Wednesday Journal 10/06/21 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

October 6, 2021 Vol. 42, No. 10 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Time is now for input on next Oak Park village manager

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Public meeting Saturday at main library By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s village board has made its commitment to community engagement quite clear since its collective term began May 3. So it should come as no surprise that the village is seeking the input of residents as it searches to find a permanent replacement for former village manager Cara Pavlicek. Kira Tchang, Oak Park’s HR director, said in an interview that public input carries a lot of weight in the direction of the recruitment process, which the village has hired GovHR, a recruitment firm, to handle. “Feedback from the community helps focus the search and identify key competencies, skills and qualifications of the future village manager,” she said. “The feedback also helps GovHR gain a greater understanding of the village including opportunities and challenges the future manager should be prepared to address.” Since winning the contract on Aug. 19, GovHR is in the process of conducting a series of interviews and meetings with stakeholders to inform the development of the recruitment brochure and position announcement. Those stakeholders include the business community, intergovernmental partners, chief elected officials and administrators across Oak Park’s multiple taxing bodies and chairs of citizen commissions, as well as the social service and nonSee VILLAGE MANAGER on page 14

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Wyatt Winters, 4, of Oak Park, tries out the new equipment at the Rehm Park playground in Oak Park, which was closed all summer for reconstruction. For story and photos, see page 13.

The viral face of a day at OPRF Open-hearted, easy-going Kult-Banout captures return to school

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

On camera, Lucas Kult-Banout is anything but shy. He’s chatty, personable and unafraid to open up. In his latest YouTube video, KultBanout, 17, captures the tail end of his

high school’s homecoming week, stringing together the highlights from the fall spirit assembly, the football game and the dance. But it’s all the scenes in between – the parts when Kult-Banout faced the camera and showed himself getting ready for the dance – that make the minutes-long video fun, endearing

and relatable. “The thing that’s super annoying about being a teenager is shaving,” he admitted, as he stood inside his bathroom, grazing his hand over his chin. “If you wait long enough, the tiny, little bits See KULT-BANOUT on page 15

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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When the cost of racial integration is too high

in ways subtle and unsubtle. I will not relay hen my family moved from how this truth has played out in my own Maywood to River Forest my experiences because what’s the point? Half junior year of high school, putof you won’t believe me anyway (or will find ting us within the boundaries of something in my testimony to dispute). District 200, I made the tortured In his 1935 book, Black Reconstruction in decision to transfer from Proviso East High School to Oak Park and River Forest High America, W.E.B. Du Bois tried to explain why School. interracial solidarity among Black workers The experience opened a crack in my soul and white workers in the post-Civil War South that would eventually let in a truth I would never materialized. not discover until years later: For a long “It must be remembered that the white time, I lived with an inferiority complex. group of laborers, while they received a low “Oak Park and River Forest High School wage, were compensated in part by a sort of is too hard,” a relative told me as I was propublic and psychological wage. They were cessing the decision. given public deference and titles of courtesy Commentary Proviso East, with all of its obvious probbecause they were white. They were admitted lems, simply doesn’t have the resources and freely with all classes of white people to public challenges and opportunities that OPRF can offer, my functions, public parks, and the best schools. father told me. “The police were drawn from their ranks, and the During my senior year at OPRF, I was accepted into courts, dependent on their votes, treated them with Morehouse, one of the most prestigious Historically such leniency as to encourage lawlessness. Their vote Black College and Universities in America. selected public officials, and while this had small effect I considered the offer. Do I join the congregation of upon the economic situation, it had great effect upon great Black leaders like Martin Luther King and Spike their personal treatment and the deference shown them. Lee and become a “Morehouse Man” or should I take “White schoolhouses were the best in the community, my talents to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamand conspicuously placed, and they cost anywhere from paign? twice to ten times as much per capita as the colored My high school counselor, who helped me get into schools. The newspapers specialized on news that flatMorehouse, echoed the advice I’d heard on every HBCU tered the poor whites and almost utterly ignored the college tour there is — at HBCUs, Black students get Negro except in crime and ridicule.” the support and the nurturing that white institutions Nowadays, there’s a lot of talk about anti-racism, simply cannot provide them. which centers the “public or psychological wage” of At the time, I thought this was bunk, yet another whiteness. There’s relatively little discussion, however, example of this idea, perpetuated by Blacks and whites about the flip side of that coin — the psychological tax alike, that Black people always need a crutch. I wanted of perceived notions of Black inferiority, which many to be wherever the best resources were. Period. And if Black people, myself included, have internalized. the school happened to be white (which was virtually In his 1933 essay, “On Being Ashamed of Oneself: An always the case), then so be it. Sorry, Morehouse. Essay on Race Pride,” Du Bois writes about the promise That decision is one of my biggest regrets. Only years of that glorious moment “between emancipation and later, after leaving college indebted and with this linger1900,” when the “theory of escape” from this country’s ing sense of rootlessness, did I realize that my experiracial caste system “was dominant. We were, by birth, ence at U of I mirrored my experience at OPRF. law and training, American citizens. At both schools, I felt suspended in an environment “We were going to escape into the mass of Americans that was purely transactional, culturally vapid, unin the same way that the Irish and Scandinavians and moored, careerist, alienating — white-washed. I was even the Italians were beginning to disappear,” Du Bois only ever at either of these institutions in order to writes. “The process was going to be slower on account achieve the elusive mission of marketability, even if it of the badge of color; but then, after all, it was not so came at the expense of losing the sense of identity and much the matter of physical assimilation as of spiritual community I had cultivated my whole life in Maywood and psychic amalgamation with the American people.” and that I’m sure Morehouse would have deepened. The order of the day among most Blacks at the time Black novelist Richard Wright wrote in his 1937 essay, was a rigorous show of patriotism and a commitment to “Blueprint for Negro Writing,” that “generally speakracially integrated struggles to realize their American ing, Negro writing in the past has been confined to rights. humble novels, poems, and plays, prim and decorous But one of the most “practical difficulties connected ambassadors who went a-begging to white America. with this program” is the “fact that we are still ashamed “They entered the Court of American Public Opinion of ourselves and are thus [stopped] from valid objection dressed in the knee-pants of servility, curtsying to show when white folks are ashamed to call us human.” that a Negro was not inferior, that he was human, and In his 1935 essay “Does the Negro Need Separate that he had a life comparable to that of other people,” Schools?” Du Bois presciently illustrates my teenage Wright wrote. “For the most part these artistic ambassaself at OPRF while considering which college to attend; dors were received as though they were French poodles my family members talking resignedly about East’s who do clever tricks.” relative impoverishment to OPRF; my relative’s desire Decades after Wright, this “French poodle” dynamic to box me into her self-imposed limitations. is still in general effect among Blacks in all kinds of “As long as the Negro student wishes to graduate from white spaces — not just the literary arts. I know I felt it Columbia, not because Columbia is an institution of at OPRF and U of I: this constant sense of always being learning, but because it is attended by white students; on display, ever-ready to demonstrate my worth in white as long as a Negro student is ashamed to attend Fisk institutions that, unbeknownst to my teenage self, were or Howard because these institutions are largely run still not ready to accept my humanity at face value. by Black folk, just so long the main problem of Negro In the eyes of the white world, I would never be good education will not be segregation but self-knowledge enough. White institutions demonstrate this every day and self-respect,” Du Bois wrote.

MICHAEL ROMAIN

I’m done expecting white institutions to “let us in” and I’m now hip to the hard reality that integration in America has always, without exception, come at the cost of our physical, psychological and social-emotional well-being. I’m currently of the faith that, as it stands, Black people cannot penetrate white spaces without sacrificing our “self-knowledge and self-respect.” What’s also troubling is that when it comes to our historic efforts to integrate schools in America, Black children have routinely been offered up as sacrificial lambs. Now, whenever I see the iconic image of 6-year-old Ruby Bridges flanked by large U.S. Marshals on her mission to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960, I don’t just see heroism, I see child abuse. Du Bois lambasted Black parents who “almost universally disparage their own schools” and look “down upon them” while forcing their “little children into schools where the white children, white teachers, and white parents despised and resented the dark child, made mock of [her], neglected or bullied [her], and literally rendered [her] life a living hell. “Such parents want their child to ‘fight’ this thing out, — but, dear God, at what a cost! Sometimes, to be sure, the child triumphs and teaches the school community a lesson; but even in such cases, the cost may be high and the child’s whole life turned into an effort to win cheap applause at the expense of healthy individuality,” he adds. “In other cases, the result of the experiment may be complete ruin of character, gift, and ability. …” How many Black children’s lives were ruined so that successive generations of Black children can freely attend white schools only to still be despised (and at OPRF, with such subtlety and complexity that some children, usually the “good ones,” barely notice what’s happening until well after we’ve matriculated). I know I may run the risk of sounding like an ingrate, but I have no interest in treating our Black heroes like Ruby Bridges as if they’re museum pieces over whom we should simply ooh and aah. Ruby Bridges was a human being before she became a hero. I’m genuinely interested in her life and how it can inform my own, not in genuflecting before the altar of badly taught history. “If the American Negro really believed in himself; if he believed that Negro teachers can educate children according to the best standards of modern training; if he believed that Negro colleges transmit and add to science, as well as or better than other colleges,” Du Bois wrote, “then he would bend his energies, not to escaping inescapable association with his own group, but to seeing that his group had every opportunity for its best and highest development. “He would insist that his teachers be decently paid; that his schools were properly housed and equipped; that his colleges be supplied with scholarship and research funds; and he would be far more interested in the efficiency of these institutions of learning, than in forcing himself into other institutions where he is not wanted.” Sometimes I wonder what kind of country we would be currently inhabiting if, instead of fetishizing integration, Black people took Du Bois’ advice and insisted on a much more collective, more expansive vision of freedom — one that encompasses all Blacks, not just the ones who are “good enough” to escape from Black spaces by heroically enduring the psychic hazing so often required to enter and remain in white ones.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

BIG WEEK October 6-13

Art for Social Change: Made to Disrupt Reception, Friday, Oct. 8, 7 to 9 p.m. Exhibit through Thursday, Oct. 28, Oak Park Art League (OPAL) See artwork grounded in the desire to create social awareness or change on social issues: voting rights, environmental justice, racial injustice, immigration, identity, hunger and food insecurity, political imbalance and gun violence or other topics. This exhibition aims to highlight work that makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, that encourages deeper reflection and pushes for true social change. Gallery Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

Walk for Equity and Opportunity in the Arts Sat., Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m., Stairway of the Stars Join Maywood Fine Arts (MFA) supporters in orange shirts for the Pumpkin Patch Parade with celebrity guest Sylvester Powell from Netflix’s “All American” leading the way. This year’s event brings together the villages of Maywood and River Forest walking together from Maywood to River Forest and back again to support equity and opportunity in the arts. Speakers at MFA (9:30) kick off the event and continue at Keystone Park, River Forest (10:45). Meet at 20 N. 5th Ave, Maywood.

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Women and the Great Chicago Fire Monday, Oct. 11, 1:15 p.m., Ballroom, Nineteenth Century Club Author Carl Smith provides an overview of the Great Chicago Fire, which occurred 150 years ago on Oct. 8-10, 1871, based on his book, Chicago’s Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City. Smith also discusses the ways women, including through charitable associations, played a major role in the recovery. Brought by The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Proof of vaccination and masks are required; seating is socially distanced. $15, requested donation; free, members. More: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest, Oak Park.

The Backstory Project

Storytimes in the Park

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 12, view anytime with Open Door Repertory Because Open Door believes theater is about storytelling, when they found they could not produce live shows during the pandemic, they turned to telling the stories of individuals around town, “people whose efforts enrich the lives of our communities,” such as restaurant owners who create spaces for people to meet, not just eat, and editors and publishers of local news who keep community members informed. The first video release is an interview with our own Growing Community Media publisher Dan Haley. New releases each week. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Watch here: opendoortheater.net

Wednesdays, through Oct. 27, 10 to 10:30 a.m., Various Oak Park parks The Oak Park Public Library has partnered with the Park District of Oak Park to bring storytimes to neighborhoods. Share books, songs and more. For families with kids 0-5. Bring your own blanket and hand sanitizer. Limited to 20 families with masks. Oct. 6: Fox Park, 624 S. Oak Park Ave. Oct. 13: Lindberg Park, 1151 N. Marion St. Oct. 20: Rehm Park, 515 Garfield St. Oct. 27: Scoville Park, 800 Lake St.

Last one - See You Saturday Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Oak Park Marion Street transforms into an interactive, open street with live music, activities, food and beverages, kids’ entertainment and more. Bring your pets, chairs and yard games. View schedule/ more: downtownoakpark.net/event/see-you-Saturday. Marion St. between Lake and North Blvd.

Linking Anti-Blackness and Anti-Immigration Imagine More Pumpkin Patch Movie Premiere Sunday, Oct. 10, Noon, Lake Theatre Maywood Fine Arts goes to the movies – see MFA dancers, tumblers, actors, musicians, karate students and artists on the big screen. Also showing at ChiTown Drive-In at 6:15 p.m. $10, per person Lake Theatre; $25, per vehicle drive in. Tickets/more: maywoodfinearts.org. Lake: 1022 Lake St., Oak Park. ChiTown: 2343 S. Throop St., Chicago.

Thursday, Oct. 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with Pilgrim Congregational Church Writer and educator Benji Hart will BENJI HART describe how the deportation machines in places like Israel, Mexico and the US share a lineage with the systems that once captured and forced Africans into servitude. Free. Register: pilgrimoakpark. org/events

The Color of Law and Reversing Segregation Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with River Forest Public Library Author and researcher Richard RICHARD ROTHSTEIN Rothstein explains the policies that led to racial segregation across America and what can be done to reverse these practices and work toward racial equity. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/ events/color-law-and-reversing-segregation

What Locally Grown Honey Can Do for You Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m., Cheney Mansion Learn about the health benefits of local honey, from vitamins and iron to other nutrients. Also hear honey facts and myths plus the many uses for honey. Brought by The Garden Club of Oak Park & River Forest. Social time begins at noon. All welcome. The club meets the second Wednesday of each month. More: gcoprf.org/events/club-meetings. 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer

GATE-UPKEEPERS: Tom Ullsmith, left, and Tim Dunn work on the old front gates at Dominican University on Division Street in River Forest.

Dominican restores welcoming walls, gates at Division entry

Limestone columns, steel gates date to 1920s and 1930s By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

A restoration project at Dominican University seeks to bring life to an iconic campus landmark. The River Forest-based university has embarked on a journey to renovate a portion of its main entrance, which includes repairs to four steel gates and the aging limestone columns and walls that hold the bold structure together. The estimated $20,000 project, which kicked off Sept. 20 and is expected to finish by early October, is part of the university’s “renewed focus on the visitor experience” and comes ahead of the university’s centennial anniversary next year, said James DeFily, executive director of operations, buildings and grounds. DeFily said the columns, walls and gates, which rest on the campus’ south end, right on Division Street, have faced wear and tear and are in need of some care. The main entrance was rehabbed about 20 years ago, but that work mostly focused on the ring driveway that leads visitors from Division Street into the campus, he said. “There was probably some additional wear that the gates had to absorb from all the new asphalting and all the curbs and drainage that were put in,” DeFily said about the makeover in the early 2000s. DeFily, who spent time sifting through the university’s historic documents, shared further that those beloved gates were first installed in July 1935 and

have remained unchanged and untouched over the years. The columns and walls feature the original limestone blocks, dating as far back as the 1920s, DeFily said. At this point, workers have already replaced some limestone blocks which had cracked and mended the corner joints. They also installed new pieces of rebar, or reinforcing steel bars, so the columns can continue to hold the heavy gates, DeFily said. “These gates date back to the World War II era, so that’s really when steel was steel,” he said, adding the historic gates could weigh anywhere between 500 to 800 pounds. As DeFily reflected on the restoration project, which is near completion, he opened up about what this type of work meant to him and the greater River Forest community. An Elmwood Park native, DeFily remembered being a boy, riding his bike through Dominican University’s campus. He thought of being greeted by those gates, which felt so big, and the gothic-style buildings that towered over him – and still do today. And it’s an experience that DeFily hopes to share and create for others. Churches, historic landmarks and institutions such as Dominican University are woven into the community’s fabric, DeFily said. “It’s kind of nice to be able to walk that fine line of doing the necessary things that we need to bring our campus and our infrastructure up to current standards, to be able to service our students while still preserving the past and our history as best we can,” he said.

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Five arrested, released in Austin shootout connected to Oak Park car crash

Prosecutors say there was not enough evidence to pursue felony charges By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A vehicle crash at the intersection of Austin Boulevard and Harrison Street on the morning of Oct. 1 and a subsequent manhunt that resulted in the arrest of one man by Oak Park police was connected to a shootout between rival gang members in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago a short time earlier. However, all five men allegedly involved in the shootout in the 1200 block of North Mason Avenue — including the suspect apprehended in Oak Park — were released from custody, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Oct. 4, after prosecutors said police provided insufficient evidence to support felony charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. One suspect was a man who fled the scene of the shooting in a Dodge Charger that collided with a van in Oak Park during a police pursuit. The collision left the driver of the

van with what paramedics characterized as non-life-threatening injuries, according to Oak Park spokesman David Powers. After the Dodge Charger collided with the van, the driver fled the scene on foot but was later caught in the 700 block of Lyman Avenue in Oak Park with the help of a Chicago Police Department police dog, Powers told Wednesday Journal. “Oak Park police were not involved in a pursuit and will not be part of the original incident investigation but will investigate the traffic accident since it occurred within their jurisdiction,” said Powers. As of Oct. 5 it was unclear whether Oak Park police had charged the man they apprehended with any crime. The incident does not appear on any police activity report issued by Oak Park police during the Oct.1-4 time period. According to the Sun-Times, citing an internal police report and an unnamed law enforcement official, the shooting resulted from an internal rift between two offshoots of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang. The shootout, which took place at about 10:30 a.m., left one person dead and two wounded, according to the Sun-Times story.

The Chicago newspaper reported that the unnamed source had said police wanted to charge the five suspects with two felonies each, including first-degree murder and aggravated battery, but all five were released Oct. 3 after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office determined there wasn’t enough evidence to charge them. By evening on Oct. 4, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and allied West Side aldermen issued public complaints regarding the suspects’ release, while Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx defended the prosecutors’ decision. When asked for confirmation and comment, a Chicago Police Department media representative pointed Wednesday Journal to the Media Major Incident Notifications (MINS) portal, stating that was all the information available. The incident information obtained through MINS provided far less detail than the Sun-Times but corroborated much of its reporting. The MINS information made no mention of gangs. The Sun-Times reported that more than 70 shell casings at the scene of the shooting on Mason Avenue. The Sun-Times’ story names the Body Snatchers and Jack Boys as the

two warring factions of the Four Corners Hustlers. The incident information released on the MINS portal stated that four offenders got out of two vehicles and started firing at the house on Mason Avenue. According to MINS, two victims from the house were struck and transported to a local hospital and one adult male, one adult female and a juvenile were safely removed from the residence. The man who was killed was with the group that drove to the scene and fired at the house. The MINS report, stated that one of the two vehicles used by the alleged offenders was later found torched near Lockwood and Chicago avenues. The other was used to drop off a gunshot victim at West Suburban Hospital Medical Center in Oak Park, where the car was seen by local police, according to the SunTimes, which aligns with the information released through NIMS. After a brief chase, the driver of the Dodge Charger collided with the van at Austin Boulevard and Harrison Street. The impact of the collision pushed the van off of the roadway and into the light pole on the southwest corner of the intersection.

Facing Apartheid in Israel/Palestine Sunday, October 17 1 – 2:30 p.m. Central Time Via Zoom Directly to Your Home from Ramallah and Jerusalem In 2021, two major human rights organizations published landmark reports: • Israel’s leading human rights organization, B’Tselem: A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. • This is Apartheid. Human Rights Watch: A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution.

Hagai El-Ad, Executive Director B’Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories

Join us to hear about the situation on the ground and to ask questions of two extraordinary leaders on the front lines in the struggle for a just and lasting peace. Register for Zoom through a QR code by taking a picture on your phone.

Inès Abdel Razek, Advocacy Director Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy

The Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine (CJPIP) is a community-based organization founded to develop and support activities that further the cause of peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Community education and dialogue events featuring a broad range of perspectives are a vital part of our mission. All events are subject to change without notice. Speakers do not necessarily represent the views of CJPIP.

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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D97 moves quickly, appoints new school board member Shyla Kinhal selected out of five applicants

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Shyla Kinhal, a former public school teacher and current early childhood literacy leader for the KIPP charter schools, has been named the newest member of the Oak Park District 97 School Board. Kinhal, who was appointed by the board and officially sworn in Sept. 28 during a regular board meeting, fills a vacancy left by Jeremy Duffy’s resignation in August. “The board was fortunate to have several diverse and highly-qualified candidates apply for the vacancy,” Jung Kim, board president, said in an emailed announcement sent to district families and staff following the meeting. “In the end, we concluded that Shyla’s extensive knowledge and experience in education made her the ideal candidate for the position. She is an excellent complement to our current board, and we are excited to continue working together to move the district’s priorities forward.” Kinhal was one of six candidates who applied for the open seat. One candidate withdrew his application before interviews were held, said Amanda Siegfried, District 97 communications director. On Sept. 27, the board held a special meeting and invited Kinhal and four other candidates for an interview. In an hour-and-a-half session, the board

asked candidates to discuss the district’s biggest challenges and areas in need of improvement, analyze the district’s current equity policies and share why they wanted to be a board member. Kinhal is the senior manager of early childhood and elementary literacy at the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) Foundation, one of the country’s largest public charter schools. Kinhal brings 15 years of experience in education, eight of which were spent teaching in New York City public schools. Apart from her career, Kinhal serves on the Parent Advisory Council of the Day Nursery in Oak Park. She is also a mother of two young girls, and her family has lived in the community for two years. “I am proud to be part of the Oak Park community and to have the opportunity to serve and support one of its most vital institutions,” Kinhal said in the emailed statement. “District 97 is facing a number of challenges and important decisions, including the ongoing pandemic and the search for the next superintendent. I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members, the administration, and our entire district community to tackle these important issues and achieve our ultimate goal of creating safe and equitable learning environments for all students.”

Shyla Kinhal

Those who stepped forward The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board of Education recently interviewed five candidates for an open seat on the board. The position became vacant after newly elected board member Jeremy Duffy resigned in August to take on a legal officer role at the Illinois State Board of Education. Officials spoke to board hopefuls Brian Hoppe, Kerri Joy, Shyla Kinhal, Jennifer Kovar and Gabriel Salazar and inquired about their experiences with and knowledge of the district. For over an hour, on Zoom, they asked candidates to list the issues the district is facing today, describe their ideal, permanent superintendent, and define equity. Kinhal was eventually chosen (see story above). A majority of the candidates ranked COVID-19 as the district’s biggest problem and top priority. One by one, they shared how the pandemic lifted the veil on the district’s challenges. From tackling remote learning to refocusing on students’ mental health, these were mat-

ters D97 would need to revisit time and time again, as the pandemic continues. Kovar, who ran for a seat on the District 97 school board this April and a longtime educator who teaches in nearby Riverside, explained that the equity gap “has to be at the forefront of everything we’re doing in the district,” and faculty, staff and the new superintendent should be “fully invested” in expanding its equity policies. The district’s new superintendent should also be willing to partner with leaders from Oak Park, as well as offer a seat at the table for students to exercise their voices, she said. On the topic of equity, the candidates offered insight and ideas on how D97 could tackle the layered issue. They discussed tailoring curricula to fit students’ needs, being conscientious about students’ learning abilities and analyzing school data to pinpoint areas of improvement, as well as creating a solid, dignified plan. “Equity is achieved when all students

receive the resources they need at both individual levels and community levels, so that they can graduate and be prepared for success in our ever-changing climate and community,” said Hoppe, who believed his career in civil litigation is a strong asset, said the board must look at its remote learning, especially for quarantined students. Online learning will continue as long as the pandemic persists, and the practice may need to be revamped once more. “One of the main challenges that face the board in the coming months is how do you provide a good virtual option, as well as in-person, in that hybrid nature, and what does that look like?” he said, noting board members and district officials should look at what other schools in nearby communities are doing and perhaps, learn from them. For Salazar, equity is about making sure students’ needs are being met without “putting them into certain boxes.” “We need to make sure that we’re on the right track to make sure that our stu-

dents really do have the opportunity to fulfill their goals and to be good citizens for our community,” said Salazar, a father whose career was built on his military service. Joy echoed Hoppe and Salazar, adding that the district must also ensure that faculty, staff, students and families are having hard conversations about race and equity, as well as training on implicit bias. “I think in order for us to get to a place where we’re actually eliminating things like discipline being disproportionately handled, we probably need to address what our implicit biases are, and we all have them,” said Joy, whose corporate work centers on learning and development. “Every single one of us, including those of us who are Black and brown and minorities have them. They exist.” Joy said the district’s mission to promote equity is a kind of work that should be consistent and ongoing in order to ensure its success.

F. Amanda Tugade

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Bikeways project, when OK’d, will start near OPRF

Village board sends plan back to transportation commission By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Bicycle boulevards, Greenways, whatever – the plan to have a network of streets made safer for pedestrians and cyclists has once again become a major topic of conversation for the Oak Park Village Board. The Greenways Plan was the star of the village board’s Oct. 4 meeting, during the board’s overview of the recommended capital improvement plan (CIP). In Trustee Susan Buchanan’s absence, board members shared lots of opinions on the plan – from its funding, to its end goal and whether the Transportation Commission should get another crack at it. “Bike lanes in our community take away parking, so we have to keep that in the back of our minds,” said Public Works Director John Wielebnicki. The recommended CIP designated $165,000 from the sustainability fund and $35,000 from the main CIP fund to construct bicycle lanes, the first improvements to create a network of 18 streets in Oak Park, with the village implementing the entire plan in sections based on priority. Costs include paint, signage and striping. The first area set to get the better bicycle treatment is near Oak Park and River Forest High School, as many students ride bikes to and from school. That first leg of the project will be implemented at Ontario Street from Kenilworth Avenue to Scoville Avenue, then Scoville Avenue to Lake

Street to Chicago Avenue, according to Village Engineer Bill McKenna. “That’s what that $200,000 budget amount represents,” said McKenna. McKenna told the village board that staff first established a bike plan in 2008 that identified a bike boulevard network throughout the village. That original plan, which did not include designated bike lanes, was supplemented by the Greenways Plan in 2014. The identified street networks consist of mostly residential streets with relatively low volumes of auto traffic to promote bike traffic. The proposed network of streets had a lot of options for improvements that were studied, resulting in a wide price range for implementing the whole 18-mile network, varying from about $750,000 to about $3.5 million, according to McKenna. Echoing Wielebnicki, McKenna warned that protected bicycle lanes will limit parking. “We just don’t have wide enough streets throughout town to allow for a bike lane, traffic lanes and on-street parking,” said McKenna. Village staff recommended sending the bike plan back to the Transportation Commission for further review on the parking situation. The Transportation Commission would also be prevailed upon to identify where to implement the second tier of the project, which McKenna believes would be built in 2023. Having recently joined the board and as such not been involved in the numerous discussions about bicycle boulevards and the Greenways Plan that have taken place over several years, Trustee Lucia Robinson found the purpose of the project unclear. “Are we trying to reduce vehicular bi-

cycle accidents? Are we trying to just establish these streets, these thoroughfares with bike lanes?” Robinson asked. Robinson was curious to know if the village had given any consideration to whether the Greenways program would enhance bike safety by reducing the number of bike accidents. “It seems to me that those dollars are better spent with that goal in mind,” she said. “So, if that could be woven into this, then I have a greater level of comfort in sending this back to the Transportation Commission.” Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla asked the village to reframe, from a policy perspective, what the village board and staff define as critical, core infrastructure. Mentioning something called a “vision zero plan,” which is meant to reduce bicycle and pedestrian accidents to zero for an entire year, Walker-Peddakotla felt Oak Park should think about its roadways as complete streets. Not from a vehicle first perspective. “Complete streets are streets that are thought holistically about, that are designed to be safe and accessible for pedestrians, for bicyclists, for people who need adapted infrastructure,” said Walker-Peddakotla, adding that complete streets also considered public transportation and accessibility, as well as vehicles. The concept of a complete street was taken into account in the Greenways Plan, according to Walker-Peddakotla. For this reason, she asked the board to consider bumping up the project’s priority rating in the CIP. The Greenways Plan, under the name “Bicycle Boulevards” in the CIP, is currently rated “D.”

“I would ask that we up that priority rating so that it falls under the core infrastructure rating of ‘A’ and ‘B,’ so that we are thinking of bike and pedestrian safety,” said Walker-Peddakotla. “I agree with sending it back to the Transportation Commission.” Believing parking an issue of equity, Trustee Ravi Parakkat cautioned the board to strike a balance between removing parking and creating bike lanes. “I agree with that, which is why I think the Transportation Commission can do that hard thinking for us,” said WalkerPeddakotla, with a laugh. The board agreed to send the plan back to the Transportation Commission for further review. While advocating for the Greenways project, some trustees have expressed displeasure that village staff recommended using the sustainability fund to pay for it. Instead, they believe the village should use the main CIP fund to cover project costs, considering it a matter of transportation rather than sustainability. Sustainability funds, they believe, should be used on strictly environmental initiatives. Village President Vicki Scaman felt otherwise as the sustainability fund, with some money from the main CIP fund, could cover this year’s costs. In future years, the main CIP fund will handle the rest of the Greenways costs. Scaman was unable to sway the board, which preferred to take $200,000 total out of the main CIP fund for the project, foregoing the plan to use the sustainability fund. The village board will vote to accept the entire CIP plan Oct. 18.

Concordia lags on vaccinations as other schools hit targets Just 42% of Concordia students are vaccinated

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Editor’s note: This story will continue to be updated online as new numbers are received. Over a month has passed since Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide vaccine mandate for school employees, forcing education leaders to act quickly and roll out plans to collect vaccine records and host weekly COVID-19 testing. They also boosted their efforts to educate workers on the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine and drew a list of disciplinary actions for those who do not comply with the mandate, which includes possible termination. So, how do Oak Park and River Forest schools hold up?

As of Sept. 30, 90% of Oak Park and River Forest High School employees and 80% of students are fully vaccinated, according to the school’s COVID-19 dashboard. Unlike OPRF employees, students can still voluntarily submit proof of full vaccination. The high school, which is home to more than 500 employees and approximately 3,370 students, first sought a 70% vaccination rate, but that overall target goal has since changed because of the highly contagious Delta variant. “According to our most recent guidance, we should aim for a fully vaccinated rate of close to 90% or higher,” the school stated on its website. At Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 91% of its 900-plus staff are fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, said Amanda Siegfried, senior director of com-

munications. Meanwhile in River Forest, 97.2% of District 90 employees (approximately 213 out of 219 workers) are fully vaccinated, according to school data. Two of the remaining six school workers have already received the first dose of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccine, while the remaining four employees are authorized for religious or medical exemptions, Dawn Simmons, communications and community outreach coordinator, previously told Wednesday Journal. Aside from school employees, Pritzker’s order also applies to college students, and Concordia University Chicago in River Forest is struggling to keep up with surrounding schools, including nearby Dominican University, which have now reached or surpassed that 90% benchmark. Concordia reported that 42% of students and 83% of employees are fully vaccinated.

In an emailed statement to Wednesday Journal, the university “expect[s] the numbers above to increase as students and employees continue to take part in our oncampus vaccination clinics,” wrote Eric Matanyi, associate vice president for communications and marketing. Unlike Dominican University, Concordia officials did not require faculty, staff and students to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus. DU reported Sept. 30 that 100% of on-campus students and 97% of employees are in compliance with the state mandate. Jessica Mackinnon, Dominican’s director of public information, explained that those percentages reflect the students and fulltime employees, which include part-time adSee VACCINATIONS on page 16

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Oak Park library hires first equity director Stephen Jackson to start as library’s director of equity and anti-racism on Oct. 11

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

The Oak Park Public Library has hired its first director of equity and anti-racism. Stephen Jackson, the library’s manager of teen services, will start in his new position on Oct. 11, library officials announced in a statement Sept. 29. “We are thrilled to welcome Stephen to this new role,” said David J. Seleb, Oak Park Public Library’s executive director. “His focus on building relationships, his commitment to serving the community, and his love of public libraries as hubs of learning and connection make him the ideal candidate.” The library posted the opening for an equity and anti-racism director back in June. The library board approved an Anti-Racism Strategic Plan in March. Jackson’s position is part of the library’s leadership team and he’ll work directly under Seleb and in collaboration with the library’s other directors. “Together, the team will work to improve the library’s public service and staff relationships by ensuring policies and practices are equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist,” according to the library’s statement. “The Di-

Courtesy Oak Park Library

Stephen Jackson rector of Equity and Anti-Racism also will help to train library staff on topics such as anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and restorative practices.” The position comes with a starting sal-

ary ranging from $82,000 to $96,000. Seleb said in July that the position will be funded through the library’s general fund. Jackson has been at the library for more than five years “engaging marginalized and

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vulnerable populations,” including teens and individuals experiencing various crises such as homelessness, library officials said. He will work with the library’s leadership team to help find a new teen services manager, they added. “I love motivating others, building consensus, supporting open communication, and working hard to create environments that are supportive for all,” Jackson said. “It is an honor to join the leadership team here at the Oak Park Public Library. I look forward to adding value to the library’s journey to becoming an antiracist and equitable organization.” Jackson has a master’s of science degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s of arts degree in behavioral sciences from National Louis University. A trained restorative practitioner, he sits on the board or volunteers for a range of local organizations, including the library’s Anti-Racism Advisory Team, the Equity Team of Oak Park, and the Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Culture Climate and Behavior Committee, among others, library officials said.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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C R I M E

Man charged in Roosevelt Road funeral incident A 19-year-old man from Indiana has been charged with aggravated assault of a police officer for reportedly trying to hit the officer with his car and avoiding questioning during a gang-related funeral procession late last month on Roosevelt Road. Marquan Dunbar of the 300 block of 49th St. in Gary, Ind., was driving east in the funeral procession through Oak Park on Sept. 23, when an officer from a neighboring community reported seeing an individual waving a handgun out of the passenger-side window, according to the village of Oak Park. When Oak Park police officers attempted to stop the vehicle near Clarence Avenue, police said Dunbar accelerated toward an officer. The officer fired once into the vehicle, before Dunbar fled. Hit in the left shoulder by a single gunshot, the village of Oak Park reported that Dunbar transported himself to Southlake Methodist Hospital in Merrillville, Ind., for treatment. The officer who fired the shot is currently on administrative leave. Merrillville police took Dunbar into custody and booked him into county jail in Indiana’s Lake County. The village of Oak Park reports that Dunbar later signed a waiver of extradition and was transferred to Oak Park for processing. “The vehicle investigators say was used in the incident, a 2009 Black Dodge Journey with Indiana license plates, was located near Dunbar’s home. After obtaining a search warrant, the vehicle was towed to Oak Park where it was processed by the Illinois State Police Integrity Task

Force,” the village’s news release reads. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office approved one charge of aggravated assault to a police officer, which is a Class 4 felony, according to the village. Dunbar’s next court date is Oct. 5. He is currently being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Dunbar, if convicted, could face up to three years in prison and a fine worth $25,000.

in cash and credit cards – from a table near the home’s front entryway before he fled out the front door at 3:42 p.m., Sept. 30 in the first block of Pleasant Street. The offender was last seen traveling northbound on foot in the 100 block of South Humphrey Avenue. The purse was later recovered on a front porch in the 200 block of Superior Street.

Battery

■ Someone removed the front license plate of a 2019 brown Subaru parked in the 300 block of South East Avenue between 8:30 a.m., Sept. 24 and 1 p.m., Sept. 29. ■ An unattended blue Trek men’s bicycle was taken from a bike rack in the 800 block of Lake Street between 3:40 p.m. and 4:40 p.m., Sept. 29. The estimated loss is $480. ■ The rear license plate was taken off a red 2008 Honda Accord parked in the 1100 block of South East Avenue between noon and 6:15 p.m., Sept. 29.

While exiting the station’s elevator, a CTA employee was groped in the genital area by a man entering the elevator. As the victim began to scream and run, the man punched the victim in the chest but fled down the platform and into the train yard after the victim struck him in the face with a set of keys at 2:26 a.m., Sept. 28 at the CTA train station at 1116 South Boulevard.

Burglary ■ Someone broke into a house either through an unlocked patio door or a broken rear door and took a 50-inch black Toshiba television from the basement between 3:30 p.m. and 10:56 p.m., Sept. 28 in the 900 block of Fair Oaks Avenue. The estimated loss is $150. ■ A victim observed a man climbing into her home through a broken bathroom window and watched as the man took a brown Coach purse – containing a Samsung cell phone, $80

Theft

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Sept. 28 through Oct. 1 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Kids rave as Rehm playground reopens $1 million reimagining a hit with parents and kids By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

It’s safe to say the playground at Rehm Park was worth the wait. Since it opened, kids have been flocking to the newly renovated playground, with parents and caregivers delighting in its improved accessibility and visibility. “We’ve been here the whole week, every morning,” said LaTierra Jackson, who nannies two little boys. “This playground is amazing.” Jackson and her charges were among 50 or so others at the Rehm playground when Wednesday Journal stopped by Oct. 1. While almost everyone was wearing masks, the facial coverings did little to muffle the many shrieks of joy and laughter from the children at play. The Park District of Oak Park is thrilled with the community’s response to the playground. Chris Lindgren, superintendent of parks and planning, told Wednesday Journal the park district has received countless emails and messages from happy community members. The park district opened the playground at East Avenue and Lexington Street to the public during Rehm Park’s “Fall Fest” on Sept. 26. While families got to pick pumpkins and take part in other fun autumnal activities, the playground was the main attraction.

“We were taking the fence down, and people were coming in as if it was a tourist attraction,” said Lindgren. Boasting more than just a slide and monkey bars, the park district designed the playground with inclusivity and childhood development in mind. One of the features to receive much praise from the community is the playground’s “we-go-round,” which is a type of merry-go-round accessible for all, including children in wheelchairs and people who use walkers or canes. “It’s flat to the ground, so they can just simply get on and enjoy that space,” said Ann Marie Buczek, the park district’s communication manager. The playground has zip lines with special seats for those without the ability to use traditional ziplines, which are also available to kids at the playground. Having both zipline formats allows kids to play together, regardless of differing physical capabilities. “I just think it’s really great,” said Lisa Hyatt of the accessibility features, while her two children ran around the playground. Hyatt’s daughter Virginia shared that her mother’s appreciation for the accessible equipment. The 4-year-old described the experience of playing at the new playground as “really good” and said the “we-go-round” was her favorite piece of equipment. Beyond all of its cool playthings, the park itself is also rather beautiful. Large trees provide shade from the sun, creating an environment that feels removed from the playground’s bustling suburban location. “I like that the trees are overlapping with the playground,” Jackson said. “It just

Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer

Jonathan Renkosiak, 5, of Chicago. looks beautiful – the colors, everything. It’s a nice little spot.” The playground even has two separate nature play areas with logs, boulders and mulch to provide greater sensory experiences for children. “There’s more of a specific natural element that provides a different play atmosphere and also offers different sensory items, so [kids] can touch and feel the bark of the logs and play in the mulch,” said Lindgren. The new playground cost about $1 million, covered in part by a $400,000 grant awarded to the park district by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The remaining costs came out of the park district’s capital improvement fund. The playground took about six months to build. Work began April 1 with the disassembly of the old playground equipment,

which the district donated to Kids Around the World, a faith-based non-profit out of Rockford. The only thing that remains from the old Rehm playground are the beloved trains, which are operated by park district staff. Currently, the trains only run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays because the park district does not have enough staff to run the trains more regularly. “We’re struggling like everyone else to fill a number of positions like that, where there are only a couple of two to three-hour shifts,” said Lindgren. “It makes it really difficult to staff it, but we do recognize [the trains] are popular.” Not being able to go on the trains didn’t prevent Virginia Hyatt from having fun at Rehm. Holding up both hands for emphasis, the 4-year-old gave the new playground 10 figurative stars.

Trick or treat!

Oak Park and River Forest set special hours for candy collecting By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer

Ginny Hyatt, 4, of Forest Park.

Listen up, trick-or-treaters! The time has come to develop your strategy to get the best and most out of the Halloween holiday. Before establishing your route, consider establishing your timeline first, as River Forest and Oak Park have designated different trick-or-treating hours for Oct. 31, which falls on a Sun-

day this year. Candy collectors should plan to go to Oak Park first, where trick-or-treating begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. Once your costumed coven of trickor-treaters has exhausted the candy offerings of Oak Park, head over to the Village of River Forest, where trick-ortreating will be taking place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nothing is scarier than getting sick, so the village of River Forest asks that trick-or-treaters make sure to maintain social distancing and wear masks – both the scary kind and the healthy kind -regardless of vaccination status. Also, keep that hand sanitizer at the ready!

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Township picks new clerk with focus on transparency Burtin-Cox has worked in city, state government

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

DATOYA BURTIN-COX

The Oak Park Township Board of Trustees has appointed DaToya Burtin-Cox to the role of township clerk. Burtin-Cox is stepping into the role following the death of long-time township clerk Greg White who had served as township clerk since 1997. White died in July after a short illness. Burtin-Cox was chosen from a pool of applicants. She told Wednesday Journal her decision to apply was rooted in the principle that citizens should play an active role in the community in which they live. “We completely believe that when you become a

part of the community, you should participate in that community,” said Burtin-Cox of a view she shares with her husband. From a personal standpoint, the mission of the township resonates with Burtin-Cox. The township provides social services and programming for Oak Park residents of all ages and capabilities. “The position that the township takes, I saw it as the compassionate portion of the village,” said Burtin-Cox. “It works to ensure a lifestyle for its residents, especially those that are elderly or disabled, or young – those people that really don’t have a voice.” The township, Burtin-Cox said, allows those voices to be heard and appreciated.

Gay pride parade comes to River Forest via Urban Village Church Family-friendly event ends on church lawn By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Drag artist CoCo Sho-Nell looked gorgeous in his shimmering, multicolored sequined gown. He was the featured guest at a family-friendly story time on the lawn of the Urban Village Church (UVC) and the River Forest United Methodist Church (RFUMC) last Sunday following its Family Pride Parade. Being part of an event supporting LBGTQ+ people and sponsored by a mainline church meant a lot to him, because when he came out as a gay man many years ago at the age of 19, he was accepted at neither the Catholic church nor the Baptist congregation which his parents attended. The event in which CoCo had a major role was planned by the Urban Village Church which has been ministering at the corner of Lake and Keystone for about year. UVC is one faith community with five sites in the Chicagoland area. Holly Katz, a UVC member for 11 years, said, “I began to have visions of a Family Pride Parade taking place in River Forest simultaneously with the big one in the city.

When the Chicago Pride Parade ended up getting cancelled, it became a no-brainer.” “One of our core values as a church,” she said, “is to be inclusive, meaning whether you are gay or straight, cis-gender or transgender, you are welcome and loved and valued in our community.” More than 50 adults and children plus one dog marched the one mile route in the neighborhood around the church waving rainbow flags, carry LBGTQ+ affirming posters and making “music” with hand held noise makers. Judy Sora came from Korea to the U.S. in 1966 at the age of 23. She was very aware of being “different” so she was surprised when the pastor of RFUMC came to visit her in her home. She visited the church the next Sunday just to show respect to the pastor for his visit. Being welcomed like that motivated her to both join the congregation decades ago and also adapt to the many changes her faith community has gone through. She did not bat an eye, therefore, at seeing a drag queen telling stories on her church lawn.

She brings her legal background to the role of clerk. Burtin-Cox currently serves as the Pro-Bono Network’s assistant program director, placing great emphasis on equity and inclusion programming. She previously worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and the City of Chicago. In addition to keeping minutes during township board meetings, the clerk’s responsibilities include being the custodian of township records and serving as the township’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer. Burtin-Cox said she is excited to take on such an important role. “I think the innerworkings of the governmental bodies of Oak Park should be made apparent to the public,” said Burtin-Cox. “That’s my job.”

VILLAGE MANAGER

the employee survey. “Stakeholders should expect to see themes from feedback sessions reflected within the position announcement and recruitment brochure and also incorporated from page 1 into interview questions throughout the recruitment process,” said Tchang. profit communities, according to Tchang. As such, the open village manager listThe village has also planned commu- ing hasn’t hit the job boards yet. But it nity-wide events, one of which will be could soon. The village is in the process of in-person to allow people unfamiliar with scheduling a meeting of the board’s Pertechnology an opportunity to provide feed- sonnel Committee to approve the job anback. The in-person meeting is scheduled nouncement. Tchang believes the meeting for Saturday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. in will likely be held the week of the main branch of the Oak Oct. 18. Park Public Library, 834 Lake Interim Village Manager Lisa St. A virtual community forum Shelley, who has no involveis also being held for those unment in the recruitment procomfortable with an in-person cess, told Wednesday Journal meeting during the pandemic. she has not yet decided whether “We certainly are hoping to throw her hat in the ring and that those in the community apply to continue the job perwho are interested in providmanently. ing feedback are able to attend Tchang kept it diplomatic LISA SHELLEY either,” said Tchang. when asked if she hoped ShelInterim manager The virtual forum will be ley would submit herself for held over Zoom at 6:30 p.m., Oct. consideration. 12. The link to the meeting is provided on “I think that everyone who is qualified the village’s website under its dedicated and interested in serving as the village village manager search page. manager of Oak Park is strongly encour“There’s a ton of good information on aged to apply,” she said. “The village board there, and you’ll be able to continue to keep would love to see a diverse pool of highly an eye on where the recruitment is at any qualified candidates – and that would inpoint in time,” said Tchang. clude internal candidates, external candiThe village manager search page in- dates, everyone.” cludes a link to a survey for residents, as While the personnel committee has the well as weekly updates on GovHR’s prog- authority to approve the job announceress and the status of recruitment. The ment without having to get the OK from first update, released Oct. 1, reports that 69 the village board, the full village board residents have taken the community sur- makes the final decision as to whom will vey, while 33 members of staff have taken assume the position.

Public input Saturday

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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KULTBANOUT

dynamic – that just watching the video clips, you see that. And it speaks to our generation and what we think of as cool and [exciting].” Apart from creating content for his YouTube channel, Kult-Banout has also focused on building his photography portfolio. He refrom page 1 cently scored an opportunity to photograph of random facial hair are noticeable. They former presidential and mayoral candidate Andrew Yang on the campaign trail for New look super bad.” With close-ups like those, it’s hard to imag- York mayor last summer in New York City. Kult-Banout said he mostly finds work ine Kult-Banout as an introvert, someone who needed time and practice to get comfort- through social media, cold-calling potential clients and just applying. With Yang’s camable in front of the camera. “It’s really interesting. In some of those paign, Kult-Banout said he sent “out a lot of initial videos, I just noticed,” said Kult- emails” and even made a video proposal to Banout, a junior at Oak Park and River For- “stand out a little bit more.” “It was a lot of just waiting and being perest High School, how uneasy he was recordsistent, and there was a month, I think, there ing himself at first. “I don’t know was just radio silence,” Kultif it was maybe a lack of selfBanout said. “I was like, ‘OK,’ I confidence and also caring what just moved on. ‘It is what it is.’ other people think. There’s video And, then I don’t know, someclips of me just vlogging super how I got an email [from Yang’s awkwardly in public.” team].” Kult-Banout said he picked up On Kult-Banout’s Instagram his mother’s old camera almost account, there are photos of Yang five years ago and played around in a crisp collared shirt and dark with it. He started taking picsuit, surrounded by people of diftures, first of his little brother, ferent ages or amidst the chaos and messing with the camera settings. He became curious – even LUCAS KULT-BANOUT of media photographers. And, when Kult-Banout thought about obsessed – with using the camera that experience, he summed it up to unlock creative possibilities simply: “It was a crazy, new experience to and learn about the world around him. “That initial phase was just experiment- me, and everything was new to me. Everying and having fun and was really important thing was a learning process [like] how to as a foundation – just falling in love with tak- take the subway – which I failed at a couple of times – and how there’s a learning curve ing photos,” he said. From there, Kult-Banout continued to ex- on the photography side of things, too, [and] plore. He began filming himself at home, how to get the shot.” As Kult-Banout spoke more about his cretalking about photography, and uploaded them to YouTube. He created videos, offer- ative work, he also talked about his growing quick-fire photo and video hacks, listing visibility on social media. He has found ing budget-friendly equipment and walking more and more people recognizing him, esthrough his own creative process. But some- pecially around the school and community. “It’s really weird,” he said, laughing. “This where down the line, Kult-Banout said he is all very recent from making that one vidsought to take a step further. He enjoyed watching other creatives on eo. Like it would happen before, but in a social media who filmed moments of their much smaller circle of people that I knew.” In his everyday life, Kult-Banout said he lives and felt inspired to do the same. The likes to run, read and do normal things like choice became clear to Kult-Banout: He every other teen. In September, he dropped wanted to go for it. That kind of attitude and mentality is im- another video, advocating taking breaks portant, especially for creatives. Last month, from social media and less screen time. In Kult-Banout released a video titled, “A Day that video, he remained candid about the in the Life at an American Public High constant pressure to create, to do, to post and School.” That video was Kult-Banout’s first to be, all of which takes the joy out of living. For Kult-Banout, his work is part of an viral video, garnering over 5,400 views on expression, and he is determined to keep it YouTube. Like his homecoming video, KultBanout captured his school day from start to that way. “Just go for it,” Kult-Banout said as a piece finish. of advice for anyone else who might be inFrom eating breakfast to racing to class and hanging out with friends during lunch, terested in being a content creator. “... Don’t Kult-Banout packed his long day into an overthink it. Have fun with it. Go for it and 11-minute video. There are moments weaved include your friends in the process. That’s throughout the video showing teens being always fun. Just chase whatever dreams or teens. Like when Kult-Banout’s friends make goals you have.”

A day in the life

fun of the music blaring from the PA system during passing periods, or when other KultBanout’s classmates ask him if his video will be featured on YouTube, shout out their own social media accounts or pose for the camera. “I enjoyed the fun, spontaneous interactions I had with people while doing that. People react in a really funny way,” he said. “When they see a camera, they get excited and so hyped up, and I think that’s really fun,

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Trustee commission liaison role hot topic for Oak Park board The line between liaisons and influencers

By STACEY SHERIDAN

liaison. “When is it stepping over the other person’s toes versus keeping that line of communication intact with a level of integrity?” he asked. “So that we’re efficient as an In the village of Oak Park’s first meeting of the “Reentity.” inventing Government Committee” in three years, the Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla thought Parakkat village board spent a significant part of its discussion of posed an “important” question considering that trustees citizen commissions entertaining Trustee Ravi Parakdo not choose the commission to which they are assigned kat’s untraditional take on the role trustees should play as liaison. in guiding commission operations. That back-and-forth With a diplomatic preamble about relationship buildaccounted for nearly one half of the two-hour meeting ing and navigating potentially difficult conversations, Sept. 28. Scaman told Parakkat that trustees should not be actively The discussion began with Village President Vicki participating in any commission meeting. Scaman explaining that Oak Park’s citizen commissions “They should be letting the members of serve to provide advice and recommendathe commission do the work,” she said. tions to the village board, with a village If a trustee has a passionate point of trustee serving as a liaison to each commisview about an issue considered by a comsion. mission, the appropriate place for sharing The trustee liaison is meant to work that point of view is at the board table or with the commission chair to ensure that between trustees but in line with the Open the village board’s goals are adequately Meetings Act, according to Scaman. incorporated into the commission’s work Trustee Susan Buchanan then hopped in plan, which the commission creates but the to add that the board ultimately votes on evvillage board approves annually. Scaman ery item that passes through each commissought to make it “very clear” that the sion, which allows each trustee a chance to trustee liaison was not to sway the commisshare individual perspectives. sion’s decision making. “Even if you think a commission is going “The involvement is not as an additional in the wrong direction, you don’t get to member of the commission,” Scaman said direct them because we work as a majority of the trustee liaison role. rule,” she said. “You don’t really have that This limitation left Parakkat, who previVICKI SCAMAN power.” ously sat on a citizen commission, markedly Village President In response, Parakkat told Buchanan that unsatisfied. His frustration was made all the was not the point he was trying to make. To more apparent by his follow up question of better elucidate his thoughts, he provided whether trustees were allowed to “influence the example of the Building Codes Advisothe commission’s agenda.” ry Commission, stating he was the trustee In response, Scaman told him that such liaison to that commission and Buchanan, hypothetically, behavior can intimidate commissioners into not sharing was a trustee very interested in building codes. their honest opinions. Parakkat concluded his hypothetical with a series of “There might be someone on that commission who isn’t sharing their opinion because it might be in opposition to questions including, “What is the appropriate communication?” and, “What is the communication to the commisyours,” she said. sion?” as well as, “When does it get to the board?” This explanation did little to assuage Parakkat’s “I’m trying to figure out how much importance we are confusion. After telling Scaman she misunderstood his placing on those structures,” Parakkat told the board. question, the rookie trustee asked if village trustees can “Let’s decide that together now.” interject in commission meetings to share a certain point Trustee Chibuike Enyia, who Scaman noted had been of view, provided they are not that commission’s trustee Staff Reporter

“Even if you think a commission is going in the wrong direction, you don’t get to direct them because you don’t really have that power.”

VACCINATIONS

Concordia students lag from page 8 junct faculty, who are either fully vaccinated or have been authorized for exemptions and report weekly for COVID-19 testing. She shared further that 100% of DU’s 2,302 students “who are subject to our vaccination policy (taking in-person or hybrid classes on campus)” are following

the state’s vaccine mandate. Eighty-six students and seven employees have approved exemptions and get tested for COVID regularly, said Mackinnon. Mackinnon said DU continues to encourage employees to upload their vaccination records by Oct. 22, “after which employees may be subject to dismissal without pay.” Back at Concordia, Matanyi said the university has encouraged staff and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine since they became available earlier this year. Matanyi noted that Concordia has initiated a gradual disciplinary process for their students and

RAVI PARAKKAT

VICKI SCAMAN

waiting a considerable amount of time to speak, asked Parakkat whether he had encountered a situation recently wherein a trustee was not able to share an opinion during a commission meeting. “Is this just something you’re thinking might be a future bump in the road?” Enyia asked. Parakkat told Enyia he posed his questions because he could see something like that happening in the future, based on what he was noticing at present “in terms of how the structures are playing out.” “I would rather preempt that conversation rather than react to it,” Parakkat said. Parakkat then returned to his building codes commission example, stating there was a “correlation” between it and the Energy and Environmental Commission (EEC), on which Parakkat previously served as commissioner. “The lines get blurred,” Parakkat said. “Let’s define it efficiently.” As Buchanan acts as the trustee liaison to the EEC, Scaman told Parakkat it was “reasonable” that Buchanan would be very interested in the building codes commission, which, again, does not exist. “Likewise, we have commissions that would really like to work together and collaborate on initiatives as well,” said Scaman, who agreed that they could work to define relationships more clearly. She then returned to the responsibilities of the trustee liaison, stating that trustee liaisons typically attend roughly one to four meetings of their commission per year. She stated that the board could discuss how often trustee liaisons should go to their respective commission meetings but noted that the trustee liaison runs the risk of making the chair “feel potentially overpowered by an elected official in the room” if they go too often. “Go ahead and let that chair do their job,” the village president said. At an as yet undetermined date, the village board will return in its capacity as the “Reinventing Government Committee” to discuss citizen commissions further.

employees who do not comply with the state mandate “but are only sharing the specific details with those individuals.” “We trust the science related to the vaccine but also respect each individual’s right to make the best personal choice for themself,” he wrote in an email. “CUC continues to host free vaccination clinics on campus, making vaccines readily available to those who wish to receive them.” Since this spring, Concordia has held dozens of vaccination clinics, including three last month, and offers free COVID-19 vaccines for faculty, staff and students,

as well as their immediate families. The university plans to host another clinic from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 15. Clinics are firstcome, first-serve, and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.cuchicago.edu/general-information/ covid-19-information. “CUC remains dedicated to meeting the state’s mandate by providing robust, oncampus COVID testing for unvaccinated individuals,” Matanyi also wrote in an email, noting that Concordia’s COVID-19 positivity rate remains “exceptionally low.”

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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ART BEAT

Missing live theater at OPRF? Don’t miss ‘Miss Holmes’ By DOUG DEUCHLER

Theater Critic

espite some pandemic restrictions, live theater is returning to Oak Park and River Forest High School at last. Miss Holmes has two more performances remaining this weekend in the Little Theater. I have long admired our community’s support of the high school theater program. Long after their students have graduated, parents often continue attending OPRF shows, especially the big spring musicals. I know people have really missed the typically top-notch live student productions during the seemingly endless COVID era. Now they’re back, with pandemic restrictions carefully observed. Audience members are seated 3 feet apart. Masks covering both mouth and nose must be worn at all times. All the performers wear masks which, of course, prevent one from seeing the actors’ facial expressions. But each one has a microphone so none of the lines ever seem garbled or difficult to understand. The cast does a fine job with all of it. A talented, lively multiracial cast of 12 present a delightful take on the old Sherlock Holmes mysteries, titled Miss Holmes. The imaginative 2016 play ventures into genderbending territory while still being sensitive and respectful to the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), the British writer and physician who created Sher-

lock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Chicago actor and playwright Christopher M. Walsh wrote the smart two-act drama, a period piece set in late Victorian England. The plot centers on Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson, female versions of Doyle’s iconic detective and loyal friend. This wonderfully staged, fast-paced production is directed by James Bell. The actors deliver solid performances. Some of the ensemble, such as Wyllow Oladipo, even tackle multiple roles. In addition to the fine performances, there is glorious scenic design. Holmes’ cozy, cluttered parlor at 221B Baker Street, has red walls and a flickering fireplace. A foggy, gaslit street generates a striking, ominous image during several chases. The scenic artist is Charlotte Boultinghouse. The late 19th century was a time when society did not value women who were smart and brave. Both Holmes and Watson have to negotiate the tricky social and political realities of the 1890s. Though the play is set 125 years ago, some of the Victorian norms and limitations most women were forced to endure are still recognizable and not yet completely “history.” Hannah Zavalkoff gives a relentless and forceful performance as the cunning but frustrated Miss Sherlock Holmes. She seems to be constantly incarcerated for behavior considered not “respectable” for a lady. When we first encounter Miss Holmes, she sports a black eye from a fight in the asylum

where her brother has dumped her. Brigid Barrette plays Dr. Dorothy Watson, a spirited rebel who is struggling to make a difference in the only hospital in London that will hire female doctors. When we first meet her, she is dressed in a blood-spattered apron. She is loyal but often perplexed by her companion. She is more than just a loyal sidekick, serving as a vital buffer between Sherlock and the rest of the world. Sherlock often comes to the assistance of endangered women, such as newlywed Lizzie Chapman, played by Leah Gerut, third wife of menacing, high-ranking Scotland Yard investigator Thomas Chapman (Georgia Gutierrez), whose previous spouses died mysteriously. Holmes and Watson, a dynamic pair, emerge immediately as a tribute to every capable woman’s battle against oppression and sexism. Though there are many light moments, both actresses give the characters dignity and intelligence. There are plenty of twists and turns, in addition to feminist insights. The mystery keeps unraveling. This is not just some gimmicky spoof with women playing male characters but a

captivating story featuring women coping with a very male-dominated society. Sherlock’s overbearing older brother, Mycroft Holmes, played by Lowell Rindler, is often bailing out his sister while also trying to control her. Other cast members are Lee Chaoemtiarana, Alyssa Schulz, Gia Reed, Emery Brandhorst, Lizzie Phelan and Simone Arventis. Delia Ford is the fight choreographer, Greta Kirby the assistant director, and Lucy Mann the stage manager. Jeffrey Kelly designs the costumes, with Patt Cheney doing hair styles and make-up. Patrick Ziegler is the master electrician, Sam McDermont the sound designer, and the master carpenter is Jonny Hugh. Miss Holmes injects fresh life into Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic, beloved characters. The entire production is thoughtful and delightful. See “Miss Holmes,” Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8 and 9, 7 to 9 p.m., in the Little Theater at Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville. Tickets are $8; $6, students/ seniors. Tickets/more: oprfhs.ticketleap.com/ miss-holmes.

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ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR: Hannah Zavalkoff (center) plays the role of Miss Sherlock Holmes, backed by Brigid Barrette (left) as Dr. Dorothy Watson. Two performances remain this Friday and Saturday.

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Open House Chicago’s suburban side trip

Chicago Architecture Center’s event will include Oak Park, Austin sites By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

hen Open House Chicago returns for the weekend of Oct. 16-17, the Chicago Architecture Center will be devoting a weekend to showcasing the architectural wealth of Chicago for the 11th time. In 2020, the pandemic forced an entirely virtual format, in which visitors could use the OHC app to explore the exteriors of architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites and participate in self-guided tours or trails on certain themes.

Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave.

This year, the walk is back with a more in-person focus. While the app will still facilitate tours throughout the city and provide bonus information, many of the sites will be open for in-person access this year on Oct. 16 and 17. For the entire month of October, participants can use the OHC app to access the free, self-guided history and architecture tours throughout Chicago. Adam Rubin, director of interpretation for the CAC, says that the weekend is still a bit condensed from its peak of 2019 when roughly 250 sites were opened to the public. This year, the weekend focuses on about 100 sites, and Rubin says the pared down itinerary will help the average Chicagoan narrow down the number of sites to

PHOTOS BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS

visit more easily. “The sites will be open with site-dependent safety measures, and the OHC app will return with a few new trails and some new voices,” Rubin said. While the vast majority of sites are in the city itself, Rubin said Evanston and Oak Park both made the cut of nearby suburbs that deserved a presence. “Oak Park is always going to be a destination for Open House Chicago,” he said. “First of all, a lot of people from Chicago haven’t had the chance to visit Oak Park yet or they may be new to the city. Even if sites feel very See OPEN HOUSE on page 20

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPEN HOUSE Trail tours from page 19 familiar to someone from Oak Park, they are new to someone. “The draw of a very dense collection of Frank Lloyd Wright houses is always going to be there. Add in an amazing setting in which you can drink craft beer, and the fact that some people really want to visit religious institutions, and Oak Park has a little something of everything.” The official Oak Park sites on this year’s OHC are the West Suburban Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem Ave.; Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave.; One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St.; the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St.; the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave.; and First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N. Oak Park Ave. In Austin, sites include Austin Community Family Center, 501 N. Central Ave.; Kehrein Center for the Art, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.; and St. Martin Episcopal Church, 5710 W. Midway Park. Two of the OHC app’s trails, as the bonus self-guided tours are named, focus on Oak Park and the Austin community. Back for a second year is the “Frank Lloyd Wright: Portrait of a Young Architect” trail, which focuses on seven of Wright’s homes

designed in the early part of his career and life in Oak Park. In Austin, “The Grand Residences of Frederick R. Schock” will focus on that architect’s work in the community. CAC docent Karen Clapp narrates the tour with input from a few current owners of Schock houses. Rubin says those voices from the Austin community make the audio “feel more personal this year. Last year, we didn’t have the audio commentary, so this tells you more about what it’s like to live there.” He points out that the Oak Park and Austin trails dovetail nicely for someone looking to make a day of the West Side. “Both tours are telling a story about a rel-

PHOTOS BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park (top and above), 324 N. Oak Park Ave.

PHOTOS BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS

Nineteenth Century Club (top left and above), 178 Forest Ave.

ative narrow period in the architect’s life,” Rubin said. “There is a parallel element -both look at what kind of community each architect was trying to build. Someone visiting the area in one day would find them very complementary.” In addition to the local trails, Rubin highlights a few others that cover specific areas of interest in a city with much to discover. Rubin said that some of the trails expand the focus of OHC beyond traditional architecture to foster historical knowledge and multicultural awareness. A tour in Hyde Park will focus on sites where the Obamas lived and worked. A tour inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire will include sites that survived the fire to tell the story of the fire

and its impact. A tour focused on preservation in Chicago will cover a few local sites that are preservation success stories and some that are more precarious. Another tour will consider the stories of the Potawatomi tribe, through the eyes of visual artist Andrea Carlson, who examines public art works and the erasure of the Potawatomi from the city. An event with the scope of OHC tends to expand the Chicago Architecture Center’s audience, and Rubin states that at the end of the day, it is a civic event that helps grow people’s appreciation for the city they call home. “It builds an understanding of the city and its past while also helping a lot of people feel pride in the city of Chicago,” he said.

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

Saturday, October 9 • Sunday, October 10

CONDOS

ADDRESS

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

TIME

3330 S Grove Ave, 1S, Berwyn. . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $136,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 1-3 226 Oak Park Ave, 3N, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-2 320 S. Maple Ave, D, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$389,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 12-2 320 S. Maple Ave, C, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$435,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 12-2

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1020 Cedar Ct, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$565,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-2

ADDRESS

OFFICE

LISTING PRICE

TIME

944 N Euclid Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$749,900 . . . . . . . . Open Sun 11:30-1:30 428 S Grove Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 12-2 3139 Harvey Ave, Berwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$269,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3 828 N Marion St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Group/Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$475,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 2-4 1108 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$325,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sat 11-1 1108 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . BHHS Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$325,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Sun 1-3

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(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1.Publication Title: Wednesday Journal 2. Publication no.: USPS 0010-138 3. Date of filing: October 5, 2021 4. Frequency of issue: Weekly 5. No of issues published annually: 52 6. Annual subscription price: $43.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, Cook Co. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: (same) 9. Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and manager editor: Publisher: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 Editor: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 Managing Editor: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 10. The owner is: Growing Community Media 141 S Oak Park, Oak Park IL 60302 11. Known bondholders, mortagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None. 12. N/A 13. Publication name: Wednesday Journal 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 29, 2021 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4669 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 75 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3263 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 406 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3744 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 574 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 100 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 674 F. Total distribution: 4418 G. Copies not distributed: 251 H: Total: 4669 I. Percent paid: 84.74% 15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4324 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 83 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3311 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 415 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3809 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 216 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 100 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 316 F. Total distribution: 4125 G. Copies not distributed: 199 H: Total: 4324 I. Percent paid: 2.34% 16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 6, 2021 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager October 5, 2021

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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SPORTS Cobb throws 2 TDs, runs for another in Friar win over Marmion

Fenwick can become playoff eligible with win against St. Pat’s By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Both Fenwick High School football coach Matt Battaglia and quarterback Kaden Cobb compared the Friars’ game with Marmion Academy on Oct. 1 at Triton College to a heavyweight boxing bout. “They threw some big haymakers at us and punched us in the face. We had to respond at halftime,” Battaglia said after Fenwick’s 35-28 victory. “The team came out energized and played a really good half of football.” “It was way closer than we would have liked,” added Cobb, who completed 14-of-25 passes for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions passing, plus 65 yards and a touchdown rushing. “We had a lot of momentum in the first half then got hit in the face and didn’t react too well,” Cobb said. “But as soon as the second half came around, we did our jobs and came out with the win.”

PHOTOS BY ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Fenwick’s quarterback Kaden Cobb completed 14 of 25 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns during the Friars’ 3528 win over Marmion on Oct. 1 at Triton College. The Friars (4-2, 2-0) got off to an inauspicious start as Cobb was picked off by Marmion’s Joshua Lim, who reached the Fenwick 14 on the subsequent return. The Cadets (3-3, 0-2) cashed in as quarterback Daniel Chung scored on a three-

yard keeper five plays later for the early lead. However, the momentum swung back into Fenwick’s favor as the Friars scored touchdowns on their next three possessions -a 14-yard lateral run by Max Reese, a 62-yard reception by Reese

Fenwick’s defensive end Conor Stetz (Left, #54) and the rest of the Friars’ defense held Marmion scoreless in the second half, while the offense ground out a game-winning score. Above, center, wide receiver Bryan Hunt runs the ball. At right, wide receiver Max Reese caught four passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

OPRF, Fenwick golfers make cut for state finals Huskies boys save best performance for sectional

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys golf team saved its best performance for last on Oct. 4 at the IHSA Class 3A Lyons Township Sectional. Although they didn’t advance downstate as a team, the Huskies shot a season-best 299 while finishing fifth. Moreover, two individuals punched their tickets to The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington -- the site of the Class 3A state finals -- for Oct. 8 and 9. Senior Liam Spillane shot a 2-under 70, while senior Nathan Bibbey qualified in dramatic fashion. Needing a birdie on the 18th hole in order to force a playoff, he did so by tapping in a short putt to finish with a 2-over 74. Then, he clinched his spot with another birdie on the first playoff hole. It was the second time in less than a week that Bibbey had a thrilling ending to his round. At the Niles West Regional on Sept. 29, he tapped in a birdie on 18 to claim the regional title. “It was remarkable. The way Nathan won it was incredible,” said OPRF coach Bill Young of Bibbey’s regional effort. “He got (4 receptions, 103 yards; 2 TDs) and a 29-yard burst by Danny Kent (15 rushes, 85 yards) -- to take a 21-7 lead after the first quarter. Kent’s score was set up by an interception from Denium Juette, who also recorded a forced fumble. It looked like Fenwick was on its way to a rout, but on the first play of the second quarter, the Friars’ Martin Paris hit a sliding Chung in a helmet-to-helmet collision. Paris was ejected, and the play seemed to fire up Marmion as the Cadets embarked on a long scoring march, capped by Dane Partridge’s three-yard touchdown run. Fenwick briefly changed momentum back

off to a terrible start (+5 after the first three holes), but he shot a 32 on the back nine, including five birdies.” Senior Niko Haas just missed out on qualifying for state by one shot, posting a 75 in the sectional.

Trankina is grateful that Charlotte Bateman will return to lead the Friars next fall, considering there will be plenty of experienced players on hand, including sophomore Kathryn Sweeney, who finished seventh at the St. Ignatius Regional with a 90.

Fenwick girls advance sisters to state meet

Scudder heads downstate for Friar boys

Fenwick High School advanced two golfers to the IHSA Class 2A girls state finals Oct. 8 and 9 at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth from the Conant Sectional on Oct. 4. Senior Lillian Bateman’s 75 was good enough for second, while junior Charlotte Bateman (Lillian’s sister) also qualified with an 83. “They’ve both been consistently excellent,” said Fenwick coach Mike Trankina. “Lillian’s been our number one the whole season, and she’s been a rising star her entire four years. I know I can always count on her. And one thing that I was amazed with Charlotte today was that her score on the same course improved by over 40 strokes from two years ago.”

The Fenwick boys golf team placed fifth at the IHSA Class 2A Brother Rice Sectional Oct. 4 with a score of 322. Junior Nick Scudder shot a 75 and finished 10th overall, good enough to advance downstate. Classmate Jack Harrison narrowly missed as his score of 80 was two strokes short of the cut. On Sept. 29, Fenwick won the regional meet, also hosted by Brother Rice, with a team score of 317 strokes. Scudder won medalist honors with a round of 75, while Harrison and freshman Luke Cakuls tied for second with each shooting an 80. Sophomore Clarke Bennett also contributed to the Friars’ regional victory with a round of 82, good for fourth.

on the next drive as Cobb found a wide-open Bryan Hunt Jr. (5 receptions, 107 yards) for a 60-yard touchdown pass. “He’s been incredible,” said Cobb of the senior wide receiver. “He’s racked over 500 yards and has five touchdowns this season. He’s catching the ball when he needs to and he’s also blocking. Bryan’s going to get a lot more touches because he’s doing his job.” However, Iain Ramage’s extra point was missed, leaving the score 27-14. Marmion responded on its next possession with a nineyard touchdown run by Tyler Bradshaw, then after Alexander Valenzuela intercepted Cobb,

the Cadets took a 28-27 halftime lead when Jacob Botterini, from the wildcat formation, scored from three yards out. Partridge’s kickoff return to the Fenwick 35 starting the second half put Marmion in business. But once again, the pendulum swung towards the Friars as Suleiman Abuaqel sacked Chung on fourth down to give Fenwick the ball. “Last year, we were in the same predicament against them, and we lost,” Abuaqel said. “We all decided as a team that we were going to bring the energy up. It was a lot better in the second half.” Three plays later, Cobb found the house on a 48-yard keeper to give the Friars the lead for good. Kent’s two-point conversion made the score 35-28. Fenwick’s defense forced punts on the next two drives, but the offense couldn’t take advantage. Early in the fourth, Marmion turned it over on downs. Then the Friars went on a 16-play, 59-yard drive that consumed eight and a half minutes. But Fenwick wasn’t able to punch the ball in from the Cadets’ 1 as Reese and Cobb were kept out of the end zone on third and fourth down. “We would have liked to put it in to finish,” Battaglia said. “But it was huge for us to be able to chew up that much of the clock. Then the defense stepped up and did what we expect them to do.” Marmion had a final chance to tie or win and got as far as the Fenwick 37 in the closing seconds. But Chung threw four consecutive incompletions to end the threat and the game. “The way Coach [Titcus] Pettigrew and his

Fenwick’s Cam Coppage runs the ball upfield during the Friars’ victory over Marmion on Oct. 1.

OPRF girls bow out in sectional round The OPRF girls golfers did not qualify as a team for the IHSA Class 2A Conant Sectional, finishing fourth at the St. Ignatius regional Sept. 30. However, the Huskies managed to advance five girls to the Conant Sectional on Oct. 4, including sophomores Emerson Amstutz, Ella Homrok, Faith Lee and Trinity Mosher as well as junior Ellison Tanner. None of the five was able to get out of the sectional as Tanner had OPRF’s best showing with a 97. Huskies’ coach Matt McMurray, however, felt the team had an overall solid season given its youth and inexperience. “My expectations were tempered a bit,” he said. “We played pretty well and improved our scores week by week, which is something I always point to the girls about getting better at. I’d say we’re making pretty good progress and we bring back everyone but one senior who will graduate.” staff made those [defensive] adjustments at halftime, that’s what brought all the momentum back to our side,” Battaglia said. Fenwick is in a good position this season, needing only one more victory to become eligible to earn a postseason berth. But the Friars also know there’s a lot of work ahead in the next three weeks, particularly when it comes to self-discipline. “We need discipline and attention to detail in practice,” Cobb said. “That’s what we’re lacking. We had too many penalties.” “We’ve got to stop jumping offside, getting penalties, and talking trash,” added Abuaqel. “Once we do that, then we’ll be one of the best teams in the state.” Fenwick’s final home game of the season is Oct. 8 against St. Patrick. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

OPRF steamrolls Morton 41-7 Senior running back Kelby Gray (14 carries, 161 yards) scored four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) and senior wide receiver E.J. Locke (6 catches, 94 yards) caught two touchdown passes as the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team snapped a three-game losing streak with a 41-7 road victory over Morton in Berwyn on Oct. 1. Quarterback Jack Gooch competed 12 of 19 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Cameron Crape had two interceptions. The Huskies (2-4) travel to Hillside on Oct. 9 for a West Suburban Silver matchup with Proviso West. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

John Stanger: Unmovable feasts p. 27

A G I N G

In the land of post-adulthood

ast month, I walked my daughter and her daughter to their first days of school. My first-born started graduate school. My granddaughter started third grade. The three of us walked along, holding hands. After stopping at the elementary school, my daughter headed off to her class on the train. And I walked home, poignantly, recalling several first days of third grade for all my children. Two months ago, I returned to the place where I grew up, to the lake where swimming had been banned earlier this summer. The cyanotoxins had cleared, so every morning I went for a swim and a kayak ride. This year, I saw and appreciated things on that lake that I hadn’t really seen before. I guess the first thing I appreciated is that I am still swimming there. And believe me, I don’t for a minute take that for granted. It is not uncommon that, as we age, our inevitable changes will include physical difficulties, so some level of staying active is both wise and joyful. I also noticed trees with unique shapes and bark, as well as the loud gaggle of geese that flew by at water level every evening about 8 p.m. The otter that let me kayak within 3 feet of her is most memorable. Even as we appreciate the beauty of this physical existence, things are not always as they appear. Why else would we continue to use the term “sunrise”? Everyone knows the sun doesn’t rise; rather, it is the earth rotating. Similarly, our apparently solid world is fundamentally composed of vibrations and energy, the stuff of sub-atomic particles. The outward appearance of aging can be a misleading hindrance. The declinist view of aging is that it’s all downhill, that we’re making the best of a bad situation. The truth is that there are always possibilities open to us in our 3rd third of life. We don’t always see them. In the land of post-adulthood, life can keep getting better. One reason we may not see the possibilities is that we often take things for granted. The amazing, raw, un-commonplace beauties of our physical existence become commonplace due to repetition. Also, we don’t see the possibilities because, as we age, our inevitable changes and diminishments usurp our attention. Yes, our physical changes as we get older can be painful and difficult. They can be more than minor irritants. Wishful thinking causes us to deny or minimize the inevitable. Need I say that most of us do this in regard to death? Especially our own death. Many of us succumb to the commercial consumer pressures that equate “successful aging” with becoming gray-haired teenagers, judging ourselves using the outdated standards of youth. This reinforces our societal mantra that old is bad, young is good. Oh, and besides, how can one succeed or fail at aging? It’s going to happen no matter what we do. Aging is more than what we see in the mirror. It is a choice made in the heart and mind, not in the body. The question is: how are we going to respond to it, not what are we going to do about it.

PROVIDED

TEACH WITH LOVE: Nichelle Stigger and Katy Alejos are participants in a 3-part series on John Lewis’ “March.”

MARC BLESOFF

Middle-schoolers ‘lead with love’ in John Lewis series

have one rule in my sixth grade Language & Literature classroom at Brooks Middle School: lead with love. When working with a partner, when walking in the hallways, when interacting with your teachers, when you are alone with yourself — always lead with love. It’s inspired by the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis. In 2013, Lewis spoke with On Being’s Krista Tippett. As he reflected on his work for civil rights, which included being attacked by police during the voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965, he said, “The movement created what I like to call a nonviolent revolution. It was love at its best.” “It’s one of the highest forms of love,” Lewis said. “That you beat me, you arrest me, you take me to jail, you almost kill me, but in spite of that, I’m going to still love you.” Along with my colleague Katy Alejos, who is the Language & Literature Department chair at Brooks and teaches eighth-graders, I’m excited to support a community collaboration this fall, in which middle-schoolers will help lead community discussions about John Lewis’ graphic novel trilogy, March. These honest, anti-racist discussions are recommended for anyone age 11 and up. Intergenerational peace circle sessions will give all participants an equal opportunity to speak, listen, and be heard as we reflect on the impact of civil rights movements today. Along with adults and students from Dominican University, Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Julian Middle School, I know our Brooks Middle School students will lead with love. They’ll also bring the heat. Students bring passion, new-

ness, fragility, and vulnerability that we adults can’t always bring. As Katy says, “Middle-schoolers often get a bad rap. But I think adults new to this scene will be amazed and inspired by our middle-schoolers. “The topics of race, racism and antiracism are swirling all around them throughout their daily lives, and most of them are very conscious of that, perhaps more than adults,” Katy points out. “Their daily experiences make them experts, and therefore they have a lot of really valuable input and ideas and thoughts and knowledge that needs to be heard and hashed out and discussed.” I agree with Katy. Students offer me so much more than I ever thought imaginable. They have the insight and realness that has not been tainted by old age. They are filled with hope and belief in change, they are fresh, and we have to cultivate that. Please join us for this three-part series, a collaboration among Oak Park Elementary School District 97; Oak Park and River Forest High School; the E-Team of Oak Park; Dominican University’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation group; Oak Park Township; and the Oak Park Public Library. Book 1: Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7-8:30 p.m. Book 2: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Book 3: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Find all details and register at oppl.org/march. Nichelle Stigger is a sixth grade Language & Literature teacher at Brooks Middle School. Katy Alejos is an eighth grade Language & Literature teacher at Brooks Middle School as well as the Language & Literature Department chair.

NICHELLE STIGGER One View

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

O U R

V I E W S

A big win for Growing Community Media

e have strong and positive news to share with you today. Growing Community Media, publisher of Wednesday Journal, has just received a grant from the Field Foundation to hire a full-time community narrative reporter for our Austin Weekly News. As envisioned by Michael Romain, editor of the Austin Weekly and GCM’s Equity Editor, the new reporter will document the “steady state” of Austin, West Garfield and North Lawndale. “This reporter,” Romain wrote, “will help our publication uncover and map the strong networks of people and organizations that create a sense of place on the West Side — from block clubs, Neighborhood Watch groups, Local School Councils and churches to the wizened people on the porch, the sidewalk sages, and the amateur local historians.” The public narrative focus aligns our expanded reporting with the Quality-of-Life plan developed two years ago by Austin Coming Together. That document reflects a foundational need for West Siders to see their stories genuinely told in local media. That is our determined intention. Reflecting the history of the Austin Weekly we have named this new position the Delores McCain and Terry Dean Community Narrative Reporter. Delores McCain was a West Side activist with roots in the Civil Rights Movement. She became a contributing reporter to the Weekly in 2000 and was, in truth, the face of the paper through her weekly Street Beat column. She died in 2010. Terry Dean, who died last month at just 47, was editor of the Weekly from 2005 to 2015. A lifelong Austin resident, Terry was well-respected for his fair and empathetic coverage of the West Side. We are launching our job search now and urge you to spread the word. We are grateful to the Field Foundation for the $50,000 grant and to Lolly Bowean, the foundation’s media and storytelling program officer, for guiding us through this process as a still new nonprofit. We have other grant applications in process. Each one is focused on growing our newsroom so that we can tell more stories and tell them better. As we move toward the end of the year, we are also deep into planning for our now annual NewsMatch fundraising drive. It is our largest membership drive of the year and we will be asking for your key support to sustain our independent newsroom. If you are not already a member of our independent newsroom, please consider joining us. This is a big win for Growing Community Media. We are growing on the generous shoulders of our members. With gratitude,

Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

Kids bid summer adieu

Editor’s note: Baseball’s regular season is done (though the White Sox are in the playoffs), so summer is officially over. As a fond farewell, here’s a column I wrote in 2001 about the real boys of summer to mark the seasonal turn: ast Friday was a beaut — low humidity, low 80s, not a cloud in the sky, unless you count a few feathery cirrus set like fish fossils in the ocean of blue above. In other words, a beautiful day for a ballgame. The Cubs were playing the Cards at Wrigley, but that’s organized ball. Organized ball barely has a pulse anymore. The real thing was taking place at Euclid Park on Oak Park’s south side. It’s one of my favorite parks, surrounded by side streets and single-family homes, tightly woven into the neighborhood, utterly unpretentious. It has a playground, a few neglected tennis courts, tree-topped berms and a ballfield. I stopped by to eat lunch on a bench and discovered a lob ball game in progress. Norman Rockwellian poetry in motion. There’s nothing like the easy grace of preteens playing lob ball. I didn’t think kids did this anymore, the way we used to before repairing to the penny candy store to trade baseball cards and guzzle soda. Four-on-four, pitcher’s hands and right field out. With the exception of the aluminum bat glinting in the sun, little has changed. An old mitt served as third base, a ruck sack for second. First base looked like a shoe. After every third out, players tossed their mitts to the other team as they jogged in to bat. One player was shirtless. Another played in an open Hawaiian shirt. A third wore a long, untucked Bulls jersey with Michael Jordan’s 23 draped across his butt. Rules were constantly being clarified. “No leadoffs,” barked the left-fielder to the runner on second. “You have to go back,” advised the defense when a runner tried to take an extra base. Sometimes the rulings were humbly accepted, sometimes contested. It took a while before an “I quit” was finally uttered — an empty threat and timehonored negotiating ploy. Indeed, the players displayed remarkable equanimity in the face of frustrations that might put a more serious athlete over the edge. “E-7!” taunted a batter as he rounded the bases. “I

didn’t touch it,” the left-fielder insisted as he headed over the berm toward the tennis courts. “18-15, our lead,” the runner gloated crossing the plate, which appeared more theoretical than real. The pitcher Carl Hubbell-ed the ball lazily in the direction of the batter, who either whiffed or belted it. When he whiffed, the outfielders feigned wind resistance and testified they could “feel it all the way out here.” Long drives led to desperate measures. “I had to pull it out of the fence,” claimed the left-fielder, “ground-rule double.” Sometimes it worked; sometimes the plea was ignored. “Who made last out?” they asked, jogging in for their next at-bats. Doesn’t matter, the other team can’t remember either. This is casual, nonchalant, the way baseball was meant to be played — not the overtaught, overwrought, overgrown neurotics who spit compulsively in their overdone dugouts. Here, no one seemed overly invested, except the pudgy kid in the purple cap in center. He thinks the line drive over second base landed on the right field side and argued the point as he searched in vain for the ball on the wrong side of a berm. “Hey, dumbass, the ball’s right there,” called one of his teammates. Peer review in the heat of a game can be brutal. Baseball can’t compete with girls, of course, and the game quickly dissolved when they showed up. Second base reverted to a (very dusty) backpack. The group split off in two directions. At 2 p.m., there was still plenty of afternoon left. Suddenly the park was empty — except for the dragonflies, and a sunbather, and the kids on the playground swings, and sunshine on the scorched grass and crabapple trees, and the bread scent wafting past from nearby Turano Bakery. In other words, nothing but the rest of summer.

KEN

TRAINOR

Those boys of summer are now 20 years older, putting them in their early 30s. Some may have kids of their own. I wonder if they ever play lob ball — with or without their kids. Good luck to the White Sox. They’ll do fine if they stay kids at heart.

V I E W P O I N T S D O O P E R ’ S

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL

M E M O R I E S

Unmovable feasts: every day had its own meal

eeping track of the days of the week was easy for me when I was a kid. Every dinner meal was known in advance, so when roast beef leftovers were served, there was no doubt that it was Monday. On Tuesday, the smell of liver, onions, and bacon wafted through our house, and in the summer with the back door open, the neighbors would catch the aroma, and some of the kids complained about the smell of liver. I understood that a huge pot of boiling water smelling of garlic and tomato sauce meant it was spaghetti, and this signified Wednesday. Thursday night was a hamburger, onion, lettuce, and tomato sandwich plus a baked potato. The tomatoes came from grandma’s garden in the summer. Grandma’s tomatoes were outstanding. They were grown in a patch of garden on the south side of the garage. I was told by my granddad that the garden patch had once been an exercise area for a horse owned by the first owners of our house. Thus the fertilizer was deep in the soil, which made the tomatoes large and delicious. On Friday evenings, the aroma of fish permeated our house, and eating fish on Friday had no religious significance. The adult members of the household had an affinity for fish of all kinds. I cannot remember a Friday (unless Christmas fell on a Friday) when we didn’t have fish. Saturday eve was German night. The meal consisted of either pork or veal, sauerkraut or red cabbage, fried

of Oak Park and River Forest

potatoes, and Black Forest cake. To this day, I will not eat either sauerkraut or red cabbage. After dinner, the family members settled down for family television night, starting at 7 and lasting until 10. Family TV night continued for half a dozen years. It disappeared because family members couldn’t agree on what shows to watch, and by then I was in high school, so I either went to the movies or to Richie Schu’s house to play cards and shoot pool. Sunday night was the five-star meal. We passed our plates to whatever adult male was sitting at the head of the table, and he loaded each plate with thick slabs of roast beef and a pile of mashed potatoes swimming in steaming brown gravy. We also ate carrots, peas, and Waldorf salad and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The rule for me was to eat everything that was on my plate. Fortunately, the adults did the same, and this made it easy for me when I washed the dishes because I didn’t have to spend any time scraping food off the plates. My mother and grandmother were fine cooks, and the meals they made would put many of today’s meals to shame. There were times when one of my friends would eat dinner with us, and often the friend would comment on how great the food tasted and how he wished his family ate like we did rather than from a frozen food container. Unmovable feasts certainly made it easy for me to keep track of the days of the week because the evening meal denoted the day.

JOHN

STANGER

Being the boat of love

Thanks for a lovely article about the value of kindness and compassion — the message I sought to hang my hat on rather than one about truth and lies! [Fiction, lies and the search for truth, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Sept. 29] One minor point I would like to offer is regarding a reference to Connor’s death where you state that he “committed suicide.” The more neutral language of the day is to say that someone “died by suicide.” As noted in the Canadian Psychiatric Association’s Media Guidelines for Reporting on Suicide, “commit” implies suicide is a sin or crime, reinforcing the stigma that it’s a selfish act and personal choice; using neutral phrasing like “died by suicide” helps strip away the shame/blame element. While I’m not sure Strunk & White would concur, I do know this is the language we employ in the Catholic Charities’ LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) program,

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

of which I’m a facilitator. But onto the bigger message of your piece. When our son Hunter died by suicide in 2015, the following prayer, attributed to St. John of the Cross, was read at his funeral and formed the basis of Hunter’s eulogy, as well as the foundation launched in his honor (www. betheboat.org): And I saw a river over which every soul must pass to reach the kingdom of Heaven and the name of that river was Suffering; and I saw a boat which carries souls across the river and the name of that boat was Love. At its essence, what I see in your piece is an admonition to be a Boat of Love to others, and I can’t agree more! With appreciation,

Kristen Coe

River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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■ 500-word limit

■ Must include first and last names,

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

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

■ Signature details as at left

your connection to the topic

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

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ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $43 within Cook County and $53 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media, NFP.

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

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We support the new development on Austin Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) is a grassroots, intergenerational organization of residents that supports and enriches aging through community building and advocacy in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and other near-in suburbs, as well as the Austin community of Chicago. AWN believes one of the greatest needs in our service area is affordable housing in elevator buildings that can enable older persons to age in place in their home communities. Recently the AWN Advocacy Committee met with David Pope, president

of the Oak Park Residence Corporation, who described the Residence Corporation’s development proposed for the intersection of Austin Boulevard and Van Buren Street. This 45-unit development would represent the first new construction of a multifamily apartment building along the Austin Boulevard corridor in almost 100 years. We are particularly pleased that the building is an elevator building that will be accessible to older persons with mobility limitations. Additionally, we like the concept that it will be a mixed-income

building with 20% of its units reserved for households below 60% of the area’s median income level. The proximity of the building to Columbus Park will help bridge the division that has separated Oak Park from the Austin community for many years. We hope that the building will also serve as an intergenerational uniting point so that older residents can live next to and mix with younger community residents. We are also impressed that the development will be the first net-zero energy de-

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velopment to be built in the metropolitan Chicago area. This innovative design will identify our community as a leader in environmental issues, just as our community has been nationally known as a leader in promoting racial integration for nearly 50 years. We are happy to lend our support to the Residence Corporation as it moves forward with this development and hope that the community will back this initiative.

Arbor West Neighbors

arborwestneighbors.org

A welcome reminder of Anne’s story

We were moved by your lovely, thoughtful tribute to Anne Smedinghoff [Anne’s vision of a different world, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Sept. 1]. Thank you for retelling her story of caring and love of others. It is easy to forget or not notice the kind and caring people doing their best to make the world a better place. We all need reminders of the goodness around us.

Shelly Uslenghi Oak Park

Shelley should be the next village manager

Lisa Shelley should be highly favored to become our next Oak Park village manager. In fact, she’s earned the position. She listens, she acts and she takes accountability. Her knowledge of Oak Park is valuable for all of us who need historical context and new ideas. The village board needs someone who can place things in perspective, talk frankly, and carry out the board’s directives. She can also provide pushback when needed, in a manner that is respectful. As a former trustee, I can attest that she was one of the best staffers to work with. She was responsive, respectful and forceful. Most of all, she knew what she did not know … and she admitted it … and then looked for the answers. I urge the current board to look inside Oak Park for a village manager.

Robert Milstein

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Former Oak Park village trustee

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‘W

Why are we here?

hy are we here at all?” is probably the most consequential question after “Are we alone?” If you grew up Catholic, the answer was presented to you at a very early age: Q: “Why did God make you?” A: “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” (Baltimore Catechism, 1950s, instruction manual for Catholic children) There it is: the answer in one sentence. Back in the day, there were only two kinds of people: “Catholics” and “Publics” (so named because they went to “public” school). Catholics were going to heaven. Publics were not. We wore this certainty like a freshly ironed shirt of shared beliefs. “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child …” (St. Paul) But as we got older, we grew into bigger shirts. Our parents provided these during our childhood, each successive one looking much the same style and color as our older ones. Then, somewhere along the line, we noticed that everyone did not wear the same kind of shirt. While we wore “blue shirts with buttons and collars,”others (Lutherans?) wore cream-colored shirts, while still others (nonChristians) wore different colors of pullover shirts — with pockets. As birthdays came and went, we started to choose and wear the colors and types of shirts we liked that were a comfortable fit for us. Sometimes, they were very much the same as the ones we grew up with. And before we knew it, our shirts became our “team jerseys,” even suits of armor as we did battle intellectually, morally, politically, sometimes even physically with those who wore different jerseys. As humans, we need social connections. We need our groups, our “teams.” And we find these connections in multiple arenas. We identify as liberal or conservative, labor or management, black or white, straight or gay, Irish or Cuban or Chinese; Hindu, Jew, Christian, Muslim, or none of the above. Based on these team identities and beliefs, we find both our reasons to live and how best to do so. We grow into our own answers to “why” we are here. “But when I became a man, I put away childish things …” (St. Paul again) The problem is that “teams” create an “us versus them” world. We’re right, you’re wrong. We’re good, you’re bad. We care, you don’t. The Bears hate the Packers. The Cubs hate the Cardinals. It’s this very enmity that holds members together — and keeps groups apart. In the heartfelt defense of our group’s shared answers to the ultimate question of “why,” we rub raw the irreconcilable differences between us, differences that lead to endless arguments, fighting, even bloody wars. We have way too many irreconcilable differences, fights, and wars. Way too many. To seek a definitive answer to “why,” a uni-

versally accepted reason for our existence here on earth, is futile. We need a better approach. In his book, Until the End of Time, Brian Greene, mathematician and particle physicist, asks us to imagine sitting on a park bench next to a rock (don’t ask why). The rock goes through its entire existence as a collection of atoms happily being a rock. But we, another collection of atoms, have what he calls “agency.” We can create and destroy, love or hate, be charitable or miserly, teach and learn, explore, invent, and most importantly, imagine things that do not exist. And we can foresee our own “end of time.” For Greene, whether this ability to do all these different things originates in “free will” granted by an almighty God or is simply the explainable result of our uniquely evolving set of organic compounds, is impossible to prove. Getting mired in “the beginning” avoids dealing with the “present” — and turns a blind eye to the amazing beauty of all that we are capable of, no matter the answer to why. Unlike the rock, we can evaluate, act, and change. We can get off the bench. That agency, that ability to impact the world around us, is what makes us more than a rock, more than just a collection of chemicals. And it is this exclusively human ability that renders priceless how we deal with the present, what we do when we “get off the bench.” There are people who believe with all their hearts that the ultimate answer to “Why?” lies in a personal, almighty God. There are people who believe with all their hearts that we are the lucky, and temporary, result of evolving and conglomerating organic compounds. And there are people who believe every nuanced position in between. But no matter our beliefs, shirt, or team, four things are true: First, we do indeed have this power to act; second, these actions affect both ourselves and others; third, we are fully aware of both our actions and their consequences; and fourth, we have only a finite amount of time. So hanging over my desk is an Indian proverb that goes like this: Every time you wake up and ask yourself “What good things am I going to do today?” remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it. The hope is that we will do good things. The certainty is that we will have one less day in our lives to do so. Are there at least some things we can all agree are “good”? Is this a shirt we could all wear, to any event, at any time — no matter how we answer “why?” Is this a shirt that would put us all on the same team? Can you imagine the difference it would make? Is there really an alternative? Looking forward to many more wake-ups and sunsets with you, no matter the shirt you wear. (FYI: I buy my shirts at Goodwill. Name brands, perfect condition, $5! All blue.) Bill Sieck is a resident of Berwyn who frequently works in Oak Park.

BILL SIECK

One View

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

Merger with Sun-Times will grab the grants

’m going to argue that Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) merging with Chicago SunTimes is bad for the Chicago media landscape. The primary problem is that the most vibrant part of the Chicago media landscape is now nonprofit outlets. Wednesday Journal newspapers (Growing Community Media) are part of Chicago Independent Media Alliance, which includes 43 different nonprofits. Some of these are names that go back decades, e.g. Polish Daily News, the Reader, Streetwise, Windy City Times, etc. Others are much newer to the scene, e.g. Block Club Chicago, City Bureau Chicago, Injustice Watch, etc. WBEZ and the Sun-Times are big fish in the pond. And when it comes to chasing foundation money, big fish have many advantages. They have larger development staffs (full-time fundraisers) and giving money to recognizable name brands is easier to explain than smaller outlets. The Sun-Times is failing for reasons that apply to many newspapers. But it’s also failing for reasons that apply to the Sun-Times specifically. It has made bad financial decisions. It’s not a very efficient organization. That is, it spends a huge amount of money for the amount of news/journalism/content it produces. And it long ago lost touch with its audience. The Sun-Times is largely a megaphone for the rich people who install Chicago’s mayors. From Feb. 24, 2015 until April 7, 2015, the front page of the Sun-Times issued one attack on Chuy Garcia after another, fed to the Sun-Times by the Rahm Emanuel campaign. And there are plenty more examples. The Sun-Times will be a money pit for the foreseeable future. The risk to the 43 nonprofits that are part of Chicago Independent Media Alliance and future media nonprofits is that the Sun-Times will absorb millions of dollars every year that would be better spent on smaller, more efficient outlets doing higher quality journalism. If the merger between WBEZ & CST is going forward, the nonprofit media outlets should band together and play hardball. 1. All Chicago Sun-Times investors are wiped out, including the unions.

2. All parties that loaned to Chicago Sun-Times should be paid off by money raised as part of the merger deal. No carrying debt that continues to draw down money available for journalism. 3. All deferred executive compensation goes away or is taken care of as part of the merger deal. 4. The new nonprofit should be limited to renewing grants Chicago Public Media had in 2020. The new nonprofit should not be applying for grants that could be going to other nonprofit media in Chicago. 5. Also, Chicago Sun-Times should be required to retire enough columnists so the average age of CST columnists comes down to the average age of the intended audience. 6. Executive salaries at the new Chicago Public Media should be capped. If they can’t afford mortgages on the North Shore, maybe they shouldn’t live on the North Shore. The issue of Baby Boomer columnists blocking out younger columnists of more diverse ideologies coming online for 30 years now is a long discussion. But the donors who are bailing out the Sun-Times are the very people who want to limit the political discourse to Clinton Democrats, Bush Republicans, Rauner Republicans and Trump Republicans. There are no options that aren’t pro-cop, pro-developer, pro-racism, pro-war, pro-imperialism and pro-bank. Taking the position that the Sun-Times should go under is not going to be easy. The people working for nonprofit media outlets have friends at the Sun-Times. But ... The nonprofit sector is fighting over a pie of money. And a unified nonprofit of WBEZ (Chicago Public Media) and Chicago Sun-Times will outcompete smaller nonprofits for foundation money. It’s not realistic for smaller nonprofits to have someone whose full-time job is building relationships with the people who sit on grant committees. And that’s what nonprofit fundraising is. It’s schmoozing the people who get on the committees that recommend which grants to fund. Carl Nyberg is a Chicago resident who grew up in Oak Park.

CARL NYBERG One View

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Soul searching about Afghanistan

fghanistan is a local issue because some of our neighbors served there and because each of us is responsible in small ways for what we did or did not do during the last two decades in that country. I’m going to preface each thing I say with comments by Dr. Paul Roach who served two tours of duty as a Navy surgeon in Afghanistan.

Commitment to allies Are our promises ethical or transactional? Roach: “The president/my president,” Paul wrote in an email, “speaks of ending the war, but he didn’t mention ending the partnership we’d forged. … Regardless of whether it was a good initial idea or not to do that, after 20 years we were partners … and then we dumped them.” I’ve been able to get to know a lot of business owners in town by being a member of our Chamber of Commerce for 30 years now. Many are ethical folks who keep their promises even when doing so hurts their bottom line. But others, when I bring up the subject of ethics, respond by saying, “It’s business, Tom. Ethics are not a part of the game. It’s just business.” You see the analogy to foreign policy. One definition of realpolitik is “a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.” Why does keeping promises apply to my marriage, my friendships, my faith community, my part-time job with the

Review, but suddenly ethics apply to neither business nor foreign policy? Or, is moral behavior possible between people who have to face-to-face relationships but is impossible between corporations or nations that are, in a sense, abstractions?

Nation building

country in the line of duty in the last nine months. You be the judge. Is 16 deaths a year a price too high to help a nation of 38,000,000 keep the same freedoms we prize so highly, especially when we made a promise to do so?

TOM HOLMES

“After 20 years,” Roach argues, “we were partners because we’d brought a great many of the 38,000,000 Afghans into a modern existence. One entire new generation as well, and we brought many of them a long distance toward a belief that the West was good. We taught girls they could and should be educated. We taught women they had rights … and then we just dumped them.” Before my son was born, I attended Lamaze classes which trained fathers how to be present while their wives were in labor. They kept saying to us/me, “You were interested enough to be there for conception, and you’d better also be there for labor and delivery.” Polls show that most Americans do not want one more son or daughter killed in Afghanistan. I concur with that wish. However, the website Fact Check reported that in the last six years 100 military personnel were killed there. That’s 17 a year. Compare that with the statistic reported on the Officer Down Memorial Page, which revealed so far this year 287 police officers died in this

Incompetent leaders

Dr. Roach contends, “I feel that the thing was screwed up from the start; not at the lower levels, but up high, at the highest strategy level.” My dad hated war, but when he was drafted he did his duty. He flew 50 missions in a B26 bomber in the Korean conflict. I think he would do the same in Afghanistan if he were 25 years old today and called to serve. Check out this quote from the History website regarding the Vietnam War. “Though each president [from Truman to Ford] expressed doubts in private about American involvement, none wanted to be blamed for losing Vietnam to the communists.” Mayor Hoskins has to make decisions all the time that are never universally supported by all residents. Mayor Hoskins and Tony Calderone and Lorraine Popelka before him never made decisions that cost Forest Parkers their lives or trillions of dollars. Most of us are able to see that they were trying to balance competing interests and we therefore give them a break at election time. In other words, they did not betray

our basic trust in government. But in my lifetime, so many leaders at higher levels — Illinois governors, U.S. presidents, Catholic bishops and even popes — have failed to lead with character and competence.

Soul searching So Dr. Roach as well as many commentators are calling for a season of “soul searching.” I agree, and my next question is “whose soul needs to be searched and who needs to do the searching?” I’ve just started searching my own soul and here is a report regarding what I’ve found. First, I want my government to behave as ethically as I do. It’s not “just business” and it’s not “just politics.” That I do not always behave ethically is not the issue. Ethics should always be part of our evaluation behavior, on a personal level and a corporate level. Second, we have an obligation to help build up other nations. God is not an American. From God’s perspective, America First is a very questionable point of view. From a practical point of view as well. To paraphrase the Golden Rule: Love the other countries in the world as you love America. And finally, incompetent leaders are an issue, but in a representative democracy we are the ones who elect our leaders. Voting is the bare minimum. As we search our souls, we need to blame ourselves first because we are the ones who vote those leaders into office. Tom Holmes writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

Further soul searching on Afghanistan Tom Holmes’ essay “Soul Searching about Afghanistan” [see today’s Viewpoints] mentions death in one section. “In the last six years, 100 military personnel were killed there. That’s 17 a year.” Seventeen is not the number to have in one’s mind when conducting soul searching about Afghanistan.

A few seconds with Google yields the following from the Watson Institute at Brown University (https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human): “At least 801,000 people have been killed by direct war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. The number of people who have been wounded or have fallen ill as a result of the conflicts is far higher, as

is the number of civilians who have died indirectly as a result of the destruction of hospitals and infrastructure and environmental contamination, among other war-related problems. … More than 387,000 civilians have been killed in the fighting since 2001.”

Frank Hansen Oak Park

Questions about natural COVID immunity People who have recovered from COVID have natural immunity. An Israeli study showed that natural immunity is 27 times better than vaccination. It also showed that one vaccination shot further protected people with natural immunity. This was reported by the Times of Israel

on Sept. 2. You can look at the easy-toread study conclusions by searching for: “Comparing SARS-Cov-2 natural immunity to vaccine-induced immunity: disinfection versus breakthrough infections.” This study still needs peer review. They have already had four weeks.

Questions arise if the peer review supports the study. First, does the government have the right to force vaccines into people with natural immunity, or is it the citizen’s choice to further their own protection? Second, should the government, including Oak Park, issue

Natural Immunity Record Cards? Third, should the government stop vaccinating people with natural immunity and send those doses to poor countries?

Robert Sullivan Oak Park

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Find a way to save the Julian home

o all people of Oak Park (whatever race, class, tribe, or politically correct ID used): I read the Sept. 29 Wednesday Journal, informing readers of Faith Julian’s devastating and unconscionable situation, but not unlike so many families, post-COVID. My heart was broken and I found myself called to do something. Unfortunately, I don’t have the financial means to pay her taxes and restore the home. But I have always believed that one person’s will and determination can affect others and effect change. I felt compelled to appeal to those who have compassion and despite their personal issues or conditions can step outside of themselves to help others who are in need or are less fortunate. I believe one person can bring about change when your call is from your heart and for the betterment of others. I believe we are our brothers’ keepers and, when greed is not our motivation for why we act, collectively we can build and accomplish the unforeseen, the unimaginable, sans race, color or creed. Why aren’t Percy Julian’s contributions to society, to Black Americans, deserving of a preservation status for his home? I recognize the tributes: a bust of him and a middle school in his honor. Great acknowledgements. But the devastation upon his daughter and their home becoming endangered of being sold for taxes is another indication that Oak Park’s history regarding race remains camouflaged. Why isn’t

DOROTHY WRIGHT One View

Mr. Julian’s home a part of Oak Park’s historic landmarks and a legacy just as noted as Wright and Hemingway? For Faith Julian to lose her home due to the extraordinary taxes imposed and perpetuated by Oak Park’s president and board members is unfounded, fallacious and systemic exploitation of

its people. On behalf of Faith Julian, I am advocating for a humanitarian plan of action to preserve the family’s home and remarkable life as a trailblazer during a time when Black lives did not matter, and heinous crimes against our people were considered a rite of passage and the cost for preserving white supremacy was the humiliation and degradation of Black families. I am indebted to the Julian family for preparing the path and enduring the hardships and blatant obstacles that impacted and destroyed the fabric of a peaceful and well-deserved life. The Julian family inspired my daughter to live in Oak Park. My oldest granddaughter attended Percy Julian Middle School and currently is attending Oak Park and River Forest High School. My youngest granddaughter will attend Julian Middle School next year. Please, sisters and brothers of a multicultural family, find a way (no matter how small) to help save Mr. Julian’s home. Our action today can be a historical lesson for our future generations to emulate. Young people, I challenge you to help! Dorothy Wright is an Oak Park resident.

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

Please don’t close St. Kate’s church

Statement delivered at the Chicago Archdiocese’s Renew My Church forum at St. Catherine/St. Lucy Parish on Oct. 3: I am a longtime parishioner of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish. I’m here to strongly request that, whichever plan is adopted for Renew My Church for Oak Park’s four parishes, it should not include the closing of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church. If it means only celebrating just one weekend Mass, this church still should not and must not close. My personal history with this parish dates back to 1960, when our oldest child was baptized at St. Lucy Church in Austin — well before the merger with St. Catherine of Siena in the 1970s. Even though our family moved throughout Oak Park in the decades that followed, my husband Monroe and I made a deliberate choice to remain loyal to this parish. Our main reason was to have our family worship within a racially mixed community and to support the eastern border of Oak Park and the Austin neighborhood of Chicago (which I might remind all is within the SLSC parish boundary). At the time, many of the white residents had fled that area. We have had both children married and grandchildren baptized, as well as my late husband’s funeral here over the years, but the most enduring and

important part has been joining this mixed parish of worshipers, and the friendships and community that have flourished. This church is a true symbol of “welcoming all,” and if it is to close, it would be like slamming a door on the most integrated parish of the four. Symbols are important and, as true Christians, I believe we have a social obligation to maintain this parish as the Catholic gateway to Oak Park — and to keep it as such. To close this church would also be a travesty for our larger Oak Park community, which has worked so diligently to keep the east end of the village integrated and vital. This is not just a “Catholic” choice. I believe it is a social justice decision as well. Of the options for renewal that have been prepared for this discussion, I think strong consideration should be given to the option of St. Catherine-St. Lucy combining with Ascension (as the two most eastern and most similar in membership). Change is always difficult, but it is necessary, and my prayer is that we can become stronger by uniting in good faith. But please don’t close the doors to the St. Catherine-St. Lucy community.

Frances Sullivan Oak Park

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Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

Mary Lynn Mullins, 91

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Richard Weil, 73

Owned Landmark Heritage Realty

A man of many passionate pursuits

Mary Lynn Mullins, 91, died on Sept. 28, 2021. Born on Oct. 7, 1929, she was the only daughter of Cleo Francis and Ray Linn McMurray. She met her first husband, Eddie, when she was 9 years old in the small farming community where she was born in central Illinois. They said their 4 daughters were the twinkle in their eyes. It is said that the size of your heart is measured by the love you share. She had a huge heart, not just seeing the best in her family and friends, but in all of God’s creations. A wife, mother, leader and mentor, her love of design, entrepreneurial spirit and outgoing personality led her to a career in real estate that spanned over 30 years. She owned and managed Landmark Heritage Realty in Oak Park, serving many surrounding communities. After her retirement, she helped care for her grandchildren and mother, tucking away precious memories. In her early 80s she married Lorrin Eugene Mullins and they shared 10 wonderful years together until his passing last year. Mary Lynn was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Edmond Carl Thum. She will be deeply missed by her four daughters, Lori, Arli, Regi and Juli, along with their spouses, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. You are always in our hearts, Mom.

Richard Weil, 73, died on Sept. 29, 2021 from complications related to treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Born on Nov. 15, 1947 in Denver, Colorado to Bettye Lou and William Weil, his lifetime of irreverent adventure began in his teenage years when he ran away (twice), stole his father’s car (briefly), and threw a raucous party while his parents were out of town, which ultimately got shut down by the police. After college and heeding the call of the open road as a truck driver for a few years, he enrolled in graduate school at Marquette University to study English literature. Amid the Chaucer and Shakespeare, a quietly elegant classmate from Mumbai, India, caught his attention. For reasons that still occasionally mystify their relatives and friends, Zarine and Richard began dating and eventually married. They were together for 37 years. He supported his family through a small logistics business, RW Freight. The work was sometimes mundane and required collaboration with difficult individuals. He had a basement office, and the family often heard choice words emanating from below (always in unique and inventive combinations). Nonetheless, he earned the respect and friendship of his peers in the industry and retired after a career of more than 45 years. From slinging donuts at the Farmers Market to holding forth on Wallace Stevens with the Lowell Society, he formed an extensive network of friends within the Oak Park community. Ever seeking to further his horizons, he became a cherished member of a tight-knit Ashtanga yoga community in Chicago, as well as

an enthusiastic student in online courses on modern poetry. But family was his top priority in life. Through them, his passions persist: the outdoors, bicycling, travel, poetry, gardening, music, yoga, and intellectual pursuits. He is most remembered for all this, as well as his generosity and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed. He was the beloved husband of Zarine; father of Aaron, Darius, and Delna; and brother of Kathe (Robert) Jervis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Kelly Writers House Endowment Fund or the Sierra Club.

Kathleen Jacobson, 88 St. Edmund and Trinity grad

Kathleen Jacobson (nee Sullivan), 88, died on Sept. 22, 2021. Born and raised in Oak Park, she attended St. Edmund grammar school, Trinity High School, and Loyola University. She and her husband, Jerome, were classmates at St. Edmund and Loyola University, married shortly after graduation, and enjoyed a loving marriage for 66 years. Kathleen is survived by her husband and five children, Julie (Matthew) Patterson, Margaret (Scott) Kath, Katie Hasbrouck, Matthew (Theresa) Jacobson, John Jacobson, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sisters Ann (Timothy Sr.) Devereux and Barbara (the late Charles B.) Poindexter. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles L. Sullivan (the late Jane). Donations to the Trinity High School Legacy Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. A memorial service will be set at a future date. Arrangements were handled by Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home. Please continue to check the site for future updates.

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Substitute Teacher

Starting rate of pay 110.00 per day.

Discover 20+ jobs available in Downtown Oak Park! Line cook, servers, sales, and more. Visit downtownoakpark.net/ job-listings for details. POLICE DESK CLERK FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Police Desk Clerk. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, general office skills, including handling non-emergency calls and walk-up customer service, and good verbal and written skills. HOLIDAY, EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Starting salary $31,222 annually. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Parking Enforcement Officer. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills. EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Starting salary $31,222 annually. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark.net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.

SEAMSTRESS WANTED

Seamstress wanted to sew designer’s collection. Must be able to sew complete garment. Call Jeanine 708-899-8279

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Health Education Manager in the Health Department. This position will take the lead on developing the community health needs assessment; develops health education programs and health awareness campaigns; implements and coordinates these programs/campaigns etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Position opened until filled. The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Service Department – Parking Division. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more complex customer service duties including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications is October 8, 2021. The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications September 24, 2021.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Supervisor in the Health Department. This position will direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate assigned activities with other Village departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Public Health Director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Position opened until filled.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Must have own transportation. For more information

CALL 708-738-3848

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Pay is $17.19/hr. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualiﬁcations include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred. EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until ﬁlled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.

Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals We are seeking to fill the following positions, all in Galewood, no travel. Full time, Part time, Flex hours for working parents or students. We train, no travel, work in Galewood. Open to any backgrounds. Excellent pay, salary, benefits, friendly caring management. National Accounts Rep, Production Manager or Trainee, Packaging Specialist trainee Display frame Production trainee, Office/Bookkeeping Assistant trainee. Visit www.fastchangeframes.com/careers for more details 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 Manufacturing

Village of Brookfield

Imagine being a role model to children in the local community! If you are at your best in a child and student centered environment, when promoting learning and fun, are safety minded and you aim to make a difference in the lives of kids; please take the next step and apply to one of these exciting part-time roles in the Recreation and Police Departments:

• STARS Instructor, Before & After School Program ($11-$14 per hour) • Crossing Guard ($18 per hour) Apply through the Careers link on the Village of Brookfield homepage. PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER Job Title: Paid-on-Call Firefighter Description: The Village of Riverside Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position of Paidon-Call Firefighter. Additional Status Information: This is not a full-time position. Qualifications: - In good physical condition - Reside within 1.5 miles of the boundaries of the Village of Riverside at time of appointment - Be 18 years of age at the time of application - Possess a high school diploma or GED - Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record Miscellaneous Applications are reviewed in October 2021. Application deadline is Friday, October 8th, 2021. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CROSSING GUARD The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard. This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@forestpark.net.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking energetic and motivated applicants who enjoy working outdoors. This is a parttime, seasonal position lasting from approximately October through the end of December. Applicants will be expected to work up to 40 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff. Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: cutting grass, general facilities maintenance, ﬂushing hydrants, reading meters, assisting full-time employees, and other duties as assigned. Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/ alcohol screening. Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Village Hall located at 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546. Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Village Hall or the Riverside Public Works Department, 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Applications will be accepted until all positions are ﬁlled. Pay rate is $15/hr. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hire Local.

Place an ad on GCM Classified’s Local Online Job Board. Go to OakPark.com/classified today! Contact Stacy Coleman for more information. (708) 613-3342 scoleman@growingcommunitymedia.org

Applications accepted until position is ﬁlled. EOE.

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com | RBLandmark.com | ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

MARKETPLACE WANTED TO BUY

ITEMS FOR SALE

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ﬂags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

PIANO FOR SALE

R E N TA L S & R E A L E S TAT E CARS WANTED

SUBURBAN RENTALS

Chickering 1938 grand piano, 5’4”. Good condition. Refurbished and restrung in the past. Buyer must move. Reasonable at $1000.

3BR APT FOR RENT 3br 2bth. Hardwood ﬂoors, new carpeting in bedroom. Freshly painted. Located near Fenwick High School, public transit, and entertainment. No evictions. $1,750/month. Realtor owned.Call 773-807-8729

Call 312-339-2370

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars:

Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang $$ Top $$ all makes, $$ Top $$ all makes,Etc. Etc.

Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122

CLASSICS WANTED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

HOME Restored SERVICES or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HAULING PLASTERING Domestic / Import Cars: BASEMENT CLEANING

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood ﬂooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ﬁnishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

ANYTIME

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

Collector James PLUMBING

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

630-201-8122

708-243-0571

NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more. Clean-ups. Garden weed removal. Storm Branch Tree Removal.

708-447-1762

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692

McNulty Plastering

& Stucco Co. Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, & Re-Coating Services • 708/386-2951 Mustang & Mopars Work Guaranteed LANDSCAPING

Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services

Installation: kitchens, baths, showers •Sewer Systems Piping Clogged drains •Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience Locally owned & operated

2BR APT 2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood ﬂoors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. $1500/ mo, utilities included. 708-657-4226

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212

WOOD

FIREWOOD UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

CITY RENTALS AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Town Center Realty Group LLC

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT

CHURCH FOR RENT

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

Free Estimates!

708-955-7844

johnlavin530@gmail.com License #PR-1234

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

Ask for John

708.749.0011

Reach the people making the decisions. Place an ad in GCM Classified! Call 773/626-6332

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST,FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021 for Project: 211, LeMoyne Relief Sewer. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the installation of pvc sewer mains, a pre-cast junction chamber approximately 31 feet deep, precast manholes, drainage structures, removal and installation HMA pavements, pavement patches, curb and gutter, sidewalks, pavement markings, and restoration of landscaped parkway areas; and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on October 7, at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8044477 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The bidder is specifically advised that the Village is a Subgrantee of a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) grant, pursuant to an agreement entered into and between the MWRDGC and the Village. Each bidder is required to comply with the MWRDGC’s Affirmative Action Requirements and Affirmative Action Ordinance, of which are as follows: The proposal shall include a minimum of $100,000 in work

performed by Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE); $50,000 for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE); $50,000 for Small Business Enterprises (SBE); and should include $15,000 in work performed by Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBE). The DBE requirements listed within these Contracts are requirements, not goals. The MWRDGC requires that contractors entering into contracts shall have a performance bond and a payment bond. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory performance bond in the sum of the amount of the contract in dollars guaranteeing the proper completion of the work. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory payment bond in the full amount of the Contract guaranteeing payment of all material used and for all labor performed. The Contract will be subject to the requirements of the Multi-Project Labor Agreement. A copy is on file at the offices of the Engineer and may be requested from the Engineer. The Contractor shall execute the form entitled “Certificate of Compliance with Multi Project Labor Agreement (MPLA), as found in the Bid Proposal Submittal Packet. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation, or other approved Federal agency, by providing a certificate of eligibility to the Engineering Division at which time a password will be issued for access to the online bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 2021

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Public notice is hereby given that on October 21, 2021 in the First Floor Community Room at the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, the Village of River Forest Development Review Board (DRB) will hold a public hearing on the following matter: Application #22-008: The River Forest Public Library intends to install a HVAC unit on the north exterior of the Library building that will be enclosed by a masonry wall Address: 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305 (River Forest Public Library) Applicant: River Forest Public Library All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing, the purpose of which is to take evidence on the Application for the Development Review Board and Village Board to consider. A copy of the application and meeting agenda will be available to the public at the Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, or at http://

www.vrf.us/DevelopmentGuide.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF LOT 74 AND THE NORTH 42.50 FEET OF LOT 75 IN RIVER FOREST LAND ASSOCIATION’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN RIVER FOREST, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.THAT PART OF LOT 74 IN RIVER FOREST LAND ASSOCIATION’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN RIVER FOREST, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 27 SECONDS WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 74 57.50 FEET, TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 03 MINUTES 19 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74, 153.35 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 49 SECONDS WEST, 10.41 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 11 SECONDS EAST, 25.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 54 SECONDS 49 MINUTES EAST, 10.39 FEET TO SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 03 MINUTES 19 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74, 25.00 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. THE PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN CONTAINS 260.07 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS. Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE RESOLUTION NO. R-80-21

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Panipak Bumrungkwaen Case Number 2021CONC000986 .

Request of Jose Luis Rodriguez Case Number 2021CONC001466.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Panipak Bumrungkwaen to the new name of: Modear Bumrungkwaen LeClair

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Jose Luis Rodriguez to the new name of: Jose Luis Flores

The court date will be held: On November 18 at 10:30am at 50 W Washington St, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1707

The court date will be held: On December 27 at 1:30pm at Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 914 0410 9299/ Password:407193 Cook County in Courtroom #1702

Published in the Wednesday Journal September 29, October 6, 13, 2021

Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 13, 20, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Arturo Montalvo Muro, Petitioner and Arcelli Landeros Sanchez, Respondent, Case No. 2021D006937.

In re the marriage of MARIA GUADALUPE SOTO GUZMAN, Petitioner and MANUEL LEMA, Respondent, Case No. 2020 D 007780.

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

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, ﬁle your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Ofﬁce of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before October 26, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, ﬁle your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Ofﬁce of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before November 5, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal September 22, 29, October 6 2021

Published in the Wednesday Journal October 6, 13, 20, 2021

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF AN ADDITIONAL LIBRARY TAX FOR BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, as follows: Section 1. The Board of Library Trustees of the Village of Forest Park, by Resolution dated August 16, 2021, has requested the corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park to levy an additional 0.02% tax for the maintenance, repairs and alterations of library buildings and equipment, pursuant to 75 ILCS 5/3-4, in order to include the sum of $71,168.00 in the Village’s 2021 tax levy ordinance as the 0.02% Library Building and Maintenance levy.

• In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365

PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Starting a New Business?

Section 2. The corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park hereby determine and propose to levy such additional 0.02% tax for the year 2021, subject to the provisions of 75 ILCS 5/3-4. Section 3. The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a copy of this Resolution in the Forest Park Review, a newspaper with a general circulation within the Village of Forest Park, said publication to occur within fifteen (15) days of the adoption of this Resolution. Section 4. Pursuant to 75 ILCS 5/3-4, notice is hereby given that if a petition requesting a referendum signed by 1,050 or more electors of the Village of Forest Park is filed with the corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park on or before November 5, 2021, which is thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this Resolution, then the question whether this Resolution shall become effective and said tax imposed shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Forest Park at a general or special election to be held in accordance with the election laws of the State of Illinois in force at the time of such election. The Village Clerk is hereby directed to provide a petition form to any individual requesting one. Section 5. In the event no petition is filed with the corporate authorities within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Resolution, then this Resolution shall be effective and the additional library tax shall be levied accordingly, and included in the Village’s levy ordinance for library purposes. ADOPTED by the Council of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois this 27th day of September, 2021. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 APPROVED by me this 27th day of September, 2021. /s/ Rory E. Hoskins, Mayor ATTESTED: /s/Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk

Public Notice: Your right to know

PUBLIC NOTICES

Published in Forest Park Review October 6, 2021

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details:

773-626-6332

Wednesday Journal, October 6, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

EXPLORE ALL THAT’S

autumn

Vibrant fall foliage, fresh crisp apples and comforting pumpkin delights! The special attention to detail and personalized care we bring to each resident, includes tasty, nutritious meals and award-winning services and amenities.

Take a progressive journey through our warm and welcoming community. Each stop on your visit will include delectable chef-made seasonal pumpkin treats.

Saturdays in October 10:00am–2:00pm RSVP REQUIRED. CALL 708-469-4607 TODAY

Virtual tours always available. Call today!

ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 800 N. HARLEM AVENUE | RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 SHERIDANRIVERFOREST.COM

We are proud to be a happy, healthy and safe community. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and their families. Following the FDA approval of the vaccine, be assured that Senior Lifestyle mandates that all our employees are vaccinated to minimize risk of infection. Learn more about our best practices at seniorlifestyle.com/about/covid-19/

Present

Fall 2021

A guide to local dining by Melissa Elsmo, EATS Editor

Sponsored by

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Mama De Luca

◆ Celebrating our 17th year on Madison Street

◆ Direct online ordering is available ◆ Sunday brunch (10am-2pm) ◆ Catering (please give 48 hours notice) ◆ Private parties on our 2nd floor

(bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

◆ 2nd floor outdoor patio dining

(subject to private party schedule)

7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200

EATS

Special Advertising Section

presented by

October 6, 2021

Welcome to our table

orn in 2018 and served fresh by Growing Community Media, Eats gives you a taste of everything dining-related in Oak Park and its surrounding communities. Berwyn, Austin, Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, Brookfield and Elmwood Park are home to a rich collection of established and emerging eateries. Known for serving up healthy portions of food and restaurant news, Eats exists to connect you to the people and stories behind the dishes you love to eat. All of us at Growing Community Media are exceptionally grateful for the support Byline Bank has shown to local restaurants and the commitment they have made to help us tell their important stories through the Eats brand—this special section would not have been possible without their support. Not only is Byline Bank a generous sponsor of the Eats Dining Guide, Alberto Paracchini, CEO of Byline Bank, and Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park and River Forest Market President for Byline Bank, recognize that local businesses and restaurants form the backbone of communities. Last winter Byline partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce as well as the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to help Goldschmidt spread the love between communities. Of course, Eats covered this effort and shared

the story of Goldschmidt’s visits to breweries, restaurants and diners including One Lake Brewing, Robinson’s Ribs, and George’s Family Restaurant. She also stopped by coffee shops, bakeries and sweet shops including Wise Cup in Oak Park, River Forest Chocolates, and Twisted Cookie in Forest Park. In the end they purchased $15,000 worth of gift cards from more than 65 restaurants in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. No matter where you look in the Eats communities, you’ll find inspirational stories of collaboration and support, but at the heart of it all there are countless delicious dishes to celebrate in the seven communities we cover. We’ve been inspired by the arrival of Oak Park’s first community “Unity” fridge at Carnival Grocery, we clamor for Popify pops crafted at River Forest Kitchens using products from Rare Bird Preserves and don’t get us started on the fried chicken sandwiches at Chubby’s Char House. We are counting the days until the arrival of Fritzi’s Delicatessen and Table and Lain all while celebrating the enduring legacy of places like Autre Monde, The Golden Steer, Chef Shangri-la, Cucina Paradiso, and Jim and Pete’s. Enjoy this celebration of all things Eats!

Eats Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Designer Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302 Phone 708 524 8300 Fax 708 467 9066 Online OakPark.com. RiverForest.com @OakPark • ForestParkReview.com

Happy reading & eating.

Melissa Elsmo Eats Editor Edito

October 6, 2021

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Give thanks for Spilt Milk

ince opening in 2018, Meg and Molly Svec, sisters and co-owners of Spilt Milk Pastry, 811 South Blvd., have navigated the bakery business with grace and humility. When the pandemic and civil unrest caused job and business losses in 2020, Spilt Milk enacted a program designed to support and serve vulnerable community members. When a flood capsized operations at their original Oak Park Avenue location in the same year

they took the opportunity to expand their bakery and increase their local reach. Even as the Svec sisters work tirelessly to care for our community their pies, cookies, breads and biscuits remain unwavering in their quality and flavor — the dynamic duo is already preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Heirloom Apple Pie is sure to remain Spilt Milk’s number one best seller on the 2021 Thanksgiving menu. In 2018, former Chicago Tribune dining critic, Phil Vettel, called this pie “a work of art.” It features a timeless mixture of several rotating varieties of heirloom apples from Ellis Family Farms, baked in an all-butter double pie crust. Georgia Pecan pie joins traditional pumpkin, apple cranberry, chocolate chess and pumpkin pecan praline to round out Spilt Milk’s Thanksgiving pie selections. Homemade whipped cream in classic vanilla and chai vanilla varieties can be added to any order as well.

Pumpkin pecan praline pie from Spilt Milk.

In addition, the Svec sisters plan

Heirloom apple pie from Spilt Milk in Oak Park. | Photos courtesy of Spilt Milk to offer pumpkin and banana breads and packs of frozen “bake-at-home” Spilt Milk buttermilk biscuits. Publican Quality Breads will also be on sale. Pre-orders begin on Oct. 10 and can be placed in-store, over the phone or online. Plan to order early. In years past, Spilt Milk has typically recached production capacity around Halloween. If you are looking for some sips to enjoy with your sweets Spilt Milk Wine is

featuring half cases and full cases of wines specially sourced just for the Thanksgiving holiday from independent, family-owned vineyards in the U.S., South America, and Europe. Selections will be published Oct. 15 and Spilt Milk plans to host a tasting event.

Spilt Milk

811 South Blvd., Oak Park 708-613-4403 • spiltmilkpastry.com

Fresh, healthy, delicious: Inari Sushi

hen it comes to sushi, Inari owner, Sara Kate, learned from the best. The enthusiastic restaurateur has owned Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, for a decade, but had a wealth of valuable experience prior to opening the Restaurant Row sushi bar. Kate spent years in management at Tank Sushi in Lincoln Square and maintains industry ties to the folks behind Sushi Wabi — the standard-setting sushi bar located on Randolph Street in Chicago that closed in 2012.

The S.T.A.Y Rolling roll (left) and the X’mas roll are among the many colorful specialty maki offerings at Inari Sushi. to sushi for novice diners, the baked roll is stuffed with shrimp tempura and topped with delicate slices of salmon and super white tuna. The roll is garnished with black tobiko and served on a flaming platter.

Relying on the wisdom of chefs from some of the great Chicago sushi houses helped Kate establish quality ingredient sourcing practices. This attention to detail has helped distinguish the North Avenue restaurant from others of its kind in the western suburbs. Kate credits Inari’s enduring success to a steady stream of longtime and loyal customers. As word started to spread about Inari’s “sushi first” approach to Japanese fare Kate saw customers coming into the restaurant from neighboring communities. The Sushi bar lunch entrée features a chef’s selection of five assorted pieces of nigiri sushi and spicy tuna maki. On the day we visited we were offed dressed albacore tuna,

Tempura vegetables, California roll and salad make up an indulgent lunch option at Inari. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo yellow tail, tuna, salmon and snapper. The colorful array of fresh fish came garnished with a whimsical carved butterfly made from a carrot and a vibrant edible orchid. Kate also encourages patrons to try their trendy Poke Bowls. Protein like sashimi tuna

and salmon or tempura tofu combined with

rice, assorted vegetables and sweet soy

sauce offers guests the refreshing fare Inari is known for. Dine-in guests looking for a

little excitement would do well to order the flaming dragon roll. A good introduction

While Inari’s sleek interior welcomes guests from near and far, Kate is thrilled with her restaurant’s Elmwood Park location. She enjoys local customers and relishes in the Village of Elmwood Park’s ongoing support of all restaurants in the area. “This is a lovely community to be a part of,” says Kate, “we’re like family on Restaurant Row.”

Inari Sushi

7428 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-583-2300 • inarisushielmwoodpark.com

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October 6, 2021

Discovering Anfora and all that wine offers

nfora Wine Merchants, 128 S. Marion St., is a combination retail shop and wine education center, named after a two-handled terracotta vessel used in Ancient Rome to store or transport wine. Shop owner, Adrian Weisell, was born in Italy and even attended elementary school in a working vineyard. Ultimately, through mentorship, exposure, and education he achieved sommelier status at Il Buco in New York. Il Buco, was (and remains) a notable wine destination and carried a great selection of Italian wines. “My approach to wine is not how a standard sommelier would approach it,”

said Weisell. “Wine is about more than taste to me. I look at wine drinking through a cultural and historical lens.” The Marion Street shop recaptures the feeling of his childhood, honors old world traditions and celebrates Italian wines. A welcoming retail space engages customers upon entry, floral murals cover walls and terracotta pendant fixtures hang from the ceiling. Wooden shelves house bottles of wine and a set of double doors give way to a tasting room with a counter suitable for hosting small classes. Weisell wants the shop to be a festive gathering space where people come to select a bottle to open at home or enjoy a bottle of wine on the patio with friends. Anfora has limited number of wines available by the glass, but Weisell is quick to point out the entire shop is available to be enjoyed for a very modest corkage fee. He also considers the close bond between Anfora and Carnivore, the artisan butcher shop located around the corner at 1042 Pleasant St., to be

Jassem el Mahmoud looks at a bottle of wine on at Anfora Wine Merchants on Marion Street in downtown Oak Park. | Photos by Alex Rogals one of the best kept secrets in Oak Park.

tasting experience.

“People don’t realize they can get a chefdriven steak prepared at Carnivore while they are drinking wine at Anfora,” said Weisell. “We have a few bar snacks here, but the entire Carnivore menu is available to our customers.”

“I am looking to build relationships with my customers,” said Weisell. “Ultimately we’re asking that you trust me. Let go a little and let me pick the wine for you.”

Anfora Wine Merchants is a social destination where people embrace the thoughtful approach Weisell takes to curate a wine

Anfora Wine Merchants

128 S. Marion, Oak Park 708-613-5388 • anforawinemerchants.com

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Celebrating Kribi Coffee’s hyper local coffee roasting revolution

ince opening in January 2019, Jacques Shalo has been working diligently to carve out a unique identity for his independent coffee roastery in the congested and competitive coffee shop business. Shalo credits Kribi’s Coffee’s “four tenets,” freshness, method, sourcing, and giving back, for the brand’s quick rise in popularity.

Kribi Coffee is located at 7324 W. Madison, Forest Park and is expected to open a second location later this month. The new location will be housed at Cross Function, a flexible workspace in the Boulevard Arcade building, at 1033 South Blvd., Oak Park. “My wife Cindy was driving down South Boulevard and saw the available café space,” said Shalo, owner of Kribi Coffee. “It seemed like a great opportunity for Kribi to enter Oak Park.”

Kribi’s Cross Function location will capitalize on the recognizable design elements popularized at the Forest Park location. The colorful palette, conceptualized by Shalo’s son Jeremiah, is a nod to the family’s Cameroonian heritage and regional coffee sourcing practices. Earlier this year, Kribi Coffee accepted a prestigious Illinois Made Award from the Illinois Department of Tourism – Explore Illinois. Inclusion in the Illinois Makers program is highly competitive, and honorees must meet detailed criteria and are celebrated for having a compelling origin story, rich business history, and making an impact in their home community. Kribi Coffee sources historically significant coffees with a growing focus on beans grown in Cameroon. In addition to sourcing with regional specificity in mind, Kribi is dedicated to putting more money into the pockets of coffee farmers by

disrupting the value chain of coffee and donates to local social justice causes — a portion of every bag of Kribi’s Black Lives Matter blend is donated to Tutoring Chicago. In May 2021 Kribi was also named among the 10 best coffee shops in Chicago by food and drink editors at Chicago Social. Though Kribi Coffee is less than three years old, the fastgrowing business joined notable Chicago coffee shops including Intelligentsia, Dark Matter and Metropolis on the tight list of 10. Kribi will continue to serve quality coffee in their flagship Forest Park location and envisions the new Oak Park location will serve as a precursor to a larger Kribi expansion in Oak Park sometime in late 2023 or early 2024.

Kribi Coffee

7324 Madison St., Forest Park 708-689-8896 • kribicoffee.com

Jacques Shalo standing outside his Kribi Coffee location in Forest Park.

7324 w. madison street forest park, il 60130 7324 w. madison street forest park, il 60130

kribicoffee.com 708 689 8896

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October 6, 2021

La Lupita celebrates a mother’s touch in every dish

or 16 years La Lupita, 6539 W. Cermak Rd., has been a celebration of the hard work and grit it takes to succeed in the restaurant industry. “The restaurant is named after my mother, Lupita Figueroa, and you can still find her in the kitchen,” said Salvador “Sal” Figueroa, the manager. “Our dishes are all homemade with her recipes, her seasonings, and her special touch.”

The origin-story of the Cermak Road mainstay, however, takes us far from the Berwyn thoroughfare. Though Sal is

American born, he and his family returned to Cuernavaca in Morelos, Mexico when he was just two years old. As a boy, Sal watched his mother set up a dining table in their front yard. Friends and strangers would take a seat and Lupita would bring out an array of homemade dishes like pozole blanco and a deep dark mole with origins in her hometown located in the Guerrero region of Mexico. The money she earned helped the family, but more importantly she was honing the recipes that would eventually form the spine of La Lupita’s menu.

La Lupita serves a mole popularized in the Guerrero region of Mexico shown here over chicken enchiladas.

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In 1992 the Figueroa family returned to the United States and settled in Chicago. While Lupita took factory jobs to support her family, she proved to be an insatiable cook and began offering her culinary services to local businesses and neighbors. Sal would come home to find strangers eating in their apartment kitchen. Before long Lupita’s casual cooking turned into a vibrant catering business. Then, in 2004 Sal drove past a

Cazuela de Pozole Blanco Estilo Guerrero from La Lupita. all three of her children.”

vacant restaurant on Cermak Road. More kitchen than dining room, the diminutive space held just for tables and offered the perfect steppingstone for Lupita to take her culinary career to the next level. Thanks to her loyal customer base the transition to restaurant ownership went smoothly for the scrappy cook.

Today La Lupita is going strong and keeps home-style Mexican food front and center on Cermak. The restaurant continues to offer Lupita’s complex mole and three variations of pozole daily.

“Looking back, now I can see my mother is a true example of an entrepreneur,” said Sal proudly. “She passed along that mindset to

6539 Cermak Rd., Berwyn

La Lupita

708-788-8226 • lalupitaberwyn.com

History, burgers and brews at One Lake Brewing

ne Lake Brewing, 1 Lake Street, Oak Park, is housed on three levels in the former First National Bank of Oak Park, built in 1920. The finished gut-rehab pays special attention to the historic aspects of the one-of-a-kind building. The first floor features a beer hall inspired bar and dining room, while the second level celebrates the history of the building with preserved original dentil molding and large historical photos. A large beer-bottle chandelier anchors the space while large windows offer guests a glimpse into the working brewery. The third floor features a popular roof top dining area and outdoor bar.

also be open for lunch both days.” The One Lake menu offers a thoughtful combination of elevated bar fare like crispy chicken wings and complete entrees including the popular stuff in pepper made with local barley, roasted seasonal vegetables, caramelized goat cheese,

roasted piquillo pepper sauce, fried shallot and herb oil. The One Lake Burger, however, has proven to be a top seller. It features two patties of local beef on a corn dusted bun topped with tomato jam, house aioli, fried pickled onions, arugula and butterkase cheese.

Shawn Stevens, head brewer at One Lake, is also excited for the upcoming release of the Been Czar, Done That stout. The beer, set to be bottled in mid--November, has been aging for a year in two 55 gallon barrels from Quincy Street Distillery, 38 E Quincy Street in Riverside. Stevens says “aging and conditioning has added a depth of flavor and complexity” he would not have been able to achieve in other ways, and turned out to be an “excellent collaboration between two local craft makers.”

The brewery is set to be featured on the Open House Chicago (OPC) tour on October 16 and 17. OHC 2021 ( https://openhousechicago.org) includes more than 100 sites in more than 30 neighborhoods across Chicago and nearby suburbs--One Lake will offer attendees a self-guided tour of their historic building. “We want people to come in, order a beer if they want and explore the space,” said Kristen Alfonsi, co-owner. “We will

Nothing goes better with a thoughtfully crafted burger than a cold beer. Behind the bar, One Lake’s staff pour house-brewed beers including, Lando, an American IPA with a juicy fruit-forward flavor and a notable hop burst--the beer has a generous 7.4% abv and a full finish. For beer-lovers looking for a lower abv One Lake’s easy drinking, “toasty-roasty” Oscar Milde English mild ale. The beer with a grain forward profile has a manageable 4.4% abv.

The One Lake Burger features tomato jam, house aioli and butterkase cheese. Bacon can be added to make this an even bolder bite. | Provided by One Lake

One Lake Brewing

1 Lake St., Oak Park 708-434-5232 • onelakebrewing.com

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Jewish delicatessen dreams do come true

raving kreplach, pastrami, or knish? Paul Stern, a longtime Oak Park resident with nearly four decades of restaurant experience, is bringing a menu filled with Jewish fare to 113 N. Oak Park Ave.

Stern is planning for both corned tofu and beet and labneh sandwiches to appear on the menu. To cultivate interaction and communal feelings, customers will place orders “dim sum style” by checking off menu items on a card placed on the table. Menu items will come in a variety of sizes and Stern hopes inexpensive tasting portions will entice hesitant diners to try menu items they may be unfamiliar with.

“It has always been a dream of mine to open a Jewish deli,” said Stern. Stern fondly remembers eating at Lou Mitchell’s with his father in the restaurant’s heyday. There were bananas for the children and Milk Duds for the ladies — every meal at the family-owned diner, complete with prune and orange slice, felt like a special occasion. Stern hopes his forthcoming deli will bring back that same sense of personalization and attention to detail while honoring his father’s memory. “My dad, Fritz, fled Austria when they started rounding up Jews,” said Stern. “He went to Switzerland, then London and eventually emigrated through Ellis Island where he was re-named Fredrick. He never spoke German to anyone but his mother -- she always called him Fritzi.” Stern is clear Fritzi’s Delicatessen will be a

Paul Stern and Lisa Stern stand together outside of the storefront that will soon be Fritzi’s, their new Jewish deli, on Oak Park Avenue | Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer “Kosher-style deli” meaning they will serve Ashkenazi Jewish fare like corned beef, matzoh ball soup, kishke, brisket, chopped liver and lox. While both pork and shellfish will not be served at Fritzi’s, it will not be a kosher establishment as evidenced by the inclusion of a Reuben sandwich on the menu.

Stern has proudly spent 10 years developing his pastrami recipe. A traditional dry cure with a blend of spices including black pepper, coriander, and cloves precedes soaking, cold smoking, and steaming. The finished pastrami will be hand sliced for sandwiches. Vegetarians will also have a place at Fritzi’s.

“I want Fritzi’s to be a place where people put down their phones and actually dine with each other,” said Stern. “I want the place to have a buzz where people talk politics and share a bowl of something. If someone hears the person at the next table say they are an orthopedist, I want that person to ask them why their knee hurts. That is the heart of deli for me.” Serving up “good food for the soul,” Fritzi’s Delicatessen, is expected to open this fall.

Fritzi’s Delicatessen

113 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

The Daly Bagel hits its stride – and then some

hen Amanda Daly opened the doors to The Daly Bagel in April 2020, she greeted waiting customers for the first time exclaiming, “We’re open!” Production in the kitchen came to an organic halt and everyone inside the shop began to clap. It was a fleeting moment, but one not easily forgotten.

The tight-knit crew baked out of River Forest Kitchen, hosting popular weekend popups at Urban Pioneer Group in Forest Park and offering Daly Bagels at area farmers markets. Daly then set her sights on a brick-andmortar location and embarked on a buildout expected to take just months, but which in reality, took more than a year to complete.

“Everything came alive in that moment,” said Daly, shop owner. “We opened the doors and life flooded in. Since then, The Daly Bagel has been a living thing.”

Over the past year Daly and her team of baker-employees have embraced their new reality. The first employee arrives at the shop at 4 a.m. to prepare for the 7 a.m. opening. It takes an And now the hour for the revolving boutique bagel shop tray oven, capable of has hit its stride. A bevy of bagels from The Daly Bagel in baking 500 bagels The Daly Bagel was Oak Park. at time, to come to recently named by temperature and WBEZ’s Curious City nearly as long for the adjacent bagel boiling as one of the best bagels in Chicagoland. kettle to fill with water. With their retail space housed in the old Zephyr building, 130 Chicago Ave., the Daly Daly, Guldin and Garcia have settled into Bagel has hit its stride. distinct roles. Daly, who remains hands on in the kitchen, handles operations, scheduling, Daly whipped up her first batch of “East social media and general catch all duties. Coast bagels with a Midwest twist” in 2018 Guldin oversees doughs and recipe before officially teaming up with her “bagel development. Garcia is regularly in charge of partners” Adrienne Guldin and Leah Garcia.

Amanda Daly, owner of the Daly Bagel, has navigated the challenges of starting a boutique bagel business. | Photos by Alex Rogals opening the shop. Today, a total of 32 parttime employees keep the bagel boutique in business. The shop benefits from excellent foot traffic despite their “off the beaten path location” and continues to cater to their passionate group of regular customers. Positive press and word-of-mouth have drummed up additional business. As a result, The Daly Bagel is known to have a line out the door with the most dramatic “socially distant”

queue extending more than two blocks. “We constantly remind ourselves we need to go at a pace the preserves quality,” said Daly. “Because, let me tell you, it is almost impossible to fight the instinct to rush when you see a line around the block.”

Daly Bagel

130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park 708-613-5263 • thedalybagel.com

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(from left) Student leaders Kyndra Washington, 14, Neveah Hester, 16, and Azariah Baker show off an assortment of cut flowers and house plants available at Austin Harvest.

Austin Harvest a student-led produce market

n June 2020, Rodney Williams, director of entrepreneurship and development at By the Hand Club for Kids, 415 N. Laramie, was sitting in a peace circle with a group of frustrated youth. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder area protests led to some violent unrest in Austin and left participants in By the Hand’s afterschool program concerned for their community. In fact, a liquor store located directly across the street from By the Hand had been looted and burned during a night of rioting. By the Hand purchased the property and tore down the building within six weeks of taking ownership. The frustrated students saw this as an opportunity to change their community from within and raised the idea of hosting a pop-up produce market on the vacant lot left behind after the liquor store was demolished.

“Austin has a population of 97,000,” said Williams. “We had 17 liquor stores and just 3 grocery stores. This is a food desert and the kids wanted to do something about that.” Initially the entrepreneurial experiment was supposed to last just 12 weeks, but the community responded favorably to Austin Harvest, 423 N. Laramie, and plans for a second season evolved naturally. And then in June 2021, Austin Harvest, with support from Sam Acho, a former Chicago Bear, and Athletes for Justice, received word that a WSCR-AM radiothon hosted by talk

host Danny Parkins, generated more than $670,000 in donations to help build a permanent home for the pop-up market. “We are not going anywhere,” said Azariah Baker, Austin Harvest student-employee. “A roof is the best way to show that.” They may be peddling produce at affordable prices, but Williams is clear the primary focus of the program is developing entrepreneurs. Students earn a stipend for their work at Austin Harvest and oversee everything from bookkeeping and purchasing to uniform design and furniture construction. They manage partnerships to keep the market stocked and worked closely with contractors to design the forthcoming brick and mortar. The building should be completed by the end of 2021 and has been designed to maintain an open-air market feel. “You can only dream what you see,” said Williams. “This market shows them what is possible in their own community. The best thing people can do is come out to shop and encourage the kids.” Austin Harvest is open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Austin Harvest

423 N. Laramie Chicago

October 6, 2021

Cookies Soft Serve Ice Cream Dipped & Stuffed Brownies Milkshakes Coffees Gift Boxes & Baskets

7401 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 689-8029 TwistedCookie.com

October 6, 2021

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The evolution of Takeout 25

akeout 25 started as an online initiative dedicated to supporting restaurants through the COVID pandemic and recently marked its transition to an official non-profit organization.

made a difference during the pandemic — some establishments were able to rehire furloughed employees while others created special offers and discounts specifically geared toward the Takeout 25 community.

“We are very confident in our ability to provide value to restaurants” said Ravi Parakkat, Takeout 25 founder and now an Oak Park village trustee. “Everything y g we are hoping to do will enhance the top-line for member restaurants.”

Takeout 25 went on to host a trio of Taste the Town fundraising events that benefitted multiple restaurants and non-profits like Beyond Hunger, y g The Day Nursery and New Moms. The Takeout 25 model has been replicated on a national scale with similar efforts popping up from California to New York and the initiative is currently being turned in to a business school case study.

When Takeout 25 started, Parakkat, a 14-year Oak Park resident, was a candidate for the village board. He teamed up with local leaders to inspire residents to spend $25 per week on carryout fare in Oak Park and the surrounding communities. And Takeout 25 was born. Today, the Takeout 25 Facebook page boasts more than 9,000 members who share photos of takeout fare, ask for dinner recommendations, and interact with restaurant owners. Restaurant owners made it clear the Takeout 25 Oak Park initiative

Ravi Parakkat, Village Trustee and founder of Takeout 25. | Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer

And now the organization has achieved official 501c6 status.

As Takeout 25 grows, programs will be staffed by paid interns or part-time paid staff members as needed. Parakkat will stay on as founder and board president and will not be paid for his ongoing efforts.

In addition to increasing revenue and lowering costs for restaurants, the non-profit model aims to facilitate relationships with local delivery services, introduce collaborative initiatives to aid restaurants in bulk ordering eco-friendly take-out packaging and reduce retail food waste by marketing local food overages in inventive ways.

While all local restaurants will continue to have universal access to the free marketing engine Takeout 25 has become, the new 501c6 is designed to outlive the pandemic and will rely on a membership model to help support dining establishments and enrich the local economy in a variety of ways.

Parakkat acknowledges the not-for-profit is in its infancy but envisions the Takeout 25 membership cost being $25 per month or $300 per year for participating restaurants. The fees will give members the “right of first refusal” on future Takeout 25 events and access to cross community collaborations designed to strengthen the local economy.

Takeout 25 takeout25.org

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Taco Mucho brings chef driven tacos to Harrison Street

ouse-made tortillas, salsas, tacos and tortas as well as a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu featuring seasonal margaritas have arrived in the Oak Park Arts District. Ron Aleman, owner of Taco Mucho, 220 Harrison St., was drawn to the district because of its “cool feeling and walkability.” “I love Val’s, Buzz and Happy Apple,” said Aleman. “I think Taco Mucho will fit right in with all the great things already happening on Harrison.”

Taco Mucho existed as a pop-up in the Fulton Gallery in Chicago for six months in 2019. The successful stint left Aleman ready to transition to restaurant ownership, but the pandemic delayed his dream. The south Oak Park resident and father of two spent quarantine cooking for neighbors, family and friends to hone his skills in anticipation of opening Taco Mucho when the time was right.

Mucho inspired mural announcing “share your tortillas” draws focus in the second dining room.

Aleman was drawn to the building on Harrison because it was already a functional restaurant. He completed significant cosmetic updates to “brighten and freshen” the dining room. Warm string lights hang in the first of two dining rooms and a galvanized metal bar grounds the space. A vibrant Taco

Aleman, who had a hand in opening seven restaurants over the years, brings 20-years of culinary experience to his first ever solo restaurant venture. He also benefits from a formal culinary school education and uses his knowledge of French cooking techniques to enhance his Mexican fare rooted in family

Ron Aleman, owner of Taco Mucho, is ready to welcome guests to his arts district taqueria.

A colorful mural welcomes guests and urges them to “share your tortillas” at Taco Mucho at 220 Harrison St.

recipes from Guadalajara, Jalisco.

also attracts customers.

Taco Mucho’s menu features a rotating array of tacos and tortas with fillings like ribeye steak with house made asada seasoning, chicken al pastor or vegetarian poblano con queso. Aleman has given serious consideration to making vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options standouts on the Taco Mucho menu. A beverage menu highlighting classic and creative margaritas

“No matter what I am cooking, ingredients will always get the best respect from my hands,” said Aleman. “I want to help every ingredient meet its full potential.”

Taco Mucho

220 Harrison St., Oak Park tacomucho.net

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Decades of dedication: Take a stroll down Restaurant Row

Armand’s Pizza:

lmwood Park’s beloved “Restaurant Row” boasts a vibrant and bustling collection of eateries that lure customers with a diversity of cuisines, ample parking, and an honest sense of camaraderie. The Village of Elmwood Park tirelessly supports the restaurants lined up on North Avenue—that ongoing commitment is one of the reasons why many Restaurant Row establishments have endured for decades.

Any Armand’s pizza can be customized, but the restaurant offers some approved “classic” combinations like one especially devoted to the Village of Elmwood Park. The Elmwood Park combo suggests topping your pie with Italian beef, Armand’s signature sausage, and giardiniera. Armand’s has been serving up pies for more than 60 years. Located at 7650 W. North Ave.

A fresh hot pizza from Armand’s in Elmwood Park

Chef’s choice: an assortment of nigri sushi and spicy tuna maki from Inari Sushi.

Alpine Food Shop:

An assortment of gelato from Massa Café Italiano.

Massa Café Italiano: Angelo and Giovanna Lollino prioritize sourcing the freshest ingredients available to craft a variety of authentic house-made Italian dishes at Massa, 7434 W. North Ave.—including colorful salads, Sicilian pizza, and decadent pastas. The quaint eatery entices guests to indulge in dessert-Massa’s award-winning gelato and fresh sorbettos are made fresh daily using timehonored Italian techniques.

Spizzico/Senor Jefe:

“It’s not just a sub—it’s an Alpine.” Few places have a truer tag line than Alpine Food Shop—the sandwich shop has been a part of the Elmwood Park neighborhood since 1955. Perennially popular, The Alpine” is a sub with a loyal following and features ham, salami, capicollo and Provolone cheese. Located at 7538 W. North Ave.

Johnnie’s Beef: A counter-service force of nature, Johnnie’s Beef, 7500 W. North Ave., is a standard setting joint for blissful beef in Elmwood Park, the western suburbs and beyond. Our very own David Hammond said, “I ate the Johnnie’s beef (sandwich) in one continuous gobble” of the sandwiches first served in 1961.

New Star: New Star, 7444 W. North Ave., had been serving up Cantonese cuisine since 1954, but Jinny Zhao’s ownership has brought fresh life to the North Avenue mainstay. Zhao is proud to carry on the New Star traditions started by the Moy family, but she has expanded the menu to offer Thai, Japanese and Hibachi dishes.

Gringo and Blondie offers a colorful assortment of Mexican dishes

For 25 years the Spizzirri family has been offering baked clams and crispy calamari to set the stage for an array of entrees including pastas, sandwiches and pizza at Spizzico, 7446 W. North Ave. Right around the corner, Senor Jefe, offers Mexican favorites like hand-made pork tamales, fajitas and flautas. Senor Jefe opened nearly six years ago and the model makes is simple to have tacos with your next pizza!

Gringo and Blondie: An assortment of tacos, cemitas, and burritos await at Gringo and Blondie, located 7514 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park. The Mexican street-food spot is brought to Restaurant Row by Massa Café Italiano owner, Angelo Lollino and his wife and business partner Giovanna Lollino.

The Alpine is the quintessential sandwich from the food shop of the same name. Johnnie’s has been a restaurant row mainstay for decades.

Fried rice at New-Star

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A steak jibarito from Café Cubano has been a restaurant row favorite for years.

The 8am burger from Burger Moovment.

Café Cubano:

Inari:

For 20 years owners of Cafe Cubano, Mayra and Javier Fernandez Jr., have been honoring Javier Fernandez Sr. by bringing authentic Cuban fare to Restaurant Row. Located at 7426 W. North Ave., Café Cubano uses nostalgia and comfort as key ingredients in every dish pushed out of their kitchen—including lechon, oxtails, jibaritos and empanadas.

Sara Kate has owned Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave., for a decade, but had a wealth of valuable experience prior to opening the restaurant row sushi bar. She takes a “sushi first” approach to turn out a creative assortment of maki, nigiri and poke. Bento boxes, ramen and kitchen entrees complement an array of cocktails and sake options.

Jim and Pete’s: Since 1941 this Restaurant Row outlier has been serving up old world favorites with a modern twist. The well-appointed North Ave. location, 7806 W. North Ave., is the second home for the restaurant known for serving reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce. Specialty menu items like giant house-made rigatoni with pinenuts, spinach and ricotta and Italian Pork Chops with peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu.

Baked clams set the tone for any meal at Spizzico.

Burger Moovment: This quick-service establishment flips every patty to order using locally sourced bakery buns, 100-percent Angus beef and locally grown produce. For the past decade, Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., has been setting the burger standard in Elmwood Park. Owner Anthony Gambino has helmed Oak Park’s Italian mainstay, Cucina Paradiso, for more than 25 years and has found the balance between fine dining and casual fare at his Elmwood Park burger joint.

Jim and Pete’s can be found of the far west end of Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row.

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#Berwynstyle wings and turkey at Babygold Barbecue: Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we are proud to share this reputation and work hard to promote it.

Alpine

Donny G’s

McDonalds

7538 W North Ave

7308 W North Ave

7217 W Grand Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria

Eggsperience

New Star Restaurant

7650 W North Ave

16 Conti Pkwy

7444 W North Ave

Ashleys Café & Tap

Great American Bagel

Old World Pizza

7500 W Grand Ave

7230 W North Ave

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar

Gringo & Blondie

Panera

7514 W North Ave

7400 North Ave

7334 W. Diversey Ave

Happy Wok

Russell’s Barbecue

1742 N Harlem Ave

1621 Thatcher Ave

Inari Sushi

Slice Factory

7428 W North Ave

1732 N Harlem Ave

Jim & Pete’s

Spizzico& Senor Jefe

7806 W North Ave

7446 W North Ave

Burger King 1750 Harlem Ave

Burger Moovement 7512 W North Ave

Café Cubano 7426 W North Ave

Caputo’s Fresh Markets 2400 N Harlem Ave

Chi Taco 7530 W. Grand Ave

Circle Tavern 18 Conti Pkwy

Culvers 7542 W Grand Ave

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

Subway

2836 N. Harlem Ave 7230 W. North Ave

Trattoria Peppino’s

Lotus

7440 W North Ave

7230 W North Ave #210

Union Tap 7707 Westwood #1A

Massa Café

Wing Stop

7434 W North Ave

1740 N Harlem Ave

Chef John Manion considers Babygold’s thick-sliced smoked turkey to be a “menu workhorse.” Diners will appreciate its subtle smoke and Thanksgiving vibe. My fellow food writer, David Hammond believes the deliciousness of the turkey was “slightly eclipsed by the uber-deliciousness of the chicken wings.” And Hammond was clear he almost never orders wings but would gladly order them at Babygold again and again. 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

A Mangonada from Neveria Naranja Dulce: Adventurous sorbet lovers should check out a mangonada. This sweet and sour dessert treat is made from mango sorbet, Tajín, and piquant chamoy. Fresh mango and a tamarind coated straw finish this memorable Berwyn dessert. 6252 Ogden Ave., Berwyn.

The Midland from Burger Antics: Fresh steak burgers cooked to your desired degree of doneness star at Burger Antics. Here The Midland, topped with house made Dijon, house made pickles, English cheddar and caramelized onions is served up in the family friendly joint. 3740 Grand Blvd., Brookfield.

The Obvious from the Daly Bagel: Obviously, we made room for “The Obvious” from The Daly Bagel. Folks line up daily for these East Coast style beauties, and bagel maven, Amanda Daly, clearly knows how to pile lox, cream cheese, onions and capers to make a perfect sandwich. 130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park.

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The lobster roll at Poor Phil’s is a sidewalk sandwich favorite. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo

A seafood lovers paradise at Poor Phil’s

ince 1985 the Murphy family has been offering the “ultimate neighborhood pub experience” at Poor Phil’s, 139 S. Marion St. Savvy locals know the mainstay establishment offers more than 30 beers on tap and a wide array of American, Cajun and seafood dishes. The family friendly establishment boasts an idyllic sidewalk patio suitable for a date night, quick weeknight meal or workday lunch. After entering a temporary closure known as a hibernation in January 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Poor Phil’s reopened in spring to the delight of longtime regulars.

happy to enjoy Poor Phil’s unpretentious fare once again. As snow melted patrons could be seen savoring fish and chips with an ice cold beer, weekday “two buck shucks” and a bloody mary, or a “barroom” pickle burger with piles of crispy tots. Other notable menu items include Poor Phil’s Maine lobster roll featuring chilled lobster salad brimming with celery, onion, pepper, fresh dill, mild wasabi mayonnaise and butter served on a toasted bun. The Fishn-Cheddar is a refined version of a fast-food classic featuring beer batter fried Atlantic cold-water cod — the shatteringly crisp fish served in a brioche bun is thoughtfully dressed with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce.

Hibernating restaurants like Poor Phil’s, consciously The Poor Phil’s bloody mary. chose to close at the height of the pandemic winter with the intention of It is the goal of every member of Poor reopening when the weather was warm Phil’s cheerful and dedicated staff to enough for patio dining, or as soon as ensure patrons experience “the comfort pandemic related restrictions lifted. of enjoying a day with fresh food, rejuvenating beer at an exciting location Though it was a difficult decision to with family and friends.” hibernate, Poor Phil’s customers celebrated their reopening by expressing joy on Poor Phil’s social media and flocking to the restaurant. 139 S. Marion St., Oak Park Hungry locals came clamoring back to 708-848-0871 • poorphils.com the outdoor patio in the spring and were

October 6, 2021

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Learn, sample and socialize at Kinslahger tirelessly to train their taste buds to recognize subtle flavors and differences between beers. The goal of any beer judge is to support and inform other homebrewers on how to brew better beer.

large wall clock freezes time at 3:11 p.m. in the well-appointed Kinslahger Taproom, 6806 Roosevelt Rd., in Oak Park. The hands stand still to honor the production brewery’s opening day in 2016 and the exact moment Keith Huizinga’s dreams of brewing beer for a living came true.

The Home-brewers Club of Oak Park introduced Huizinga to Steve Loranz River Forest resident and and Neal Armstrong. Michigan native, Huizinga traveled Friendships emerged to the Netherlands during his and the three passionate college years. While there he lived brewers began to with Dutch students who exposed discuss making their him to a new world of beer. A Keith Huizinga, owner of Kinslahger Brewing, walks through the back shared hobby their fulltypical college student, Huizinga, and shows the beer-making process in the brewery. | Alex Rogals time life. Dreams turned to drank whatever was cheap and conversations and those of variety in the available beer had Huizinga available when he was state side, but conversations morphed into concrete feeling a beer void of sorts. He knew what exposure to artfully crafted beer proved to plans. Armed with a strong collective was out there but couldn’t get his hands be transformative for the young man. knowledge and clearly defined roles, the on it. To combat this longing, the curious “We are living in a completely different beer student began brewing his own beer. trio opened Kinslahger Brewing Company world today,” says the brewery-owner. “There on March 3, 2016. Loranz serves as chief A career in finance supported Huizinga’s is an amazing array of beer styles just lining brewer, Armstrong handles the finances, brewing hobby for years. His passion even grocery store shelves today. That was not the and Huizinga spreads the word about led him to become a certified beer judge. case in 1991.” Kinslahger’s unique products. These devoted beer-aficionados are the In today’s market, logic dictates producing Upon returning to the United States the lack sommeliers of the beer world and work

IPA’s or stout beers would lead to success, but Kinslahger runs counterculture by solely producing lager-fermented beers. Kinslahger beers balance tradition and creativity by relying on a slower fermentation process. The resulting beers have a less yeast-forward flavor profile. Lagers are prized for their fresh flavor and appreciated for bringing malt and hops to the forefront on the palate. Today, despite Kinslahger’s limited footprint, the production brewery sells the bulk of their product through wholesale distribution and hopes to have an even broader reach in the future. The Kinslahger tasting room, however, is reserved for our local community where beer lovers can stop in to savor a thoughtfully crafted beer and some lively conversation. It is clear, Huizinga and his partners bring unique passion to Kinslahger and have managed to establish the spot as both a business and great local gathering place where beer lovers can learn, sample, and socialize.

Kinslagher

6806 Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park 844-552-4437 • kinslagher.com

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7930 W. 26th Street • North Riverside • (708) 442-7080 • Chefshangri-la.com

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Jim & Pete’s always new even after 80 years

ince 1941, Jim & Pete’s, 7806 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up old-world favorites with a modern twist. Jim & Pete’s stands as one of oldest Italian restaurants in Chicagoland. Originally located at Chicago Avenue and Pulaski in Chicago, the eatery moved River Forest before landing at its current location in Elmwood Park.

Current owner, Michael Bucchianeri, worked as a busboy at Jim & Pete’s as a teenager and subsequently filled every role imaginable at

the restaurant before taking an ownership role in 1999. Since then Bucchianeri has been fiercely committed to honoring the legacy of the nearly 80-year-old restaurant. Expanding on the shared vision of former owners Jim Sorce Jr. and Vito Brunetti, the enthusiastic Bucchianeri completed an extensive remodel of Jim & Pete’s in 2017 making the well-appointed restaurant a stand-out on Restaurant Row in Elmwood Park.

Jim & Pete’s has a warm ambience and fine finishes including exposed brick walls and a covered multi-season patio and state-of-the-art party room suitable for hosting an array of special occasion events. The flexible indoor/outdoor space is well-loved under normal circumstances but has become especially valuable since outdoor dining space is at a premium in Chicagoland. Thanks to thoughtful design choices, Jim & Pete’s is suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasion celebrations — the restaurant appeals to couples Salmon Salad from Jim & Pete’s in Elmwood Park. looking for a date night, businesses

Mixed seafood from Jim & Pete’s in Elmwood Park | Photos provided looking to host a meeting, and people looking to host baby showers and birthday celebrations.

and ricotta, and Italian Pork Chops with peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu.

Every dish served at Jim & Pete’s is designed to honor the legacy of the mainstay restaurant. A reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce keep regulars coming back to Jim & Pete’s, while specialty menu items like giant house-made rigatoni with pine nuts, spinach

Hot Holiday Tip: Jim & Pete’s offers fullservice catering for on-site or off-site events of any size in Elmwood Park and the surrounding communities. Book early!

Jim and Pete’s

7806 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-453-5204 • jimandpetes.com

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Autre Monde celebrates a decade of neighborhood dining

fter a 7-month pandemic related closure, Autre Monde, 6727 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, reopened in time to mark a milestone anniversary and introduce a menu designed to honor a decade serving their unique brand of approachable Mediterranean fare.

and has executed myriad pop-up events over the years including an elaborate ode to the foodie film “Big Night.”

Autre Monde aims to transport diners, and the perfect storm of dining room closures and delayed PPP loans forced the owners to pause and reassess a path forward. Closing Collage of dishes from Autre Monde. | Provided the “experienced based restaurant” was a calculated Autre Monde opened 10 years ago to decision for the veteran ownership team — immediate accolades including a notable they closed to control their future. three-star rating from the Chicago Tribune. Chef Pancake earned a coveted Jean Chefs Dan Pancake and Beth Partridge Banchet nomination for Chef of the Year along with Christine Tully, general manager in 2013 and the restaurant has achieved and John Aranza, sommelier who met in Green Seal Certification. They recovered the early 90s, took the time off to reflect on all the years the business has been on from a significant fire in 2012, hosted a Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. James Beard Foundation dinner in 2015,

The team settled on a slimmed down menu designed to capture Autre Monde’s spirit by honoring the past while allowing room for bold specials. Classic Autre Monde dishes like fried oyster salad, pork belly pintxos and Tunisian chicken thighs appear alongside new offerings like Chef Pancake’s reimagined octopus a la plancha. And now the enduring Berwyn restaurant is updating their seasonally driven offerings for autumn. Customers will find Chef Dan’s “legendary pappardelle Bolognese,” a new “amped up” mezze platter, and eggplant Parmesan with whipped ricotta on the fall menu. Specials like seared black bass with burnt orange buerre blanc should keep menu offerings fresh. Aranza, a level two sommelier, has tightened up the wine program to

complement the menu offerings suitable for enjoying on Autre Monde’s heated patio. The quartet behind Autre Monde set out 10 years ago with the intention of building a restaurant they would want to visit. Today, despite having more than 120 years of combined restaurant experience between them, their simple objective remains the same. “Going back to where we started has helped us figure out where we want to be now,” said Tully. “We want to be an approachable and comfortable neighborhood restaurant where everyone feels welcome.”

Autre Monde

6727 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn 708-775-8122 • autremondecafe.net

Sips of significance at Quincy Street Distillery

he cozy tasting room housed inside Quincy Street Distillery, 39 E. Quincy St., Riverside, boasts a bold black and white checkered floor and bottle-afterbottle of artisanal spirits. Speakeasy visitors would do well to order a classic prohibition cocktail called the Bees Knees — a tart and satisfying combination of Old #176 Railroad gin, lemon juice and honey syrup. Derrick Mancini, owner-distiller at Quincy Street Distillery, is quick to share the gin in his Bees Knees cocktail was distilled off the same corn mash used to produce Quincy Street whisky based on a method dating

back to the 1800s. Old #176 Railroad Gin, is single distilled in a copper pot and has dominant juniper flavors, but additional botanical elements including both coriander seed and licorice root add to the spirit’s complexity. To make matters more interesting, “#176” honors the first custom designed engine to roll through Riverside on the tracks located within view of the establishment. It is clear Quincy Street Distillery serves sips of significance.

Cocktails, including the Bees Knees, from Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside.

Mancini earned a PhD The Bees Knees from Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside. | in Physics and worked at Photos Provided Argonne Laboratory when dreams of opening a winery morphed into developing a hyper-local, lead him down a new career path, but a spirit-focused operation honoring the series of serendipitous events brought history of his hometown. As a scientist, him to the front door of a 1912 Arts and Mancini, considered himself a creative Crafts influenced space in the middle of and his career change allows him to marry Riverside, Illinois. his love of science with his interest in food and drink, history, and his beloved A 20-year resident of the OlmsteadRiverside community. designed community, Mancini’s dreams

Mancini acknowledges the artistry behind their approach to craft spirits lies in looking to the past to drive the process. Quincy Street Distillery honors classic formulas, from as far back as the 17th century, to coax their historically significant gin, vodka, and whiskey assortment into existence. In the speakeasy, the bar-manager turns out a balanced array of retro and innovative highend cocktails using their array of grainforward, small batch spirits. Wednesday: 5 to 7 p.m. (retail shop only, no cocktails) Friday: 4-10 p.m. Saturday: 3-10 p.m. Tours: Wed., Sat., Sun., reservation required

Quincy Street Distillery 39 E. Quincy St., Riverside

708-357-7414 • quincystreetdistillery.com

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Melissa Elsmo

Veah Larde garnishes Two Sisters crunch cake with coconut and pecans.

An Austin homecoming for Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant

eah Larde, owner of Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant, proudly celebrated the opening of her first brick and mortar establishment, 4800 W. Chicago Ave., earlier this year. The counter service restaurant dishes up comfort foods with a healthy twist. Larde grew up just six blocks from Two Sisters new home and fondly remembers the walkable shopping district formerly seen on Chicago Avenue. “This is an Austin girl comes home story and I am excited to be part of a revitalization effort,” said Larde. “As a business owner I want to speak to the community that I sit in and be an example of what can exist in the Soul City Corridor.”

Two Sisters Catering started in 2012 after Larde’s husband, Johnny Larde Jr., recognized “a light” in his wife whenever she helped people plan parties. Larde began taking on small to medium sized catering events and never looked back. Today, Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant, keeps caloric value down and prioritizes healthier eating. The business is located in the same building as a dialysis center and Larde’s husband is a dialysis patient himself. After his treatment began, Larde focused on taking meat out of her recipes and opted

to focus on lean proteins and creating vegetarian versions of popular soul food dishes. Two Sisters is known for their ground turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn — a slimmed down version of Johnny’s favorite meal. “He was mad until he tasted it,” laughed Larde who also makes her well-loved collard greens without meat or vinegar. Despite a series of healthconscious twists, there is still plenty of room for indulgence at Two Sisters. Fans clamor for classic banana pudding, crowd pleasing caramel apple cheesecake and lesser-known treats like Louisiana Crunch Cake. “We understand the community we serve, and we’ve got a little something for everybody,” said Larde. “We invite everyone to come and discover a new food memory.” Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be open on certain Sundays for special pop-up events. Follow Two Sisters on Facebook and Instagram for menu and event details.

Two Sisters

4800 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago

773-887-5625 • twosisterscatering.com

$25 Adults

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The Depot District Feel at home at Connie’s Family Restaurant: Breakfast is always a good idea and always available at Connie’s Family Restaurant, 3271 S. Harlem Ave. The home-style restaurant serves up steak and eggs, benedicts and pancakes. Don’t worry; you can also get delicious lunch and dinner at this casual and family-friendly spot known for a daily menu of homemade soups and diner sandwiches. The triple decker turkey club comes with fries, coleslaw and a cup of soup and will bring the taste of tradition to your next lunch.

Turkey club, a cup of soup and fries from Connie’s Family Restaurant.

Local love at Lavergne’s Tavern: Lavergne’s Tavern, 6546 Windsor Ave., opened in 2016 and has grown to be a favorite destination for a fine meal in Berwyn and beyond. Known for serving up some serious burgers, street food inspired tacos and a mighty fine brunch-worthy bloody mary. And people should believe the hype behind the Italian beef eggrolls served at Lavergne’s Tavern — the appetizer has a near cultlike following for good reason. Brimming with beef, giardiniera, and cheese, these crispy rolls are sliced on an extreme bias and served with au jus for dipping. Grab a napkin and indulge!

Lavergne’s Bloody Mary: Looking for a delightful way to stary the day? Try coffee and bloody mary from Lavergne’s Tavern

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Discover a perfect pairing at Flapjack Brewery: If you are looking for a perfect pairing check out the wood-fired pizza and small-batch beers at Flapjack Brewery, 6833 Stanley Ave. The Depot District hot spot is owned by brothers Paul and James Macchione who were raised in Berwyn. The duo keeps eight beers on tap including the Fantasmo Vanilla Cream Ale -- Flapjack’s flagship offering made with Mexican vanilla beans. Flapjack’s also serves up both Neapolitan and tavern style pizzas. The thin Neapolitan pies cook in a 750-800 degree wood-fired oven for just two minutes. The resulting pizza has a raised airy rim, is thin in the center and light on toppings. Two tavern style pizzas also grace the menu. They bake slightly longer, are rolled flat across, and topped generously to the edge of the pie. The “Beerwyn Supreme” is a notable offering featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, sausage, cremini mushrooms, shallots, and green peppers.

Fantasmo Vanilla Cream Ale and Hugo Luh-Layn Juicy IPA Citra & Mosaic Edition as poured at Flapjacks are also available in 16-ounce cans and 32-ounce crowlers.

The Depot District Connie’s Family Restaurant & Cocktails 3271 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-3447 • conniesberwyn.com

Familia Fresh Market & Danesi Caffe 3308 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7026 • familiafreshmarket.com

La Borra del Café Berwyn 6801 W Stanley Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5629 • laborra.us

N-Joy II Asian Cuisine 7140 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5310 • njoy2.com/

El Fogon Restaurant 3244 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5760

Gaia Italiano

Lavergne’s Tavern 6546 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7405 • lavergnes.com

Taz Deli 6932 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7583

Flapjack Brewery 6833 W Stanley Ave Berwyn (708) 637-4030 • flapjackbrewery.com

6822 Windsor Ave Berwyn (206) 234-9239

The Garage Smokehouse & Bar 3202 S Grove Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7274 • facebook.com/Thegarageberwyn

Media Noche Berwyn Cafe 6836 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5093 • medianochecafe.com

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Happy Apple serves top pie in Illinois

he Happy Apple, 226 Harrison St., focuses on crafting meticulous apple pies. In fact, workers in the shop have been known to peel more than 150 pounds of apples each week. This “apple first” establishment does feature an assortment of fruit pies in addition to their signature apple pies and relies on seasonal produce to drive their rotating menu. Savvy pie-

lovers know the Happy Apple makes a wicked chocolate pie, too.

earned top honors among Illinois pie offerings.

The Happy Apple was recently singled out by “Eat this, not that” as having the best pie in Illinois. The website partnered with Yelp to name the best pie in every state based on user rankings and reviews mentioning pie. The Happy Apple’s chocolate chess pie

Michelle Mascaro, owner of the Happy Apple, was “stunned by the honor and found it refreshing to be honored for something other than apple — their chocolate chess pie had a fan club right from the start, so bakers make it every day. The pie is prized for its dense fudgy filling with a cracked crispy top layer. The Happy Apple’s Chocolate Chess pies are on the daily menu at the signature flakey crust makes the Happy Apple. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo simple pie deceptively complex.

Happy Apple staff shows off their pies: (From left) Gina Rivera, front of house manager, Michelle Mascaro, owner, and Renner Eschenroder, pie maker pose with a trio of pies.

The honor is particularly sweet given the pandemic forced the shop to put their staff on paid leave from March to September of 2020. The shop relies on a unique blended work environment where people with and without intellectual and development disabilities work together, but Mascaro could not risk keeping her staff in the shop at the height of the pandemic. Once the vaccine became readily available, Mascaro was able to bring her eager pie-bakers back to the shop in smaller groups and delighted in seeing friendships renewed between staff members.

This is the second time the Happy Apple has been surprised by national recognition for their pies. In 2019, USA Today named Happy Apple Pie Shop the top place to get pie in the state of Illinois in its “Road Trip Guide: The best pie shop in every state.” “My goal is to make excellent pie and serve it with kindness,” said Mascaro.

Happy Apple Pie Shop 226 Harrison St., Oak Park

708-606-0037 • happyapplepie.com

Cracking the egg code at Michael’s Pancake House

ichael’s Pancake House, opened during the pandemic at 25 E. Burlington St. in downtown Riverside. The unassuming restaurant proudly serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

23 E Burlington St, Riverside 7am - 4pm (708) 442-1251 • michaelspancakehouse.com

Breakfast, Lunch and Early Dinner

“When we finally got the green light, we were ready to go,” said co-manager Edgardo Guadalupe. The owners are not strangers to the restaurant business – the Guadalupe family are also owners of the original A family affair: (Left to right) Chef Michael Guadalupe helms Michael’s Pancake House—the restaurant the kitchen at the Riverside location. His wife Clara, and has been thriving in south suburban children, Edgardo and Sandra are the management team behind the pancake house on East Burlington Street in Worth for nearly 20 years. The Brookfield Riverside. residents had been looking to expand for some time and settled on Riverside everything is made fresh at Michael’s Pancake as it became clear there was no other House. The expansive menu includes classic breakfast-focused restaurant in the community. breakfasts, creative crepes, diner sandwiches, Michael’s Pancake House is known for their soups and evening specials like pork chops, generous portions including “football sized liver and onions and roast pork with sauerkraut. omelets” and fluffy plate-sized pancakes. They The space is humble and unassuming, but also have a curious egg-doubling policy. Michael’s Pancake House offers high value “Eggs are always doubled at Michael’s meals served with a smile. Pop by for an egg or Pancake House,” said co-manager Sandra eight. Guadalupe. “If the menu says two eggs, you’ll get four. If you order three eggs, you’ll get six.” Despite the potential for an egg overload,

Michael’s Pancake House

Lunch items like the Patty Melt, shown here served with seasoned fries, come with a choice of soup or salad.

10% off

dine in customers only Expires 12/31/21 Cracking the egg code: The Popeye Skillet, brimming with bacon, spinach and mushrooms came topped with a whopping four eggs despite the fact the menu says it is served with two eggs.

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Carnival Grocery delivers

descendant of Italian grocers, Arthur Paris has worked in the grocery business for nearly 25 years. After purchasing Carnival Grocery in 2014, he has been busy building up a positive reputation in Oak Park. Now Paris hopes his thoughtful approach to ordering, re-stocking and customer service is setting the standard for grocery stores in the Oak Park vicinity. Today, Carnival, 824 S. Oak Park Ave., offers an intimate in-person shopping experience, personal shopping services and reliable delivery options.

Responding to customer desires, the fiercely independent grocery store successfully introduced a new way to shop last winter. After working out some kinks over the summer, Carnival is proud to offer a userfriendly website and personal shopping to get groceries to residents as efficiently as possible. Carnival’s new e-commerce services are designed to be more affordable than Instacart. Carnival’s staff will personally fill orders meeting a $35 minimum and local delivery via Door Dash is available for $8. (The app is available via Google Play and the App Store) “The Carnival team and I are really excited to be launching the app and new website. We

try to always listen to our customers, and felt this was needed, especially considering how shopping for groceries has changed over the last year,” said Paris. “These additions are also part of our efforts to ensure Carnival is as strong and stable as possible in anticipation of a second Pete’s Fresh Market opening in Oak Park.” Users of the app and delivery service have made virtual shopping a habit and more than half of the customers using the online ordering service select the in store pick up option. The most frequent user of the service just placed their 53rd order and the largest order placed to date rang up at $1,500. All users can expect Carnival to begin offering online specials including winter squash for $0.59/pound, organic milk for $5.99/gallon and ground beef for just $2.99/pound. People utilizing the delivery service during October should put “Oak Park Eats” in the delivery instructions to have fees waived for the entire month.

Carnival Grocery

824 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

708-848-1340 • carnivalgrocery.store

Arthur Paris, owner of Carnival Grocery, is taking steps to make it even easier to support his independent market with a new app. | Melissa Elsmo

CELEBRATE FALL WITH EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! Carnival is offering great prices on seasonal items to make your autumn special. With free off-street parking, hassel-free in-and-out shopping, and every day low prices, we’re proud to be your convenient locally-owned neighborhood grocery.

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A bevy of burgers at Burger Moovment

or 10 years Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., has stayed true to their brand. For a solid decade they have been slinging top quality burgers, fresh cut fries and milk shakes in an unpretentious fast casual environment. Owner Anthony Gambino has helmed Oak Park’s Italian mainstay, Cucina Paradiso, for more than 20 years and has found the balance between

fine dining and casual fare. “Besides fine dining Italian, I have loved pizza and burgers my entire life,” says Gambino. “I’ve done pizza for many years, so when the time and location was right, it was natural to do a burger joint.” In fact, the Classic Moov, featuring American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise on a brioche bun, was recently named among the top 20 suburban burgers by the Chicago Tribune. Earlier in 2019, their fries were named among the top 20 in Chicagoland by the same publication.

Anthony Gambino credits quality, value and service for the long-term success of his quick service restaurant. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo

Gambino and the Burger Moovment team focus on using quality ingredients to

build a better burger. The quick-service establishment flips every patty to order using locally sourced bakery buns, 100-percent Angus beef and locally grown produce. In addition to serving up 3-ounce griddle-smashed beef patties (think single, double or triple depending The Classic Moov, shown here, has had top billing on on your appetite), the Burger Moovment’s menu for a full decade. Elmwood Park shop offers black bean veggie burgers, is the most popular menu item because healthy turkey burgers and an all-natural its covers everything a burger aficionado chicken option. longs for: meat, cheese, pickles, grilled With four fresh buns to choose from, onions and bacon with special Moov including a gluten free option, 20 topping sauce. and sauce options, five cheeses to choose “We hope to be an institution to the from and four premium toppings like fried neighborhood for many years to come, egg or applewood smoked bacon, the where families can always come and enjoy menu at Burger Moovment holds limitless great American fare,” says Gambino. possibilities. For burger lovers looking for a more complex offering, Burger Moovment has more than a few menu options to choose from. The Elmwood Park Burger

Burger Moovment

7512 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-452-7288 • burgermoovment.com

Hungry for Breakfast?

7426 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm • Sun: 12 - 9pm

Call 708-456-6100 to make a reservation.

Follow @forestparkeats on Instagram for more tasty morsels!

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A whirlwind of emotion behind Oak Park roastery

hirlwind Coffee, 513 Madison St., is up and running in the old Gilchrist Hardware building and donating a portion of profits to local organizations. The craft roastery was designed to honor the memory of David Silverstein’s late wife with a philanthropic twist.

beans before the roasting for efficiency purposes. The resulting blend boasts dark chocolate, almond, citrus and floral notes and comes in a bag featuring whimsical images of fruits dressed as showgirls created by Elana Ernst Silverstein. Trained as a roaster in Minneapolis, Silverstein fell in love with the chemistry of roasting coffee. A refurbished Sanfransican Roaster, designed for artisan coffee roasters, is at the heart of Silverstein’s business. The environmentally friendly small batch roaster has the capacity to roast 25 pounds of green coffee beans every 15 minutes.

Silverstein has spent the last several years primarily focused on stabilizing his family. Silverstein and his elementary school aged daughter Maya have been constant companions since Elana Ernst Silverstein died tragically in 2012 due to a medical error. “My wife was an amazing artist. She was an actor, singer, and voiceover talent with a heart of gold. She was always helping everyone she met,” said Silverstein. “After such a horrible and tragic loss, I wanted my work to reflect her values, celebrate the way she lived her life and surround my daughter with an example of her kindness.” Whirlwind Coffee, structured like Newman’s Own, is technically a for-profit business. After covering expenses and salaries, however, all net-profits will be

David Silverstein, owner of Whirlwind Coffee, is ready to roast and serve your next cup of coffee. | Provided donated to local charitable organizations. Silverstein, who is a fan of salvaging and revitalizing, was excited to purchase the former home of Gilchrist Hardware because of its rich history as a communityfocused business. The former plumbing and hardware store has been remodeled to include a roastery as well as a café.

Whirlwind offers single origin beans and three signature coffee blends. The signature blends, High Kick, Shake a Leg and Killer Diller, aim to capture the spirit, moxie, and energy of the Whirlwind Brand. High Kick features a custom blend of Guatemalan, Brazilian, Columbian and Ethiopian beans. Silverstein combines the

Jerusalem Cafe

Award winning and Voted best Middle Eastern restaurant in west suburbs. We are open for business and continue to take orders for pick up and delivery. We are taking steps to follow the latest CDC guidance to help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus for our staff and guests.

1030 Lake St. Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 848-7734 11:00 am – 9 pm JerusalemCafe-OakPark.com

“M

Silverstein says the act of roasting puts him at peace. He is confident Whirlwind Coffee will bring him closer to his daughter and the community all while generating ways to give back in thoughtful ways. “Coffee is an emotional elixir,” said Silverstein. “A frequent companion throughout the highs and lows of life, it can be a kick in the ass when you need it most.”

Whirlwind Coffee Co 513 Madison St., Oak Park

708-613-8448 • whirlwindcoffee.com

Vision-impaired baker loves selling sweets

y goal is to help others conquer the kitchen with poise, patience and perseverance,” said Keelie Banks, 35, owner of Suga Bakers, talking about her blog and her love for inspiring others. But that statement takes on extra meaning when you learn about what Banks refers to as “a unique set of challenges.” Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with retinal pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that causes vision loss. “With the help of God and my amazing support system, I remain committed to making my dreams a reality,” said Banks. Banks started baking 14 years ago. “What started out as a way to make extra money during my college years turned into a full-fledged passion,”

Banks said. But she’s always enjoyed creative endeavors and hobbies, like sewing, decorating and entertaining. She lives nearby in Bellwood, so she’s familiar with Forest Park, where she frequents restaurants, including Shanahan’s and Scratch Kitchen. Creativita is another favorite: “Painting and wine have become one of my new birthday traditions,” Banks said. In her blog The Sweet Life, at sugabakers.com, she talks about her love of baking and shares recipes, like Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Praline Pie. Decadent desserts, including German chocolate cake, red velvet cake, and a variety of cookies are for sale at sugabakers.com

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Victory Italian brings comforting fare to the Pleasant District

n array of classic Italian dishes made a mid-pandemic arrival in the Pleasant District when Chef Joe Farina opened Victory Italian at 100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park in April 2021. Farina brought the next establishment in the Victory brand to Oak Park in hopes his special brand of Chicago-Italian fare would complement the robust mix of culinary venues within the community. It was a dream come true for Farina to be able to open a location alongside local favorites such as Poor Phil’s and Peterson’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream. Chef Farina and his team are serving confident, flavorful, and familiar fare in a well-appointed space with a generously sized, dog-friendly outdoor patio. The interior embraces a sleek, yet welcoming black and white color palette that gives Victory Italian its distinctive throwback charm. A soundtrack including old-timey

favorites like “Fly Me to the Moon” enhance the retro vibe. Kind service and generous portions are standard fare at the family friendly restaurant. Farina is committed to keeping Italian food simple by letting the flavors of local and seasonal ingredients shine through. In addition to offering an array of signature dishes like burrata salad and crispy brick chicken, Victory Italian is known for serving up Italian inspired menu items with distinctly American origins, like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan. Cheesy garlic bread and a Caesar salad provide a reliable start to any meal at Victory Italian. Expect them to deliver a bright, lemon-forward Caesar salad dressing with a few anchovy notes. “Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs” served with marinara sauce and whipped ricotta are also a popular menu selection. If meatballs are your kryptonite, you’ll be pleased with these.

Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs | Melissa Elsmo Chef Farina also delivers a noteworthy house-made ravioli -- the unassuming cheese-filled parcel packs bold flavor and comforting texture. Diners are advised not to skip the pork chop Calabrese; the dish will make you a Victory regular. Pounded thin and lightly breaded, the uncomplicated entrée is enhanced by the addition of whole Calabrese peppers, pepperoncini, white

So glad to be here...

wine, sage and lemon. Victory’s Wine Spectator Award winning wine list and classic cocktail assortment round out the menu offerings.

Victory Italian

100 S. Marion St., Oak Park

708-434-5766 • victoryitalianoakpark.com

THANK YOU,

OAK PARK! IT’S BEEN A GREAT HALF A YEAR, YOU DESERVE HALF OFF ON AN ORDER OF JOE’S MAMA’S MEATBALLS AS OUR THANKS! JUST MENTION THIS AD. THROUGH 10.14.2021

WWW.VICTORYITALIANOAKPARK.COM 100 S. MARION STREET • 708.434.5766

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Delivery First offers on-demand drivers

he pandemic pitted many restaurants against third party delivery services, but now Delivery First, a restaurant focused food delivery start-up, has entered the Oak Park market and aims to disrupt the gig economy and do away with percentage-based fees. Delivery First was started by restaurant owners who were trying to win the delivery battle, but they could not make the math work. Anthony Gambino, CEO of Delivery First, tried to find a reliable thirdparty delivery service for his restaurants well before the pandemic hit. “All the services compromised our cashflow. Even though we were doing more deliveries our profits were down overall,” said Gambino. “It was clear we needed to get out of the delivery business or get way more in.” Disillusioned with the expensive, ordergenerating, mark-up machines delivery services had become, Gambino chose to dive into the business with a solution-

oriented approach. Delivery First is structured more like a courier service than food delivery services like Grub Hub or Door Dash charging a flat fee per order. The newcomer aims to be a breath of fresh air to restaurant owners who have been at the mercy of companies like Grubhub and DoorDash who take more than 30% of every delivery order in fees. Unlike the independent contractors affiliated with some services, Delivery First is employee based. Drivers are paid an hourly wage plus tips with a guaranteed threshold. Drivers can contribute to a 401K and are eligible for workman’s compensation should they be injured on the job.

the Delivery First app in 2017 and took on their first client in Elmhurst in 2019. Though small, the company is now in a growth phase and actively expanding into what Gambino refers to as the “parks region.” The area includes Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest.

Gambino and his team began building

The Oak Park area is an emerging hub

with a current team of 10 “on demand” drivers. As more restaurants join the program Delivery First is committed to hiring drivers from inside the community.

Delivery First deliveryfirst.com

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Celebrating Cermak Hungry folks can curb just about any craving on Cermak Road in Berwyn.

Old Fashioned Candies Sisters Lynn White, Sandra Figatner and Donna Greenwald are carrying on their parents’ legacy at Old Fashioned Candies, 6210 Cermak Rd. Established in 1969 by George and Theresa Brunslik, their daughters now keep the 50-yearold business going strong. Assorted nut clusters, cordials and cream filled candies await at the shop that is also part museum — Old Fashioned Candies has their original cash register on display — it maxes out at a sale of $3.99.

An assortment of filled chocolates and nut clusters from Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn

Anthony’s Pizza Looking for an Italian treat? Anthony’s Pizza, 6237 Cermak Rd., has been serving up pizza slices and other Italian fare for 34 years. The unassuming shop relies on foot traffic and top pizzas with quality ingredients like Grande cheese and house made red sauce to keep pies flying out the door. Pizza may be the star of the show, but according to Anthony’s manager and co-owner Anthony Cosmano, the Italian beef sandwich is one of the best things on the menu.

Owner manager, Anthony Cosmano, is all smiles as he welcomes customers to his Cermak Road Pizza shop.

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October 6, 2021

Las Islas Cermak Road is no stranger to its fair share of wellloved Mexican restaurants, but folks looking for a seafood fix should swing by Las Islas, 6516 Cermak Rd. Guests are quick to order a refreshing michelada to enjoy alongside tilapia ceviche and serrano chili salsa. The spicy tomato juice-based beer cocktail spiked with lime and rimmed with tamarind paste is Las Islas’ signature drink. Just like the michelada, people eagerly order langostinos. The small crustaceans — much smaller than a lobster and larger than a crawfish – are served in the shell for an indulgent hands-on eating experience.

Langostinos are a signature dish at Las Islas in Berwyn

The Cermak District Anthony’s Pizza 6237 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-1100 • anthonyspizzaplace.com

Home Run Inn Pizzeria 6825 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-8877 • homeruninnpizza.com

El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar and Grill 6801 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5929 • elnuevovallarta.com

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar #330 7130 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2319 • buffalowildwings.com

Jelly Jam Pancake House 6300 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-9840 • facebook.com/jellyjam02

Canton8 Sport Bar & Grill 6312-14 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (312) 208-6270 • canton8sportbarandgrill.com

La Lupita Restaurant 6539 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-8226 • lalupitaberwyn.com

Las Quecas Berwyn 6311 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7371 • facebook.com/pages/Las-QuecasBerwyn/107897849595109?fref=ts

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins 6601 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-0906

La Michoacana Prime 6224 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7697

Flight 22 Wine Bar 6518 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7648 • flight22winebar.com

La Michoacana Classic 6533 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 637-4075 • lamichoacanapremium.com

Guadalajara Grill & Bar 6814 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-2600 Herbalife Happy and Healthy 6628 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 473-4492

La Parra Restaurant - Bar 6710 W Cermak Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5339 • laparrarestaurantandbar.com

La Quinta de los Reyes Restaurant #2 6431 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-4689 Los Tarritos Restaurante 6241 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5842 • facebook.com/lostarrito LongHorn Steakhouse 7115 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-6350 • longhornsteakhouse.com Old Fashioned Candies 6210 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-6669 • oldfashionedcandiesinc.com

Overseas China Restaurant 6846 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-5447 Starbucks 7124 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (312) 877-0464 • starbucks.com

Vesecky’s Bakery 6634 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-4144 • facebook.com/VeseckysBakery Waldo Cooney’s Pizza 6733 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-7997 • waldocooneyspizza.com Wanda’s Chinese Kitchen 6301 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-2868 Zacatacos - Cermak 6212 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-8460 • zacatacos.net

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Boutique meal service at Angie’s Pantry

ttention to detail, determination, and adaptability are just a few of the key ingredients that helped Angie Montroy, chef-owner of Angie’s Pantry, build a thriving business. She credits a steady, but manageable growth trajectory for the long-term success of the food-focused business she officially started in 2011. Thanks

to perseverance, creativity, positive word-ofmouth, business is booming at Angie’s Pantry, 809 South Blvd. Angie’s Pantry started when Montroy offered her personal-chef services to four clients in the mid-nineties and grew to include small catered events. In time she started operating out of The Nineteenth Century Club before moving into the brick-and-mortar on South Boulevard where the bulk of her business now revolves around providing a vast array of heat-and-eat meals for individuals and families.

Angie Montroy owner of Angie’s Pantry, 809 South Blvd. in Oak Park. | Photos provided

Montroy has spent nearly a decade building her recipe repertory while steadily increasing her customer base. Today, Angie’s Pantry has a client list of more than 1,200 people and offers a weekly menu of healthy ala carte meals and devilish desserts for pre-order and pick up.

Special Advertising Section baker at heart and lets her “devil horns” show when she makes dessert. Massaged kale salads and “creamless” cream soups are an easy way to justify enjoying a slice of Montroy’s decadent streusel-topped apple bars or signature “baby cakes.” The three-layer cakes are just six inches in diameter, serve eight and come in festive flavors like mint, Oreo, and peanut butter. An insatiable love of flavor, respect for global Signature dishes at Angie’s Pantry include parmesan crusted cuisine and curiosity about chicken and light tomato cheese pasta. cooking methods form the foundation for the Angie’s Angie’s Pantry prepares 200-300 meals a Pantry menu, but the diversity of dishes has week featuring signature dishes like parmesan aided Montroy in keeping her customers crusted chicken and light tomato cheese satisfied. pasta, spicy basil chicken with veggie fried “I have spoiled my customers because I do rice and roasted salmon salad. everything I can to make them happy,” said In the kitchen Montroy sticks to an 80/20 Montroy. philosophy--80% of Angie’s Pantry offerings are prepared with health and wellness in Angie’s Pantry mind while 20% are designed to be a true 809 South Blvd. Oak Park indulgence. All dishes at Angie’s Pantry are free of preservatives, artificial ingredients 708-434-5742 • angiespantry.com and trans fats, but Montroy admits she is a

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10 Things Going Right with Food in Oak Park The Oak Park Economic Development Corp. is a quasi-government organization funded by Oak Park’s village government. It focuses on driving investment and development activity in Oak Park.

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Fresh Oak Park Dining Options:

Despite an unprecedented pandemic the Oak Park community is welcoming new restaurant into its diverse and delicious fold. Notable newcomers include La Borra del Cafe, a chain of coffee shops with roots in Guadalajara and more than 70 locations in Mexico. The burgeoning chain opened its third US location on Lake and Marion in July. Brewpoint Craft, a womanowned purveyor of coffee, cocktails and charcuterie, debuted on Oak Park Ave. this summer. Housed in the former home of L!VE Café, the transition happened with the full support Reesheda Graham Washington who trusts Melissa Villanueva, Brewpoint owner, will continue use the shop to address issues of community development, equity and antiracism started at L!VE. Blackout Baking Co. and its arsenal of tiny cookies are making their way to the pleasant district and the highly anticipated Kyuramen is expected to start serving slurp-worthy noodles in Downtown Oak Park in the coming months.

Takeout 25 transitions to a Non-Profit:

In a show of support of local restaurants Takeout 25 called on the community to spend $25 a week on carryout to ensure no Oak Park restaurant would close because of COVID 19. The relentlessly positive online community of more than 9,000 members rose to the challenge and now Ravi Parakkat, founder and Village Trustee has transitioned the group to a non-profit designed to out live the pandemic. In addition to increasing revenue and lowering costs for restaurants, Parakkat aims to facilitate relationships with local delivery services, introduce collaborative initiatives to aid restaurants in bulk ordering eco-friendly take-out packaging and reduce retail food waste by marketing local food overages in inventive ways. What started as reaction to an industry crisis is now a permanent part of the Oak Park restaurant community.

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Unity Fridge opens outside Carnival Grocery:

Oak Park’s first Community fridge arrived in Oak Park last May and continues to offer 24/7 access to free food including perishables and canned goods. Residents and political candidates, Anthony Clark, Chibuike Enyia (current village trustee) and Juanta Griffin joined Arthur Paris, Carnival Grocery owner, and representatives from the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce to unveil the refrigerator nestled against the grocery store’s exterior. The initiative outlives the elections and promotes a “take what you need, leave what you can” philosophy. Differing from a charity, the “unity fridge” operates as a mutual aid system where members of the community work together to support the needs of people living in the community. The public refrigerator, with a clear glass door, roof and walls protecting it, is powered by Carnival Grocery and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A return to normalcy for the Oak Park Farmers Market:

The Oak Park Farmers Market was radically changed by the pandemic in 2020 with weekly producer-only market being fully relocated to allow for proper social distancing; strict capacity limits and a U-shaped footprint also impacted the market feel. Though traffic still flows in a single direction at the weekly market, a laid-back atmosphere and return to the Pilgrim Church parking brought a sense of normalcy back in 2021. Shoppers are pleased the farmers market band is back together, doughnuts are being sold inside the market once again and the popular corn roast event returned as well. On opening day of the 2021 market, village staff and volunteers welcomed 3,239 shoppers over the six hours the market was open. This represents an 85% increase in attendance over the first market last year.

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Restaurants make good neighbors:

Chefs and restaurateurs are known to be generous and kind people. Despite myriad industry-wide struggles that giving spirit is alive and well in the Oak Park food community. Jimmy Chen, owner of Poke Burrito, struggled to keep his business afloat during the pandemic, but Takeout 25 helped buoy his business enough that he was not only profitable, but also able to rehire furloughed workers. When Chen, his wife, and son each received $600 stimulus checks from the federal government they all agreed to use the money to purchase $1,800 worth of gift cards from The Book Table. Chen opted to buy 180 $10-dollar gift cards to give away to customers in hopes of driving business to the struggling shop.

When Kristen and Jason Alfonsi, co-owners of One Lake Brewing accidentally over ordered outdoor heaters in anticipation of winter outdoor dining they turned their unintentional hoarding into an act of goodwill by sharing the hard-to-find equipment with at cost to Exit Strategy in Forest Park, Flapjack Brewing in Berwyn, Kinslahgher in Oak Park, Armand’s Pizza in Elmhurst and George Street Pub in Chicago.

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Great Beer for Great Causes:

Both Kinslahger Brewing Company and One Lake Brewing joined more than 1,000 breweries worldwide to brew a beer under the Black is Beautiful label and donate the proceeds to a social justice cause of their choosing. Kinslahger’s lead brewer, Russhane Dawkins, created a tropical stout with sales benefitting The Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights while Shawn Stevens of One Lake Brewing crafted a black German lager whose sales benefitted Chicago non-profit, My Block My Hood My City. During mental health awareness month last May, Jim Cozzens, owner of Oak Park Brewing company joined forces with Kinslahger and One Lake to collaboratively brew a beer under the Things We Don’t Say IPA label. a beer crafted to aid in smashing the stigma around mental health struggles--100% of profits went to Hope for the Day, a Chicago based non-profit focused on suicide prevention.

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Beyond Hunger Delivers:

Under Michele Zurakowski’s leadership in 2020 Beyond Hunger shifted its in-person shopping experience to a drive-thru/ walk-up model designed to mitigate health risks while still getting healthy food into the hands of people who needed it most. Additionally, Beyond Hunger tripled the size of its home delivery program dedicated to providing food to people who could not otherwise get to the pantry. Creative thinking in the face of increasing need led to a collaboration with Oak Park Township. The expansion of Beyond Hunger’s delivery program was hampered by driving needs, but the township allowed the pantry to utilize its vehicles and drivers to deliver food to those in need.

After dealing with the critical needs brought on rapidly by the pandemic, Beyond Hunger worked swiftly to formalize its expanded home delivery program. A grant from the Greater Chicago Food Depository specifically targeted toward addressing food insecurity on Chicago’s south and west sides, helped Beyond Hunger open a permanent home for their home delivery program in the Soul City Corridor. Expanding services beyond the Oak Park pantry and headquarters permanently solidifies Beyond Hunger’s ability to deliver wholesome groceries and pantry staples to housebound people in Oak Park and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Iconic Turano lands HQ in Oak Park:

While the smell of baking bread still comes wafting into Oak Park from Turano Baking Company’s expansive Berwyn baking facilities, Oak Park is now home to Turano’s headquarters. The $10 million, 25,000 square foot, two story building covering the 6500 block of Roosevelt Road is now open and operating. It includes both office space and an expansive test kitchen for new products. “It is such a well-known and wellrespected brand. Turano has a lot of cachet in the food industry,” said John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp. “This is a big deal. When you can replace underutilized real estate with a gleaming new building, it is a feather in Oak Park’s cap to be headquarters for such an iconic brand,” said Lynch. Turano recently purchased the former Salvation Army resale store on Roosevelt Road and is expanding its parking on that site.

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October 6, 2021

People love outdoor dining:

As the weather turns toward fall and winter, Oak Park restaurants will need to move back indoors after a second COVID summer of improvised outdoor seating across the village.

John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp., credits village hall with being flexible and innovative in finding ways to support outdoor dining as many consumers were reluctant to dine indoors. “All of our restaurants did a phenomenal job during the pandemic,” said Lynch. “OPEDC was only in support of the work of the village. We’re fans of it.” Lynch, who follows dining trends carefully, believes demand for outdoor dining will outlast the pandemic and more permanent options will need to be explored.

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Pete’s great for food and for commerce:

Pete’s Fresh Market II is coming. John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp., says the preliminary work continues on such largely invisible projects as rearranging utility lines while Pete’s works to wrap up construction of an other new store in the Chicago area.

The second Pete’s – the original is on Lake and Harvey – will be built on long vacant land on Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue. Lynch says the fullservice grocery store will generate more commerce off of Madison Street than any other possible use. “The Pete’s plan is already responsible for the new senior housing project coming across the street and for other commercial interest along Madison,” said Lynch. “Pete’s is going to be the catalyst for growth in the center section of Madison in Oak Park,” said Lynch, “just as the new community rec center will be the catalyst for the eastern stretch of Madison Street.”

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A vacation feel at New Rebozo

s much as fans crave New Rebozo’s Fiesta Mole dish — a whopping six enchiladas individually topped with six unique Moles — they also visit the 30-year-old Oak Park restaurant to interact with chef and owner, Francisco Lopez, known to all as Chef Paco. The effervescent chef is known to exclaim “oh my god” when greeting customers or describing his authentic Mexican fare. The veteran chef aims to highlight sweet, spicy, and sour flavors through complex and creative menu offerings. Paco’s aims to stay innovative while honoring his traditional roots, seasonal ingredients and old family recipes that have made New Rebozo, 1116 Madison St., an Oak Park destination for three decades. And now he uses his catchphrase to express gratitude for support during a global pandemic. “I love my customers — they are my family,” said Chef Paco. “Oh my god, my customers have helped me through this terrible situation.”

Chef Paco took time to establish a plan to give more control over the dining experience to his customers and create a sense of calm in the restaurant during the global pandemic. He replaced the flooring and ceiling in the entire establishment to give it a fresh look and a new level of cleanliness.

The back patio was also freshened up and reorganized to ensure proper spacing between tables, but the vacation feel is alive and well at New Rebozo. Red umbrellas cover well-spaced tables. Plants and art hang on the colorful walls enclosing the space. Originally the patio had a capacity of 50, but now holds 20. Positive word of mouth about New Rebozo’s thoughtful modifications began bringing more people to the restaurant. Chef Paco is honest that most customers still prefer to dine outside, but more are opting to utilize the dining room to enjoy dishes from all regions of Mexico. No matter if customers dine indoors or out, Chef Paco’s 26 moles and New

Chef Paco stands proudly on the patio of New Rebozo. | Alex Rogals Rebozo’s Chile Nogada have drawn a loyal following. The Chile Nogada has roots in Puebla, Mexico and is traditionally available between September and January. The seasonal dish features a poblano chile stuffed with beef, dried fruits and nuts and covered with decadent walnut cream sauce before being garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds. Paco recommends pairing the noteworthy dish with a delicious

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

New Rebozo

1116 Madison St. Oak Park

708-445-0370 • newrebozos.com

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Try a new restaurant this week!

October 6, 2021

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Lechon from Pig and Fire: Chef Roel Estanilla of Pig and Fire slices up decadent Filipino lechon at private events and pop ups across various communities. The crispy roasted pork belly is stuffed with aromatics before being rolled and roasted until it is crispy and tender. Visit their website to learn how to get your hands on some. Oak Park and Chicago.

The Fog Horn Leg Horn from Chubby’s Char House:

d ea u r S! yo EAT m he in ll t m te t the d an ou ab

Slap two perfectly Nashville hot chicken tenders on a bun and top it with jalapeno slaw, dill pickles and “sauce sauce” and you are in for a treat at Chubby’s Char House. The Foghorn Leg Horn is a spicy delight, but folks looking for a milder meal can order the Fog Horn. 5963 W. Madison, Chicago.

Maki for Mora Asian Kitchen: A slice of “Let it Rain” maki from Mora Asian Kitchen in the Harrison Street Arts District is as colorful as it is delicious. Filled with snow crab, the roll is topped with rosy-hued fish, avocado and poke sauce. Oishi! 201 Harrison St, Oak Park.

Chicken Shawerma Sandwich from Petra Falafal: Head to Forest Park where Petra Falafel takes pride in serving authentic Mediterranean fare like Kebabs, hummus and Lebanese salads. The Chicken Shawerma sandwich comes tightly wrapped in flatbread filled with charbroiled chicken breast, garlic sauce and pickles. 7314 Madison St, Forest Park.

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Memorable Mexican Savor a Side of Sparkle at Crepas Culichi: As soon as a customer takes a seat at Crepas Culichi in the delightfully decorated diminutive space, a glass of pink lemonade and chocolate dipped marshmallows magically appear on the table. What follows is a dining experience worthy of such a sweet start. Sisters and co-owners, Yency and Estefany Garcia, who are also in business with their mother, took inspiration from coffee shops and crepe stands located in their hometown in Mexico when they opened Crepas Culichi in April 2019. Hand-milled flours form the base for an array of crepes served at Crepas Culichi. Special flavorings are added to the flour that result in colorful batters. Elaborately decorated shakes are also stand-outs at Crepas Culichi. A glittergarnished churro shake or whipped-cream topped cake shake are sure to make any day feel like a special occasion. No sweet tooth? Savory poblano crepes are festive and filling.

Confident cooking at Tacos Y Salsa The Caldo de Cameron offered by Tacos Y Salsa, at 6346 W. 26th St., is an enchanting shrimp soup made with a mother’s touch — it was love at first spoonful. Ms. Laura Guerrero, mother of six and owner of Tacos y Salsa honors her ancestors by preparing her family’s traditional home-style recipes. A single bowl of this deceptively complex and highly satisfying soup includes a dozen shrimp. Special spices like bay leaves and oregano help elevate the warming tomato-based soup, while a garnish tray filled with onion, cilantro, avocado and lime allow diners to customize their meal.

The flautas de pollo from Tacos Y Salsa are crispy and delicious. The mild dish can handle a little heat from their house-made salsas.

Tacos y Salsa is a local favorite for authentic Mexican fare and their piping hot Flautas de pollo come four to an order with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream while the chicken soup, served with warm corn tortillas, features bone-in chicken in a broth brimming with chunks of zucchini and carrot.

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October 6, 2021

Takeout fare from Torres Fresh Market: No exploration of Mexican fare in Berwyn would be complete without a visit to Torres Fresh Market, 6227 W. 26th St. While grocery shopping, you’ll discover gorditas and fajitas and tacos (oh my). In addition to serving up memorable tacos Torres also offers a chicken fajita plate, steak tortas and house-made beef gorditas. Every dish remained piping hot while we traveled home and the fajita plate may have looked unassuming, but the boldly flavored meat was a 26th St. standout. Each taco is more satisfying than the next and the gordita — a thick corn tortilla pocket filled with beef — proved to be a filling and tasty lunch selection. Torres Fresh Market is a notable place to source a memorable meal and you can do some grocery shopping, too. A quartet of Torres tacos—chicken, steak, beef and pork—each as flavorful as the next.

Misc. Districts Avito Caffe 6510 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (312) 388-8486 • avitofilm.com/caffe

Crepas Culichi 2713 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 637-4998 • crepas-culichi.com

Lalo’s Restaurant 3011 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-9311 • lalos.com

Baby BBQ Fire 6715 26th St Berwyn (708) 637-4236

Dolci ChoccoLatte Caffe 6508 16th Street Berwyn (708) 691-6265

Benny’s Pizza 6806 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-1771 • bennyspizzaberwyn.com

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins 2945 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 749-0689

Jelly Jam Restaurant and Pancake House 3205 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 777-1967

Berwyn Tap Room 6330 W 16th St Berwyn (708) 317-5067 • facebook.com/Berwyntaproom Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate 6412 W 27th St Berwyn (630) 430-4730 • bobsbelgianhotchocolate.com Cake Bros Bakery 6737 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-2504 • cakebros.com Cien 100% Naturalisimo 2709 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5679 • 100naturalisimo.com Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge 6715 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1043 • stripesbbq.com

Harlem Ave Lounge 3701 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-3610 • harlemavenuelounge.com The Healthy Spot 2211 S Highland Ave Berwyn (708) 315-1349 Juice Vibe Bar Berwyn LLC 2137 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 232-3385 • juicevibeco.com La Flor de Michoacan 6316 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 317-5052 La Michoacana & More 2707 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 477-8117 • lamichoacanamenu.com

Junior’s Bar and Grill 7011 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-9465 Las Delicias De Michoacan 6807 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5357 Los Corrales Taqueria & Restaurant 6713 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 484-9063 • loscorralesberwyn.com Lucky Dog III 7151 W 16th St Berwyn (708) 749-0330 Michael Anthony’s Pizzeria & Bar 6434 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-2222 • michaelanthonyspizzeria.com My Uncle’s Place 2615 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (239) 777-5382

Nuevo Poncitlan Inc. 6322 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 484-5944 Nicco’s Bar and Grill 6300 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 670-2042 Neveria Naranja Dulce, Inc 6252 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 714-0074 Novi’s Beef 6746 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 749-0895 Nonno’s Pizza 6969 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-1100 • nonnospizza.com Paisans Pizzeria & Bar 6226 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5325 • paisanspizza.com Parrilla Express 6401 W 34th St Berwyn (708) 637-4799 • parrillaexpress.com Primos Lounge 6510 16th St Berwyn (708) 317-4442 Skyview Restaurant 6334 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 795-0088

Slice Factory 6900 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-1700 • theslicefactory.com/berwyn Tacos Y Salsa 6346 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-3581 • tacosysalsarestaurant.com Taqueria El Meson Express 6831 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1470 • elmesonexpress.com Tastee Freeze 6621 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-7377 Viva La Frida 7117 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-4333 • palace regency.com Wok N Roll Express 6969 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-0088 • woknrollberwyn.com Zacatacos - Harlem 3837 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1300

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Yaya’s yogurt at Eggsperience: Served on its own or as part of Yia Yia’s Waffles, Yaya’s yogurt is a standout at Eggsperience. The flavorful homestyle Greek yogurt is airy and tart and pairs beautifully with assorted berries, oat granola, and a drizzle of local honey. 16 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park.

The Dr. Fong at Chef Shangrila: Chef Shangri-la remains one of the few Tiki bars that also offers a full menu and no meal is complete at the 45-year-old restaurant without Dr. Fong by your side. The recipe for the family namesake cocktail is a closely guarded secret, but it is considered a “safe” choice because of its lower alcohol content. A whimsical ceramic glass can be purchased to hold the rum-based umbrella drink prized for its citrus and peach flavor. 7930 W. 26th St., North Riverside.

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Crudo at White Crane Creative Thai and Sushi: Subtle twists on tradition are at the heart of White Crane’s menu. A vibrantly colored crudo featuring an assortment of sashimi grade fish also includes the additions of both crunchy black salt and bright green edible seaweed called wakame. 819 S. Harlem Ave, Forest Park.

Fried shrimp po’boy at Surf’s Up: Lovingly toasted bread and piping hot cornmeal coated fried shrimp in this near perfect sandwich. The generously sized sandwich served in the North Avenue District comes dressed with house-made remoulade sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion. Cut it in half and share it with a friend. 6427 W. North Ave, Oak Park.

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A culinary passage through India The Back That Thang Up Omelette with a side of cheesy grits. | Photos by Alex Rogals

All day breakfast and a few surprises at Butter and Brown Bistro

he Brown family has resided in Austin for a decade and Lanell and Tiffany Brown proudly opened Butter and Brown Bistro, at 420 Austin Blvd., earlier this year. Located in the heart of the Lake and Austin business district, Butter and Brown Bistro was built to be a hands-on, family-run enterprise.

We specialize in Dumbuc Khana (cooking in pot with steam) and Tandoori Khana (roasting over charcoal in a clay oven). We offer a variety of vegetarian options.

Come and experience this exotic and unforgettable cuisine.

Both children and adults will appreciate the customizable sandwiches featuring a choice of meat and come on a unique jam-filled bread making the offering an unexpected sweet and savory delight. Most breakfast dishes come with a side of Butter and Brown’s signature “pimpin’ potatoes” and grits. The fresh spuds are cube cut and cooked with onions, red and green peppers, and are topped with cheddar, while the well-seasoned grits are served plain or with cheese in generous portions.

The welcoming eatery offers all-day breakfast, but the expansive menu covers lunch and dinner as well. Full of fun touches, the menu, is designed to appeal to the masses and provides niche Customers clearly selections found clamor for Butter on few, if any, local and Brown’s grits menus. Every menu making them item is cooked to An order of the apple cinnamon pancakes. popular at breakfast order at Butter and and at other times Brown. A sign clearly of the day. Shrimp and grits have proven to states customers should expect to wait be the single most popular offering on the 15-20 minutes to receive their order to broad menu. allow for proper cooking time. Since opening, the Browns learned from Expect to find a vast array of classic locals that 30 years ago the very same breakfast fare like biscuits and gravy, chicken store front operated as a neighborhood and waffles, and egg dishes to appeal to restaurant. Now, in addition to welcoming breakfast purists. Butter and Brown’s “Back first-time patrons, Butter and Brown Bistro that Thang Up” omelet comes brimming is serving up a sense of nostalgia to with bacon, sausage, ham, sauteed peppers longtime residents with every meal. and cheese while more innovative offerings like sweet potato infused waffles spiked Butter and Brown Bistro with coconut, cinnamon and vanilla and an 420 N. Austin Blvd. Oak Park assortment of “OMG Buss it Baby Butter Sandwiches” keep things creative in the diminutive restaurant.

The Khyber Pass is a mountainous region peopled by hardy nomadic Pathans. In keeping with their nomadic lifestyle, simplicity is the essence of their cuisine. The secret of Pathan cooking lies in the excellent quality of the meat and the chicken, and just a light touch of spices. The food is cooked in a “tandoor,” a hollow, barrel-shaped clay oven.

708-928-8837 • butterbb.com

Celebrating 26 Years in our Current Location!

Dine-in, Take out, Delivery, Catering 1031 Lake St, Oak Park • (708) 445-9032 • khyberpassoakpark.com Mon - Thurs: 3:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri - Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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Take a ride on the Veltway Time for freestyle Thai: Bodhi Thai Bistro, 6211 W. Roosevelt Road, is a quaint eatery that flies low under the radar of the local restaurant scene, but food-lovers in the know are regulars at this affordablypriced gem on the “Veltway.” Since opening in 2009, Bodhi Thai has been turning out reliable Thai dishes using passion-driven freestyle cooking techniques. This in-the-moment cooking style makes use of seasonal ingredients and ensures quickthinking cooks can create all dishes to order. As a result, most of Bodhi’s dishes are easily adaptable to vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree diets. The well-appointed dining room offers a tranquil setting to explore an array of Thai specialties. Steamed and pan-fried Gui-Chai dumpling, colorful tofu salad and indulgent chicken satay are menu standouts. Diners can round out their meal with an array of curries, noodles, or rice-based dishes. Classics like Pad Thai are complemented by a secret menu, rotating specials, healthy salads, and warming soups. Pad Thai is a renowned Thai dish. Stir-fried thin rice noodles are served in Bodhi’s unique tamarind sauce with choice of protein and bean sprouts, scrambled egg and ground peanuts.

More than fast food at Big Guys Sausage Stand Carryout-focused Big Guys Sausage Stand, at 7021 W. Roosevelt Road, serves up more than sausages—in addition to churning out a creative array of sandwiches the dimuitive restaurant offers robust family-style meals, slow cooked soups and hearty fare to welcome autumn. Brendan O’Connor and his cooks are known for turning out creative sandwiches like a bone in shortrib sandwich called the Fred Flintstone, mile high patty melts, and $5 burgers every Monday. Folks in the know also turn to Big Guys for award-winning chili, full Thanksgiving meals and special event catering

Big Guys Patty Melt is griddle cooked on marble rye with Swiss and American cheese, grilled onions, and side of Dijonaise.

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Feeding generations at DiNico’s For more than 35 years, DiNico’s Pizza, at 6627 W. Roosevelt Road, has been serving up giant pizza slices and assorted Italian fare. A mainstay in the Berwyn culinary community, the pizza-focused establishment has cultivated generational loyalty. Cooks at DiNico’s turn out more than 500 pizzas every day brimming with freshly shredded cheese and both house-made crust and sauce — portions sold by the slice are equivalent to one quarter of an extra-large pizza. Stuffed pizzas and specialty pies like taco and BBQ chicken pizzas complement newer menu items like gluten-free and cauliflower crust.

Pad Thai is a renowned Thai dish. Stir-fried thin rice noodles are served in Bodhi’s unique tamarind sauce with choice of protein and bean sprouts, scrambled egg and ground peanuts.

The Veltway District Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits 6727 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 775-8122 • autremondecafe.net

Berwyn’s Culver’s 6943 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-8000 • culvers.com

Rachel’s Café 7001 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5852 • rachelsdeli.net/

Turano Baking Company 6501 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-9220 • turano.com

Babygold Barbecue 6613 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 637-4364 •babygoldbbq.com

DiNico’s 6627 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-9900

Sushi Junki 6639 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-3888 • sushijunki.com

Vinny’s Cafe 7005 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5833 • facebook.com/pg/VinnysGamingCafe

Big Guys Sausage Stand 7021 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5213 • bigguyssausage.com Bodhi Thai Bistro 6211 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 484-9250 • bodhithaibistro.business.site/?m=true Buona Restaurant 6745 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2555 • buona.com

Gina’s Italian Ice 6737 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 484-0944 • ginasitalianice.com J Wok See Thru Chinese Kitchen 6641 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-3888 Pasquale’s My Way Cafe 6905 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 743-9006

Taco Yo Inc. 6629 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2300 Tasty House Restaurant 7101 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-1800 • tastyhouseberwyn.com Travy’s Tavern 6907 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-4118

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Byline Bank surprises restaurants with gift card purchases $15,000 in spending a welcome surprise for local eateries by Melissa Elsmo

Goldschmidt, who has more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry, also understands the struggles restaurants are facing firsthand. She and her late husband owned and operated the now closed China Night Restaurant in Forest Park for 15 years.

ecognizing that local businesses and restaurants form the backbone of communities, Alberto Paracchini, CEO of Byline Bank, tasked Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park and River Forest Market President for Byline Bank, with purchasing $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants.

“I know about the plight of restaurants after running China Night on my own for seven years,” said Goldschmidt. “It is great Byline wants to make a difference locally and preserve the feeling of a true community bank.”

Byline Bank committed the funds in hopes of making a difference at a critical time for many restaurants struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope is this effort, and similar ones in Evanston and Lakeview, will gain momentum and inspire others to participate in showing support for local establishments. In December, Goldschmidt operated like a jolly elf paying surprise visits to 68 Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park restaurants to purchase gift certificates on behalf of the bank. “I had my fill of lunch, coffee, dinner and desserts over the five days spent buying the gift cards than I have had in quite a while. It was a great change up to my week,” said Goldschmidt. “One restaurant said they were wondering and waiting to see if I would end up at their business.”

Byline Bank has accumulated a collection of hundreds of gift cards and the impact of the considerable spend has not gone unnoticed. Byline Bank’s Susie Goldschmidt bought $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants including this purchase from Charlie Robinson at Robinson’s #1 Ribs on Madison Street.

Byline partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce as well as the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Oak Park to help Goldschmidt spread the love between communities. She visited breweries, restaurants and diners including One Lake Brewing, Robinson’s Ribs, and Georges’ Family Restaurant. She also stopped by coffee shops, bakeries and sweet shops

including Wise Cup in Oak Park, River Forest Chocolates, Twisted Cookie in Forest Park as well as Oak Park’s, Spilt Milk. “I think this program is so amazing, and as a small business owner I cannot tell you what an impact that makes and how truly grateful we are for the support.” said Meg Svec, co-owner of Spilt Milk Pastry of the Byline Bank effort.

Courageous Bakery in Oak Park donates a portion of their proceeds to cancer research and sent an appreciative email to Goldschmidt stating the following: “Every purchase makes a difference in these difficult times. We are so grateful we have been able to stay open, both to be here for our community and also give back to a good cause.”

Donna Fantetti-Slepicka. owner of River Forest Chocolates, is all smiles under her mask after a gift card purchase made by Susie Goldschmidt. Donna Fantetti-Slepicka. owner of River Forest Chocolates, is all smiles under her mask after a gift card purchase made by Susie Goldschmidt.

William Quick, owner of Trattoria 225, poses with Susie Goldschmidt after a purchase on behalf of Byline Bank.William Quick, owner of Trattoria 225, poses with Susie Goldschmidt after a purchase on behalf of Byline Bank.

Shivangi Khetarpal, co-owner of Wise Cup, give a thumbs up alongside Susie Goldschmidt of Byline Bank.Shivangi Khetarpal, co-owner of Wise Cup, give a thumbs up alongside Susie Goldschmidt of Byline Bank.

Hungry for more?

Follow @oakparkeats on Instagram for more tasty morsels!

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park River Forest community for more than 20 years and since 2020 has committed over $65,000 to organizations in Oak Park and River Forest. Our team looks forward to continuing our commitment to customers and businesses in the Oak Park and River Forest community. To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf