nominations for Cavalcade of Pride and Historic Preservation Awards are now open.

The Cavalcade of Pride Awards are given to properties that enhance the beauty, character and vibrancy of Oak Park.

Thoughtfully maintained homes, apartment buildings, storefronts and commercial spaces that contribute a sense of pride to residents and visitors can be nominated here: https://www.oak-park.us/Community/NeighborhoodPartnerships/Neighborhood-Partnerships-Awards

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Requirements for consideration include: ■ Property must be located within the Village of Oak Park.

■ Eligible properties include single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and non-residential/non-commercial (i.e. church) properties.

■ Properties may be nominated by property owners, residents, tenants, customers or community members.

■ Self-nominations are permitted.

■ Properties that have received a Cavalcade of Pride Award within the previous three years are not eligible.

■ Property owner consent may be required prior to recognition.

Historic Preservation Award nominations are also open. Single-family homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, religious structures and public/institutional buildings may be nominated for awards in the following categories: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use and additions/new construction. Additional awards will be presented for stewardship, detail and design.

Projects should have been created within the past five years and must be located in Oak Park. Projects do not have to be in an historic district. Interior work may be considered in conjunction with exterior work.

The nomination form is on the village’s link to the Historic Preservation Commission and can be found here: https://www.oak-park.us/Government/CitizenBoards-and-Commissions/Historic-Preservation/Historic-Preservation-Awards

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

Shrubtown

p. 23

VIEWPOINTS

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 Email: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org

A singing sendoff

W

hen my parents dropped us off at college they sang … literally.

My sister and I chose to be roommates and when we got to campus, we found out our dorm room was in a basement. The walls were cinder block and there was one window high up near the ceiling where the only thing we could see were the feet of people passing by.

Suddenly we could imagine what prison must’ve felt like.

Trying to make our cell block feel homey, my mom started to help us unpack and arrange our things, while my dad pulled out his ukulele. I realize this sounds odd, but if you knew my dad, you wouldn’t think twice. When my dad played his uke, all became right with the world.

Out of all of us, he was probably the most excited about dropping his two youngest off at a Big Ten school. The man loved football and he couldn’t wait to get to the first game.

My dad began strumming the school fight song when barely five bars in, another dad poked his head into our doorway and started singing along with him. His daughter came around the corner to join in and next thing you knew, we had a room full of new students and parents belting out tunes.

That day we all met lifelong friends. My dad and Bubba (his singing partner on that first day) became the tailgate entertainment at every game, and my mom and Bubba’s wife brought the lasagna and baked goods. My dad set us up socially, but it was my mom who set us up behind the scenes.

Thanks to her, we had all the basics we’d need to feel comfortable in our new home.

I didn’t realize it then, but my mom wasn’t just stocking our room. She was teaching us how to take care of ourselves, and the products she sent us off with became the products we would reach for on our own.

So before you send your coed off with another plastic bottle of shampoo, body wash or dish soap, pack them a few better options instead: Like Swedish Dishcloths, bar soaps and shampoos, lotions in tins and other plastic-free basics that will make their first home away from home a little healthier and a lot less wasteful.

Think of it as their first class of the semester: Environment 101.

Oh, and be sure to learn the school fight song. It’s a proven ice-breaker.

What you send them off with matters.

Germaine Caprio is a resident of Oak Park. This piece was originally posted on Facebook.

GERMAINE CAPRIO One View

FILE

Race is not the only question

I

n his Aug. 12 column in Viewpoints [Stop calling us racist!], Josh VanderBerg makes an argument that I understand and do not think should be dismissed. Housing discrimination, restrictive covenants, redlining and exclusionary land-use practices are part of American housing history and Oak Park’s history as well.

Race belongs in this discussion.

Where I differ is in what follows from that recognition.

Acknowledging racial exclusion in the history of zoning does not, by itself, tell us what present-day policy will best produce affordability, integration or opportunity. History tells us how we arrived here. It does not automatically tell us which zoning change will get us where we want to go.

VanderBerg asks residents to look at their blocks and consider who lives there. I understand the point.

But those observations alone cannot explain why neighborhoods look the way they do. Housing prices, income, taxes and available housing also matter.

They also do not tell us what will happen if single-family-only zoning is eliminated.

Suppose we accept VanderBerg’s historical argument. We still have to ask what comes next.

Will permitting duplexes, triplexes or other missing-middle housing produce substantial numbers of new units? What will they cost? Will people of modest incomes afford them?

Will the change produce greater racial and economic integration? What effects will it have on infrastructure, schools, taxes, preservation and neighborhood character?

Those questions help determine whether a policy intended to remedy exclusion will accomplish that purpose.

There is also a danger in reducing this debate to a choice between maintaining an unjust system and supporting one particular reform. Oak Park can examine zoning reform alongside other strategies to

ROBERT MILSTEIN One View

See ROBERT MILSTEIN on page 25

OAKPARK.COM

As the walls tumble

T

here is a particular moment in an old science-fiction movie when you realize that the future has arrived. Not the good future. Not the future with flying cars and inexpensive fusion power and robot butlers who know how you like your martini.

The other future. The one where everybody lives under a vaguely authoritarian government, the sky has turned the color of an old bruise, and there are armed men standing around for no obvious reason.

I have some bad news. We are in that movie.

The remarkable thing about those 1980s dystopian movies was the filmmakers understood you can’t just show us a ruined city and expect us to believe it. You have to put little signs everywhere that say: Things have gone terribly wrong.

There would be newspapers scattered around with headlines like: CANADA STILL BURNING. In 1987 that would have seemed like maybe a little much. Today it is a weather report. Canada is, in fact, still burning. British Columbia has declared a state of emergency. More than 20,000 people have been evacuated. Millions of hectares have burned. Nobody had to write the headline.

Nature’s writers’ room came up with it.

The 1980s dystopian realism understood that the future wouldn’t announce itself with giant explosions. It would consist of increasingly absurd things becoming routine. The news would say, “Authorities advise residents to remain indoors due to hazardous air conditions,” and then cut to a commercial for Pepsi. You’d look out the window and the sun would be orange. Then you’d check the weather app.

Air Quality: Dangerously Unhealthy. Temperature: 94. Feels Like: 103.

And then you’d go to work. The world doesn’t end with a trumpet blast.

It ends administratively. There are forms. There are advisories. There are evacuation zones. There are increasingly complicated passwords.

The old dystopian movies also understood something else: The people living in the future wouldn’t necessarily be screaming all the time.

They’d be tired. They’d be annoyed. They’d be making dinner. They’d complain about the price of groceries and their neighbor’s dog and the Cubs’ bullpen while, in the middle distance, civilization quietly catches fire.

We’ve become remarkably good at compartmentalizing catastrophe.

Canada burns. Another heat record falls. A hurricane gets stronger while the next one queues up. A city floods. A river disappears. Biff runs for President. Somewhere, somebody’s house is being carried away by water.

And we say, “Jesus!” Then we look at our phones. Then we order tacos.

Because what else are you supposed to do?

This is the part where the hero of the 1980s movie would finally stand up and say something inspirational about fighting back. I’m not sure we have that character anymore. We have influencers. We have podcasters.

We have a guy livestreaming the apocalypse from his car. We have Facebook and X arguing about whether the apocalypse is actually happening or whether somebody is just trying to sell you something.

And somewhere in the background, a newspaper is lying on a bench: CANADA STILL BURNING. The headline looks ridiculous. Which is how you know it belongs in the movie.

The only problem is that nobody is coming to yell “Cut!”

ALAN

BROUILETTE

V I E W P O I N T S

W

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

Rebooting our democracy

e are the champions, my friends. Not the White Sox or Cubs or Bears, all struggling valiantly for municipal glory. Certainly not Trumpty Dumpty as he flounders, falters and flails, falling flat on his face.

No, we are the champions because we rise to the reboot — like the one I underwent this past week on my heart. An ablation they called it, not the same as ablution, i.e. cleansing yourself. Whatever ablation is, it felt like a reboot. I hope it lasts, just as I hope for an ablation (and ablution) of our body politic, to disrupt and dispel the malicious irregularity known as the Republican Party that has this nation’s hyperdriven heart aflutter, bordering on fibrillation.

With reboot in mind, I met with a friend, recently returned from the Summer Institute at the College of the Atlantic on the coast of Maine, where she experienced elation instead of ablation.

The theme, befitting the nation’s 250th anniversary, was “Toward a More Perfect Union.” The Institute annually gathers an array of nationally prominent journalists, historians, scientists, artists, civic leaders, and public servants — the kind of people whose very existence keeps a seething president awake at night, a sweet act of resistance in itself, not to mention poetic justice.

These bright lights dare to “explore questions that resist easy answers,” such as, “How do we strengthen democratic institutions?” They conducted a five-day “conversation” based on 10 principles: 1) Dialogue is the foundation of a shared society.

2) We must tell the truth about our history and ourselves 3) Complex problems require integrated thinking 4) We share a common world 5) Reimagining the world begins with attention 6) Art invites us to see differently 7) Discovery requires humility 8) Democracy is built through imperfect action 9) Hope must be grounded in reality 10) Our setting shapes our conversation The lineup included Nicholas Kristof, Samantha Power, Ken Burns, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Stacey Abrams, A.O. Scott, and Kara Swisher — to name just the ones I’m familiar with (and 13 more I’d like to know better).

My friend came back fired-up and ready to go, as Obama likes to say, seeking an answer to the question, “What can one person do?” as we head toward the all-important midterm elections

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in November. (Here’s a tip: Google Stacey Abrams’ organization Fair Count, which works to protect voting rights.)

My friend fired me up with thoughts of bringing about a better world. I left our conversation feeling more confident, which happens whenever I connect with good people, who remind me how many are out there doing what they can. The following morning, I reinforced that sentiment exponentially by visiting Oak Park’s Farmers Market, which always feels like a reboot for my soul.

I don’t go there for the produce. I go there for the faces, seeking the essential goodness of people, written in their features, amplified by snippets of conversations as they amiably amble past, and observing their congenial interactions with vendors. They cluster and exchange laughs and updates and no doubt share ways to keep a seething president awake all night long. But smiles and hugs are their singular currency, the crowd diverse in ages and stages, in life experience and cultural history, color and colorfulness, sizes and shapes, short people who are long for this world and long people with much shorter futures, dressed without a worry about the weather because on a dazzling day like this, surely life will last forever.

And then I think, can one misguided, damaged, debased human being, and his conniving cohort, really wreck all this? Or will they only force us to rise to a higher level, inching our way toward a more perfect union, though it’s hard to imagine anything more perfect than the union found at Farmers Market on a lovely morning, ripening in the late August sunshine.

If we’re up for it, we will rise and be better for all we’ve been through, especially after we reboot democracy this November and give thanks for our elation ablation.

But first there is imperfect work to be done, building back democracy: voters to register, voting rights organizations to join and support, gathering with friends for conversations that fire us up, ready to canvass undecided voters, persuading people who don’t usually do so to vote, and convincing those who usually vote for the other party to vote just this once for the one that has actually proven it knows how to govern.

Then, after voting the reform-minded, progovernment party back into power, we can look to one another and say: We are the champions of democracy.

(Champions don’t always win. They just never give in.)

KEN

TRAINOR

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

D O O P E R ’ S

D

M E M O R I E S

Those buggy days of summer

uring the summer between seventh and eighth grade, I decided to make an insect collection. I recruited my pal Charlie, and my uncle Hubert said he would help us because he had made two collections when he was a boy. Besides, he didn’t want us to handle the killing agent.

The first step in making the collection was to capture the insects. The two nets we used were in the shape of a cone and had a wire ring and a wooden handle attached. The bags were made of muslin, the handles were 3 feet long, and the wire rings were a foot in diameter.

In order to capture the insects, Hubert taught us how to sweep flowers and foliage using a sidewise motion. Then, after every few strokes, the insects were removed. We captured bees, wasps, butterflies, and even a few dragonflies.

The next step was to obtain a killing bottle. We settled on a food jar with a screw cap. The least dangerous killing agent was ethyl acetate, so Hubert saturated several pieces of gum rubber and placed them in the bottom of the bottle and covered the gum with a cotton plug.

When our specimens were to be mounted, we placed them in a tightly covered jar containing a layer of sand saturated with phenol. The insects rested on a piece of cardboard placed over the sand.

We mounted all of the insects that we caught. Mediumto-large insects were pinned through the body. The spring

steel pin was inserted vertically through the middle of the insect, its position varied as to where the most solid part of the body was located.

Small insects were mounted on cardboard dabbed with glue, and the insect was pressed to the glue with care the top of the insect horizontal so that most of its body was not concealed.

Small labels were written giving the date when the insect was caught, and these labels were attached to specimen cards. The completed specimens were stuck in cork which lined the bottom of the collection box. The box was tight fitting and contained a small holder with insect repellant to prevent the entry of pests.

Some of the insects we collected and never mounted were preserved in vials of 80% alcohol. The vials were closed with a stopper and placed in a larger jar filled with this same solution. I gave these to Charlie, hoping that he would mount them, but this never happened because his mother threw the collection in the garbage.

Since Charlie and I were a couple of amateurs, it is amazing that we did not get stung by the bees and wasps, but Hubert taught us how to be careful by stroking quickly and not batting at stinging insects and spending as little time as possible at a collection site.

I kept the collection for 10 years, and then I gave it to Bill Jurgens, a biology teacher.

JOHN

STANGER

Students feeding students

The need is urgent. There are hungry kids at OPRF — potentially close to 1,000 students experiencing food insecurity. Yet students have already helped create and test a solution.

Students Feeding Students (SFS), a student-led group at OPRF, developed a comprehensive plan to address food insecurity and successfully piloted snack cabinets this spring. The results were difficult to ignore: an estimated 40% of OPRF students used the cabinets, and they were empty by noon every day.

These students have done everything we ask young leaders to do. They identified a problem, researched it, engaged experts, developed and piloted a solution, collected data, responded to feedback, revised their proposal, and even pursued outside funding.

Now the adults need to do our part.

As executive director of YourPassion1st and co-chair of the Alliance for Black Youth, I believe our community should be clear about what we’re asking: The District 200 administration should submit the

Students Feeding Students proposal to the Board of Education with a recommendation to fully fund it for the 2026–27 academic year.

But this cannot end with snack cabinets.

We are also asking D200 to work collaboratively with SFS, students, families, and community partners to continue developing a comprehensive, sustainable approach to addressing food insecurity at OPRF. The current proposal already envisions expanding beyond snacks to fresh food and, ultimately, support for foodinsecure families.

A student who is hungry should not have to wait for adults to finish debating whether the need exists.

The students have demonstrated the need. They have helped build the solution. The community is ready to support them.

Now we need D200 to act.

Chris Thomas

Executive director, YourPassion1st Co-chair, Alliance for Black Youth

Study the current zoning ordinance

I was glad to read Jack Crowe’s commentary [A reality check for zoning-change opponents, Viewpoints, Aug. 19] about the current turmoil over the reclassification of single-family zoning district in the village of Oak Park, especially because he focused on the only issue that should be considered in this matter: affordability.

Although to answer to his question, should we do it, I would say “No,” because to answers his other questions, there are doubts that it will work and nobody knows.

Jack goes on to use “grandfathered in” regarding the benefits of the increased equity in his home and of “bootleg two-flats.” The value of property in Oak Park is the genie let out of the bottle, there’s no putting it back in, values are driven by the market. Amending the zoning ordinance is not going to change the market and building 2-4-6 flats may increase the number of available housing units but won’t necessarily mean any of those new units will be affordable.

The representatives of Opticos stated that there will be financial testing to determine if the affordability of any new units will “pencil-out,” so Opticos also has their doubts.

Opticos addressed the “bootleg two-flats” among the existing 519 parcels spread throughout the village containing as many as 1,000 living units. Under the current zoning ordinance, those parcels and all of those units are permitted as legal nonconforming uses. Changing the ordinance as proposed will reduce the number of legal nonconforming residential parcels to 104, while preserving the existing units in the newly classified neighborhood areas (Note the change in nomenclature substituting “areas” for “districts”).

Those units can be preserved, even protected, by changing the existing zoning ordinance whether they are in singlefamily neighborhood areas or other districts. Under Article 15, existing nonconforming residential units can be protected by amending Section 15.3 E (1)(a). Under the current zoning ordinance, nonconforming structures “may” continue unless unused for that purpose for a specified length of time, or the structure is damaged by more than 50%, according to the building code. Now, for either of those reasons the reuse of the structure would have conform with the legal zoning for that district (area) in which they are located.

The nomenclature of the ordinance states, “The terms ‘must’ and ‘will’ are mandatory, while the word ‘may’ is permissive.” By changing the current zoning ordinance to mandatorily permit existing bootleg two-flats and other buildings to be reoccupied or rebuilt in compliance with all building codes, the village preserves nonconforming residential units. New 2-4-6 unit buildings proposed for existing lots would still have to go through the procedures of the existing zoning ordinance.

Changing one section of the existing zoning ordinance is a lot easier than amending its entirety and would make peace with the majority of residents of an area or a district in Oak Park.

Chris Donovan Oak Park

V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

by Marc Stopeck

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

Library Book Fair was a huge success

The long lines of eager shoppers, snaking from the entrance of the main library past Scoville Park to First Baptist Church, was the first omen that the Friends of the Oak Park Public Library’s 54th annual book sale was about to make history.

As the lines on that muggy July foretold, the Friends’ three-day sale did just that: It raised a whopping $61,000, eclipsing last year’s then-record sales by 50 percent!

Shoppers from across Chicagoland — Indiana and Michigan, too — made over 2,700 purchases of books, CDs, games and DVDs, generating funds for vital library programs and services.

With the proceeds of last year’s sale, the Friends paid for “Coding for Kids” programs, an inkjet printer and cutting plotter for the Creative Studio, new shelving at Maze Library, the Folk Concert series and Special Hispanic Heritage Month Music Program, among others In addition to raising money, the sale has become a treasured local tradition, binding Oak Park’s community of readers in a happy literary co-dependency: readers donate tens of thousands of books each year, thereby clearing out shelf space for the purchase of new treasures at the ensuing

sale!

The Friends, a private nonprofit organization, depends on its invaluable network of more than 120 volunteers and 13 board members, who, in just over a month, sort, box, move, unbox and display more than 50,000 books donated for the sale.

We also work closely with library staff, who offer crucial logistical support, while seamlessly maintaining regular operations amid the chaos that inevitably attends the set-up, sale and breakdown of what is now the Midwest’s largest used book sale.

Given the thousands of hours required to mount a sale, it’s little wonder that some libraries have downsized or eliminated their book fairs.

But the Friends’ board has already begun planning for the 2027 sale, scheduled for July 9-11.

And with the support of our wonderful volunteers, library staff and our book-loving community, we believe the 2027 sale will be an even bigger success.

Russ Glidden

President, Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Board of Directors

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

We reserve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than superficial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc.

Be as specific as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims.

Links may also be included for the online version.

We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm.

As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.

All submissions must include your first and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for verification only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are.

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

Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@newswellchicago.org.

For the latter, we prefer attached Word files or plain text included in the email.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 350-word limit ■ Must include first and last

names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote

about yourself and/or your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

Let Oak Park trustees know what you think

Oscar and Nonie Balch House

Preserve our architectural beauty

Whenever I tell people I live in Oak Park, I almost always get the same response. They say, “I love Oak Park. The homes there are so beautiful” or “I love the architecture there.” Let’s face it. That is one of the things that makes our suburb special.

Ever since the pandemic, I have developed a habit of taking a walk whenever the weather permits, and posting photos of the walks on Facebook. Hundreds of people, to my surprise, follow and comment on these posts. Some of the photos are of flowers, seasonal decorations or trips, but the majority are of the beautiful houses in Oak Park. I frequently get comments about their beauty.

Every once in a while I walk past a block where a Victorian was torn down to put up some nondescript apartment building and wonder how the village of several decades ago allowed that. I never dreamed it could happen again on a large scale.

I had a letter published in the Journal a few weeks ago about how my opposition to the proposal to eliminate single-family zoning was primarily about density. While that is true, the other main reason is because it would greatly eliminate the special beauty of Oak Park.

It makes me sad to think that a beautiful Victorian could be torn down to make way for an apartment building. Don’t think that wouldn’t happen. As it is, I get calls asking if my little bungalow is for sale. How much more tempting it would be for someone who lives on a larger lot to sell to a developer. That is what the proposal is encouraging, isn’t it? Over a few years the architectural distinctiveness of our community would disappear.

This is an irreversible decision.

Some things I don’t like, such as the puzzling bicycle stencils on the streets, could be reversed in the future, but once a 19th-century home is torn down, it can never be brought back.

I ask the board to please think of other ways to help with affordability. Please preserve for future generations the wonderful architectural legacy we have been left.

Joyce Porter Oak Park

The Oak Park trustees rejected a referendum on abolishing singlefamily zoning. It had generated over 250 emails to trustees, 95% in favor. A FOIA request for all emails to trustees in that month produced 329 pages, many coming even after the vote.

Fortunately the Illinois Township Code also provides for referendums, but taking very much longer to set in motion. A group of citizens has now submitted the matter for a vote at the Township Annual Meeting on whether to put a referendum on the ballot: “Should the village of Oak Park have a zoning ordinance with no single-family zones, and permitting multifamily buildings to be constructed to replace single-family homes?”

But the village board is scheduled to vote on abolition before that comes up.

So the referendum would be a retrospective advisory vote on the board having already gotten rid of single family zoning. The Township Annual Meeting is set by law for April 13. Mark your calendar and show up to vote.

Why? The next election for three VOP trustee positions will be one week prior to the Township meeting. That

virtually guarantees that abolition of single-family zoning will be the major issue, for both the election and the meeting.

Weeks before rejecting a referendum that would show what villagers want, the village president talked about the upcoming “outreach” in midSeptember, to get public feedback on the proposal. But the board voted to immediately take the next step legally necessary for abolition — forwarding the proposal to the Plan Commission — without waiting to find out what villagers’ feedback was. One Trustee declared: “I don’t think a lot of that feedback will be particularly interesting or valuable.” And the VOP staffer in charge of the project answered a villager’s written question about whether polls will be taken to determine where the attendees stand on the proposed rezoning. The answer? “No.” It seems that trustees are hell-bent on pushing this project through, no matter what the villagers think. They don’t want to know.

Now four brief public “outreach” sessions are set. Past efforts produced virtually no feedback. They were nothing but promotion of “affordable

housing,” unsupported wishful thinking divorced from reality. Completely ignored was the macroeconomic factor “option value effect”: the moment the option exists of replacing single-family homes with more valuable multi-unit dwellings, the value and price of each house will immediately go up, defeating the stated purpose — i.e., backfiring. Also ignored is that these zoning changes are essentially a bulldozing program for existing houses, further shrinking the supply — also a factor driving up values and prices and making matters worse. And pretending that six flats 35 feet tall or higher on typical 5,000-square-foot, single-family lots will blend right in with currently existing two-story houses typically about half the height. And that’s not the half of it.

It’s time to stand up and insist on being heard. Go to an “outreach” session and raise your voice. Above all, add your email to the flood at board@ oak-park.us, and go speak up at board meetings, to let the trustees know what the public really thinks.

This is what democracy looks like.

Frank Stachyra Oak Park

Funding to feed students

Hungry kids cannot learn. That is why I am so proud and impressed that Students Feeding Students (SFS) have taken on this issue by providing snack cabinets at OPRF High School. They have handled the logistics and eliminated the need to fill out forms and prove that you are in need. Any hungry child can take food. The success of the snack cabinets shows that the need is likely bigger than the estimated 1,000 OPRF students experiencing food insecurity.

These kids have also done a lot of work to provide data and have asked the grown-ups in their community to help fund this essential service. They are asking for $157K to be included

each year in the budget to fund the snack cabinets. When you consider the vast resources of the Oak Park and River Forest communities in taxes alone, this amount is beyond reasonable.

An $84.6 million budget was recently approved for a performing arts and student activities modernization project and, based on the initial costs of Project 2, that number is likely to go up. I am grateful for these projects because my two teens are OPRF students and benefit from these updates. I have also taught in Oak Park for 16 years, and I am happy to know my former students will have access to these facilities and opportunities.

However, my experiences as a mom and particularly as a teacher reinforce what the children who saw a need and worked so hard to fill it already know: hungry kids cannot learn, even in the newest and best of buildings.

One of my former students is part of SFS and I am so proud of him and the other students. These kids are asking the adults in their community for our support. Please join me in showing up for them and all our kids by asking the OPRF administration to support and submit the SFS proposal to the D200 Board of Education and recommend full funding.

Caroline Nikolakakis Oak Park

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

Settled, but not a success

Village President Cathy Adduci is presenting the Madison-Ashland approval as a settled success. Her message is merely damage control for her deciding vote.

On my first day in River Forest, July 2021, my neighbor asked, “Did you know our homes are in a TIF?” I did not. I soon learned I had bought one of the 22 TIFdesignated single-family homes in River Forest. It is highly unusual for suburban homes not located in an abandoned or blighted area be included in a Tax Increment Finance District.

That question began five years of forced civic education. I learned the village had purchased two family-occupied, TIF-designated homes around me at below-market value and slated them for demolition. I formed a neighborhood organization to protect our property values. We questioned the demolition of historic property, fought the village over a contractor that exposed neighbors to asbestos, violence, noise, and filth, challenged proposed rezoning and won.

We wrote memos, testified, and commented at every stage to explain what development could work at the edge of our neighborhood. We built the record the Village now wants to gloss over.

And now, after a five-and-a-half-hour board meeting where we again spoke in great numbers, the 4-3 vote revealed that only three trustees listened. The next morning, Village President Adduci sent a self-congratulatory approval announcement full of assurances the record does not support.

The email cited an “extensive review process” covering traffic, density, zoning, and parking. A long process does not

equal a sound result. The DRB acknowledged major departures from village zoning codes and “allowances,” i.e., zoning variances in all 11 required categories.

Nine promised conditions are unfinished and untested. Window washing, street cleaning, sidewalks, and construction parking are maintenance and cosmetic mitigation. They do not address the lasting impacts of height, density, shadows, mass, and setbacks that will burden our family homes for life.

A resident traffic committee is a fluffy substitute for serious research. A traffic study only after occupancy, followed by talk of speed bumps and private alley gates, is working backwards. Residents challenged the traffic analysis before the DRB approved the project.

A $300,000 “neighborhood impact fund” contradicts the DRB’s repeated finding of “no adverse effects.” If that is the official position, residents inside the TIF deserve a straight answer: what harm is this fund meant to fix, who gets paid, and why was approval granted before those answers were settled?

The tax promises are just as thin. The announcement says the project will support schools and “stabilize our property taxes,” but gives no projected net fiscal benefit after TIF incentives, school setasides, and public costs. TIF residents should not be asked to accept vague reassurances instead of solid numbers.

PR-speak such as “certainty,” “renewed energy,” and “vibrant and welcoming” glosses over unresolved zoning, traffic, fiscal, and neighborhood-impact questions.

We do not now and never have opposed

ROBERT MILSTEIN

development of the Madison-Ashland property. The village called for appropriate development in its 2010 Corridors Study and 2017 Expression of Interest. We asked for the right development at the right size, coordinated with the neighborhood and were compliant with village standards.

This decision affects the quiet enjoyment of my home and my neighbors’ homes. It uses my taxes to build a looming rental structure that permanently and negatively alters the neighborhood.

The village swept 22 homes like mine into this TIF, then asked residents to trust a process that minimized what we could see, hear, and prove from our own front porches. The village president’s email shows no humility in her deciding role and disregards constituents who created the record, offered solutions, and still have not received honest answers.

Sources: ■ 2010 Corridors Plan: Chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/ documents/guides/River_Forest_Corridors_Plan_-_Adopted_Feb_2010.pdf ■ Exposing residents to asbestos: https://www.oakpark.com/2023/03/07/ asbestos-discovery-halts-demolition-ofmadison-street-building ■ Pooling our money. In all, 96 residences are in the TIF area, which runs from Thatcher Avenue east to Lathrop Avenue and includes single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and multiunit buildings. https://www.oakpark. com/2016/06/28/eminent-domain-fearsslow-river-forest-tif-plan

Deborah Borman River Forest

Bikers, learn the rules of the road

While I applaud the goal of increasing safety for bikers, I think recent steps taken by Oak Park are misguided. In the past week, I have three times seen bikers (all of whom were not wearing helmets) put themselves in harm’s way. Four bikers heading east on Augusta from Oak Park Avenue took up the whole street, the leader doing no-hands wheelies while car traffic crept along behind them. One motorized scooter (no helmet) wove in and out among traffic on Lake Street.

Bikers can now zip across Ridgeland at LeMoyne (because I almost never see a biker stop at a stop sign) while drivers have

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to turn right only (eastbound traffic south; westbound traffic north).

The effect of the new right-turn-only sign will be to drive cars a block south, to the intersection of Greenfield and Ridgeland, just as school starts. It seems to me that bikers need to learn rules of the road, take a test and become licensed before they go out on the streets, and I hope that requirement becomes part of Oak Park’s bicycle safety plan.

Mary Ann Porucznik Oak Park

Don’t deny but learn from our history from page 20

expand affordability and opportunity.

VanderBerg writes movingly about the personal reckoning that followed his reading of Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law. I respect that. Each of us must decide what responsibility we bear for correcting injustice.

But public policy requires another step.

After the moral reckoning comes the practical question: What works?

A policy can be motivated by admirable values and still fail to achieve its objectives. Conversely, asking whether a policy will work does not mean rejecting the values behind it.

That is where I find myself in this debate. I accept that race matters. I accept that exclusion matters. I accept that history matters.

But affordability matters too.

Housing supply matters. Infrastructure matters. Schools matter. Taxes matter. Preservation matters. Renters matter, and homeowners matter.

Longtime residents matter, newcomers matter, and future Oak Parkers matter.

The challenge before us is not to decide which one of those concerns is legitimate. It is to determine how they fit together and what combination of policies is most likely to produce the inclusive, affordable and sustainable community we say we want.

That is why I believe the debate should move beyond the question, “Are you willing to change a system with an exclusionary history?”

A more difficult, and ultimately more useful question, is this: What changes will actually produce the community we seek, and what evidence do we have that they will work?

That question does not deny our history.

It asks us to learn from it.

Robert Milstein, an Oak Park resident, is a former village trustee.

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

OAKPARK.COM

V I E W P O I N T S O B I T U A R Y

Before changing zoning shouldn’t we have answers?

Oak Park residents have been asked to consider a significant change to our zoning that could fundamentally alter the character of our neighborhoods. Yet when residents ask some very basic questions about the proposal, too often the answer is: “We don’t know yet.”

Will the new housing actually be affordable? What will be the impact on our property taxes? What will happen to the value of the homes that current residents have worked hard to maintain?

How will overnight parking changes affect our neighborhoods, street cleaning and snow removal? And what will the increased density mean for our infrastructure?

These aren’t minor details. They are important questions that should be answered before a major zoning change

moves forward.

Even more concerning is the timing of the feasibility study. The study is being conducted now — after the Opticos proposal has already been developed and sent to the Plan Commission. Shouldn’t a feasibility study help determine whether a proposal makes sense before the proposal is advanced?

There is another important piece of this process. On a 5–1 vote, the village board decided not to place the proposed zoning changes on the November election ballot, meaning Oak Park residents will not have the opportunity to vote directly on this important issue.

So residents are being asked to consider a major change to our community while many important questions remain unanswered — and we won’t have a

Michael Kilmer, 77

direct vote on the proposal.

Residents deserve both the information and the opportunity to be heard before such a fundamental change is made.

Would you buy a house without knowing whether you could afford the mortgage? Would you buy a car without knowing whether it runs? Most of us wouldn’t buy much of anything without knowing whether it works.

Oak Park should not have to take that kind of chance with its zoning.

Taking additional time to fully evaluate the proposal is not a barrier to progress — it is part of responsible planning. Let’s get the answers, let residents be heard, and then decide whether this is the right direction for Oak Park.

Audrey Strode Oak Park

Why the sudden crackdown on parking?

In the last several weeks Oak Park police and parking enforcement personnel have been ticketing excessively for minor, barely signposted parking violations, with which they have previously been unconcerned. It is disconcerting to walk down my street and see angry orange envelopes in the windshields of neighbors and visitors alike even though there has been no change in the rules nor increase in inconvenience caused by the lenient way parking was monitored before.

I understand the need for ticketing

as a tool of enforcement with regard to parking violations in the highly trafficked areas of town. Quiet side streets, occasionally made busy by school traffic, simply do not qualify. It seems prudent to posit that these new and excessive measures have something to do with proving the police department’s value in light of upcoming budget proposals which will likely reduce funding for the new police station. The news of these proposals coincided with a notable increase in citations in areas which had previously seen very few.

The purpose, veracity, and efficacy of the police is a topic of intense and important debate. Certainly, though, their monetary contribution to the village budget should be irrelevant to the discussion of their needs in our community. I would hope the department could find a way to demonstrate their utility beyond their ability to charge people to park in front of their own homes or, perhaps worse, to fine friends or workers for their visits.

Send letters to the Editor

Ken Trainor, Wednesday Journal E-mail: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org Fax: 708-524-0047 Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

Ash Wettstein Oak Park

Formerly of River Forest

Michael Owen Kilmer, 77, of Kensington, Maryland, formerly of Ogden Dunes, Indiana, and River Forest, died on Aug. 14, 2026. Born on Sept. 20, 1948, he was the husband of Eleanor Ryan Kilmer for 42 years; the father of Owen Ryan Kilmer (Bridget), Elizabeth Barton Ryan Kilmer (J Bush), and Emmet Ryan Kilmer (fiancee Michelle Wallengren); grandfather (Pop) of Edward Michael, Guinevere Grace , Margaret Mary, Thomas Joseph and Katherine Ita; brother to James, Maureen Eifert (the late Dan), Sheila Chale and Mary Kilmer (Gary Lipinski MD); brother-in-law of Charles Ryan, Mary Katherine Ryan (Michael O’Connell), Elizabeth Aitken (Brian), Stephen Ryan (Linda), Sr. Margaret Ryan OP, Sharon Ryan (Kent Slayton), and Eileen Zweirs (John); and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Charles and Margaret Agnes; his brother, Christopher; his sister, Joyce; and his nephew, Christopher Kilmer-Lipinski.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 29 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 9705 Summit Ave., Kensington, Maryland.

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

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SPORTS The firm of Liam & Liam power OPRF past Rich Opening game was also Little Huskies Night

By MELVIN TATE Staff Reporter

Friday night at Oak Park Stadium was not just the home opener for the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team.

It was also Little Huskies Night, an annual event in which OPRF invites the players and coaches in the community’s youth football organization to watch a game. The Little Huskies watched the varsity warm up on the Lake Street Field, then escorted the team across the street to the stadium, going through a human tunnel created by the Marching Huskies, who played the school’s fight song. When they took their seats, they watched the “Big Huskies” roll past Rich Township 39-8.

Liam Smith is already a known commodity for the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team after the senior running back/linebacker made All-Conference the past two seasons. In the season opener Friday night at Oak Park Stadium, Smith teamed up with his classmate, quarterback Liam Brown, to help the Huskies roll past Rich Township 39-8.

“It feels amazing. I’m really happy with what the boys did tonight,” said Smith, who finished with 81 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.

Brown completed 11 of his 16 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, and added another score on the ground.

“It was awesome. It was a great crowd and we had a lot of energy. It was a great team win,” he said.

OPRF (1-0) won the coin toss and elected to start on offense. The decision proved beneficial as the Huskies marched 66 yards over 11 plays for the season’s first touchdown, a four-yard keeper by Brown. Max Smith’s point-after gave OPRF a 7-0 lead at the 7:56 mark of the opening quarter.

After the defense got a three-and-out on Rich’s first possession, the offense went back to work. OPRF moved 47 yards on nine plays, with Smith going in from 9 yards out. He had picked up a first down

CAROL DUNNING

OPRF running back Liam Smith heads upfield against Rich Township in a nonconference football game, Aug. 21. Smith ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns in the Huskies’ 39-8 victory. the previous play on 4th and 3 from the Rich 14 with a 5-yard run out of the Wildcat formation.

“Pedal to the metal. We had to get out here fast, we had to score,” said Brown of the Huskies’ fast start.

Rich (0-1) threatened to get back into the game as Ortez Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff from his 7 to the OPRF 35. The Raptors got the ball down to the Huskies’ 2 early in the second quarter, but on 4th and goal, Johnson was stopped a yard short of the end zone, creating a turnover on downs.

“The defense was outstanding. I was really proud of how they played,” said OPRF

coach John Hoerster. “They had a great goal-line stand where we really needed to lean on them and they stepped up to the occasion.”

With 4:23 left in the half, Rich opted to go for it on 4th and 1 from midfield. But again the defense came up big as Connor Krumrei forced Johnson to fumble and Emile Williams recovered for the Huskies at his 48. Then Brown found Andrew Heinzmann (2 receptions, 55 yards) breaking free over the middle and hit him for a 45-yard gain to the Raptors’ 7. On the next play, Smith powered up the middle for a 7-yard score.

Following another three-and-out defensively, a short Rich punt gifted OPRF excellent field position on the Raptors’ 34. It took just four plays for the Huskies to cash in as Brown found a wide-open Labrone Neal for a 14-yard score and a commanding 27-0 lead going into halftime.

“Brownie had so much confidence and was the leader of our offense tonight,” Smith said. “He did a good job of getting the guys together and his passes were great. I’m really proud of him.”

Norlan Davis’ 2-yard touchdown run with 7:26 remaining in the third quarter raised OPRF’s lead to 33-0. In the fourth quarter, Markel Morris scored from four yards out, then Johnson added a twopoint conversion to get Rich on the board with 9:36 remaining.

Brendan Fox concluded the night’s scoring in style as he intercepted a tipped pass from Rich quarterback Toron Jones and sped 87 yards to the house for a pick-six with :18 left.

Williams led the Huskies defensively with 4.5 tackles. Aidan Aleman and Javion Davis each had four tackles, Chris Nash 3.5 tackles, and Neal and Connor Ganschow three apiece. Fox recorded a sack while Williams and Ben Lambe combined for another.

Next up for OPRF is the annual East Avenue Showdown versus Fenwick, a 2813 winner at Joliet Catholic Friday. Game time is 6 p.m., Aug. 28, at Oak Park Stadium.

A packed house is expected as the Huskies are eager to take on the defending Class 6A state champion Friars. While Brown and Smith both appreciated the Dog Pound’s enthusiasm against Rich, they’re counting on them to crank up the noise this week.

“The fans are just as important as we are,” Brown said. “They’ve gotta bring the energy; if they do, we do. Energy’s contagious.”

“I’m super-excited,” Smith added. “We’ve got our fans here and we’ll be ready.”

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Girls volleyball ready to spike the competition OPRF, Fenwick, Trinity each won sectional titles last year

Fenwick brings back six players, including top returnees in junior outside Emily Drumm, senior setters Hailey Bernahl and Sofia Grossman, junior pin hitter Maggie Hiller, and senior outside Jordan Rossi.

“We need experienced players like Emily, Hailey, Jordan, and Sofia to carry the momentum and standard of last year into this season,” Pimsarn said. “We told them what we did last season was great, but we have to move on and focus on this year.

We’re looking forward to their leadership and how our younger players respond to the demands and expectations of a varsity player.”

Newcomers include freshman pin hitter Maeve Mulvihill, freshman outside Olivia Vanosky, sophomore setter Phoebe Baker, and junior middle Taylor Durham. While it likely will take some time for Fenwick to fully gel, Pimsarn hopes the Friars are at their best when the postseason arrives.

“We need everyone to peak in October and November, and I genuinely believe that anything before that is time we have to figure out what we have,” he said. “There’s a lot of volleyball to be played, along with growth, challenges, and improvement.

This team will be a different team in October compared to August.”

By MELVIN TATE Staff Reporter

The 2025 girls volleyball season was truly special locally as both Oak Park and River Forest (Class 4A), Fenwick (3A), and Trinity (2A) each won sectional championships in the same year for the first time. With each school bringing back multiple returning players, the area could be in for another fun fall.

Here’s how OPRF, Fenwick, and Trinity look heading into the season:

OPRF The Huskies had a sensational 2025 season in head coach Symone Speech’s debut, finishing 26-8 with the program’s first West Suburban Conference Silver Division title since 1992 and first sectional championship since 2014. While OPRF lost six players to graduation, Speech is optimistic about the team putting together another terrific campaign.

“Our biggest strengths are our depth and how connected this group is,” she said.

“We have so many players who can step in and contribute, and they genuinely push one another to get better every single day.”

Senior outside/libero Devyn Kleidon, a four-year varsity player who is committed to the University of Idaho, agrees with Speech’s assessment.

“In practice every day, we’re working really hard, pushing each other, and it’s a lot of fun in the gym,” she said. “We’re really excited to get it going.”

Kleidon is one of nine returnees for OPRF. She had 179 kills and 178 digs in 2025.

Other notable returnees include senior outside Emmi Bozarth (257 kills, 193 digs, 57 aces, 16 blocks), senior setter Edie Carol (216 assists, 65 digs, 14 aces), senior middle Jaida Garland (80 kills, team-high 37 blocks), senior defensive specialist Mia Mahoney (27 aces), and junior middle Eva Truss.

The Huskies look forward to getting contributions from a pair of transfers: senior outside Anyiha Scott, a Howard University commit who comes from IMG Academy in Florida, and senior outside Bella Gray. The latter is a familiar name for local volleyball

Trinity CAROL DUNNING

Oak Park-River Forest senior Edie Carroll (#13) sets up a teammate during a girls volleyball intrasquad scrimmage, Aug. 19. fans as Gray, a St. Louis University commit, comes in from East Avenue neighbor Fenwick, where last year she had 319 kills, 217 digs, 34 aces, and 24 blocks.

“We’re having so much fun with her. Bella’s loving it,” said Kleidon of Gray, one of her best friends. “We all connected so fast.

It’s like a sisterhood, a family, and she’s going to help us.”

Repeating as conference champions and punching its state finals ticket for the first time are attainable goals for OPRF, provided the proper mindset is maintained.

“Of course, we would love to go all the way and compete for a state championship,” Speech said, “but more than anything, I want this group to finish the sea-

son feeling proud of the work they put in and the growth they experienced together.”

Fenwick The Friars have shown steady progress in Tee Pimsarn’s three seasons as head coach. Last fall, they went 26-12 and won a sectional title for the first time since 2016.

Pimsarn is eager for the program to take the next step: a trip to state. But he also knows there’s work to be done.

“I’ve done this long enough to know that every season is different and there are no guarantees, but we’re working on continuous improvement of our volleyball standards and culture,” he said.

Coming off a 24-15 record and their first sectional title since 2008, with nine returning players, the Blazers are seeking their first-ever state finals trip.

Senior setter Maddie Trendel, junior outside Liv Trendel, and sophomore libero Kate Puttin are the leading returnees for second-year head coach Molly Puttin. Trinity’s other experienced players are juniors Nieve Clements, Maeve Corrigan and Millie Keith along with seniors Sophia Hadley, Anaya Henderson, and Taylor Long.

Trinity’s newcomers are freshmen Eden McGoey and Zoe Winners, and juniors Asia Alexander, Layla Hardison, and Maeve Leahy.

“The success of our season will be our team’s attitude,” Puttin said. “This is a great group of athletes that have such a great vibe. Team goal is to make it back to the supersectional. We’re looking for a positive attitude and good work ethic.”

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM

Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

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Fenwick rolls in opener over Joliet Catholic QB Hill, receiver Watts connect on 84-yard TD score to open season

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

It took a good 90 minutes in intense traffic for the Fenwick football team to travel from Oak Park to Joliet on Friday for their 2026 season opener against Joliet Catholic.

Plenty of time to think and strategize.

But not reminisce.

That Class 6A title from last year? Forget about that. The future is now.

After a sluggish first half at Joliet Memorial Stadium, Fenwick woke up and dominated the second, en route to a 28-13 victory. One thing’s for sure. There won’t be a shortage of stars, or big moments.

Take the first play from scrimmage Friday.

Junior quarterback Myles Hill dropped back,

looked deep and found senior receiver Jimmy Watts for an 84-yard touchdown.

“Coming out, we knew we wanted to start off hot,” Watts said. “Unfortunately the first half we didn’t, but that first play we knew we were going to take a shot. We got a one on one.

Myles … right on the money. The rest is history.”

Hill had a big night, going 16-for-21 passing for 214 yards and three touchdowns, including a 35-yarder to senior running back Jake Thies in the third quarter.

But that first play? Magic. Almost felt like the Friars picked up where they left off last December. How did he get the ball to Watts?

Preparation and reps, he said. It’s that simple.

“We’ve worked a lot in the offseason and just trusting him, knowing where to put it, knowing the speed he was running, and letting it go,” Hill said.

The Hillmen aren’t pushovers. According to the pre-season IHSA coaches poll, the Friars are ranked third in Class 6A, but Joliet Catholic is ranked eighth. Behind sophomore

quarterback Liam Huffman, they managed to forge a 7-7 tie at the half, but weren’t able to break the game open thanks to a secondquarter interception from senior linebacker Ronan Morrissey and a key quarterback sack by junior Hank Holland that ended the half.

That was a prelude to the second half, where Fenwick suddenly grabbed the momentum and never looked back. There was Hill with a 7-yard pass to senior tight end Will Hosty with 8:25 left in the third quarter. After a JCA three-and-out, Hill found Thies on a screen pass right for a 35-yard touchdown.

That put the Friars firmly in control at 21-7.

Holland helped kill another drive with a sack of Huffman in the first play of the fourth quarter. The Hillmen punted, and Hill took over, driving the locals 55 yards, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown run by senior running back Rocco Nero, who, like Thies, rushed for 36 yards.

And that was that.

“We picked it up,” Holland said. “At halftime, we talked it over. Our leaders gave us

some energy and we came out hitting and kept it rolling.

“Everyone’s been doubting us because we had a lot of seniors graduate, but we picked it up.”

And how.

“It feels great,” said Watts, who finished with 133 yards on 10 catches. “We’ve been saying it all offseason, we’ve got a target on our back.”

Hill won a four-man training camp quarterback battle, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t depth at that position. Both sophomore Ryder Machacek and senior Tommy Quinn got meaningful downs.

Yes, it was a victory, and an important one early in the season against a good opponent, but in coach Matt Battaglia’s mind, it wasn’t pretty.

Except for maybe that season-opening play.

“We got an all-state running back and a rookie quarterback who’s been doing really good and why beat around the bush?” he said.

“Give them a shot to make a play.”

OPRF flag football looks to the next chapter

By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter

The theme for the OPRF flag football team this fall is the next chapter. And so after graduating 22 seniors, seven of whom are now playing in college, it’s time for coach Jim Geovanes to turn the page. The next chapter should be compelling, what with 102 girls out program-wide, 36 of them freshmen.

“They set the standard for us and we’re going to take it and run,” he said of those graduates. “Our 2028s are lights out.”

That group of juniors is led by Alessandra Gerut, who participated in the USA Football U16 Select Bowl in June in Los Angeles.

“We reworked out entire offensive playbook to complement her skill set,” Geovanes said. “You want to double-team her?

We’ll pick you apart.”

Gerut said she had a good time in La-La Land.

“A lot of (players) were from California and New York, and there was a feeling of, ‘Do I belong here?’” she said. “It was crazy.”

Offensively, Gerut is going to have a lot of help. Consider fellow junior running

backs Nora Parton, a soccer player, and KaiLee Robinson, who stands about 5-foot-1 but runs like the wind. Robinson said there’s a reason so many girls have come out for flag football.

“It’s a community,” she said. “We’ve built such good connections through the program. (Geovanes) tries to make sure people are doing well physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Junior Lucy Avrut led OPRF in touchdowns as a sophomore, and Geovanes said, “She’ll end up owning every receiving record by the time she’s done.”

Quarterback is a tough decision. There’s sophomore Anna Dore, and then there is senior Ionna Griffin, who ran the option at Downers Grove South a year ago.

Defensively, consider the skills of senior linebacker Tegan Smith, a huge Bears fan who plays basketball and also throws the shot put.

“I think the main thing I bring from track and field is an intensity,” she said. “Having the strength for shot put gives me the energy needed for flag football.”

There’s another junior who will be key on defense: Kynnedi Alawode, who is also

a track athlete. Geovanes said, “She is the smartest, fastest kid on the field.”

That’s a lot of talent, and the Huskies will need it, especially early in the season, when they play powers like Evanston, top-ranked Kenwood and Willowbrook. And that’s all before the West Suburban Silver, with Lyons, York and Glenbard West, among others.

Baines leads stout Fenwick defense Across town at Fenwick, the key player to mind if you’re an opposing offense is junior Daija Baines, who led the Friars in sacks last year.

“Daija is very quick, very fast,” coach Lenae Fergerson said. “When she’s on that line, she’s at the quarterback in less than two seconds. She puts a lot of pressure on quarterbacks.”

Fergerson has plenty of other weapons on defense that should make opponents wary.

That includes a host of juniors, including Sloane McNally, Amirah Favelah and Alisson Velasquez-Medina. Also providing support will be first-year player Maeve Bonakdar, a

senior who will play on both sides of the ball.

“I see the team’s biggest strengths lying in our defense this season,” Baines said, “specifically in Amirah Favela and Alisson Velasquez-Medina as linemen, as they have great angles when opening up and stay with whoever it is that they are defending.”

On offense, Fergerson has the same issue at quarterback as Geovanes – two viable candidates. On one hand is senior De’ondrea Allman, who has played all three years Fenwick has had a program. She toggled between starting and backup roles last year, but what Fergerson likes is that she is a vocal leader.

On the other hand is junior Laura Mullen, who is a pinpoint passer.

Junior Gweneth McNally and sophomore Talia Hill will likely be the first options at running back, but freshman Siobhan O’Rourke plays soccer and is very athletic. Fergerson said she’s “got quick feet and is shifty with the ball.”

Like OPRF, Fenwick will contend with a challenging schedule, including nonconference power Maine South. It doesn’t get any easier in the GCAC North, with DePaul Prep, St. Ignatius, Trinity, Resurrection, Saint Viator and Loyola.

30 Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICE RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP MENTAL HEALTH BOARD 27 RIVERSIDE ROAD, RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS 60546 In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the Riverside Township Mental Health Board will hold the meetings below at the listed locations: Mental Health Board Meeting Mental Health Board Meeting Notices 2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Room 4, Riverside, Illinois Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 20, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

June 2027 RTMHB Meeting Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Room 30, Riverside, Illinois Wednesday, June 16, 2027 @ 6:30p.m.

2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Outside the Riverside Township Pillars Community Health, 5220 East Ave. Countryside, IL 60525 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Thrive Counseling Center, 120 S. Marion St., 2nd Floor Group Room Oak Park, IL 60302 Wednesday, February 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

UCP Seguin, 3100 South Central Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804-3956 Wednesday, April 21, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525 Wednesday, May 19, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

2026-2027 RTMHB Meetings Outside the Riverside Township Pillars Community Health, 5220 East Ave. Countryside, IL 60525 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Thrive Counseling Center, 120 S. Marion St., 2nd Floor Group Room Oak Park, IL 60302 Wednesday, February 17, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

UCP Sequin, Seguin Gardens and Gifts, 5621 W 31st Street, Cicero, IL 60804, Wednesday, April 21, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525 Wednesday, May 19, 2027 @ 6:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Board President, Adam Wilt, at awilt.rtmhb@ gmail.com or call Adam at 708-804-4400.

Published in RB Landmark August 26, 2026

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 26-04 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: September 10, 2026 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 - Council Chambers, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PETITIONER: Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 REQUEST: The Petitioner, Village of Oak Park, seeks a text amendment to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: 1) amending Article 2 (“Definitions and Rules of Measurement”), Section 2.3 (“Definitions”) by adding a definition for “Reception/Banquets Facility – Small” as follow: “A facility that provides hosting and rental services of a banquet hall or similar for private events in an area no greater than 900 square feet that is available for rent for, but not limited to, wedding receptions, holiday parties, and fundraisers, with food and beverages that are prepared and served on-site or by a caterer to invited guests during intermittent dates and hours of operation. Live entertainment may be provided as an ancillary use as part of an event. A reception facility is not operated as a restaurant with regular hours of operation.”; 2) modifying the definition of Reception/Banquet Facility to “Reception/Banquet Facility – Large” and adding “in an area

greater than 900 square feet that is available for rent” into the definition “Reception/ Banquet Facility – Large”; 3) amending Article 8 (“Uses”), Table 8-1 (“Use Matrix”) by adding “Reception/Banquet Facility - Small” as a permitted (P) use in all commercial zoning districts; 4) requiring a special use permit (S) for “Reception/ Banquet Facility – Large” in the HS – Harrison Street Zoning District and NC – Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District in areas that currently do not allow these uses by right or via special use permit; and 5) amending Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.4 (“Principal Use Standards”) Subsection (N) by adding “Large and Small” to (“Reception/Banquet Facility”) title. The Plan Commission may also consider any related and additional relief that may be discovered during the review of this docket.

A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 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 August 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE The he Vill Vi Village lage of Oak Park will receiv receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2026 Snow and Ice Public Parking Lots, sidewalks and Snow Plowing Bid Number: 26-122 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 34-ft Pole telecommunications facility near 1011 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, Cook County, Illinois 60305. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 260072479PR, EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, EBIPNReplies@ebiconsulting.com or at (617) 715-1822.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 26, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE OAK PARK DOCTOR DEPARTURE In accordance with Illinois state regulations, notice is hereby given that Dr. Susan Vierling of Retina Institute of Illinois, is leaving the practice located at 715 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301. All patients may retrieve their medical records Retina Institute of Illinois located at 715 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 or by calling 847-297-8900. Dr. Vierling last day at the practice will be September 15, 2026. It is important for existing patients to schedule an appointment within the next 30 days either with one of Retina Institute of Illinois doctors or an outside eyecare doctor to ensure they are receiving ongoing care.

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Public Notice:

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Published in Wednesday Journal August 12, 19, 26, September 2, 2026

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: M26001928 on August 14, 2026 Under the Assumed Business Name of PJS TREASURES with the business located at: 841 N. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: PATRICIA JURCZAK 841 N. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal August 19, 26, September 2, 2026

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Wednesday Journal, August 19, 2026

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Events

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

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Wednesday Journal, August 26, 2026

820 Ontario Street • Oak Park, IL 60302 • TheChildrensSchool.info 820 820 Ontario Ontario Street Street •• Oak Oak Park, Park, IL IL 60302 60302 •• TheChildrensSchool.info TheChildrensSchool.info

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