W E D N E S D A Y
October 7, 2020 Vol. 41, No. 10 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Police department ‘audit’ divides Oak Park village board Proposal called ‘massive’ and ‘costly’ By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Four Oak Park village trustees were ready to abandon the idea of hiring a third-party consultant to audit the Oak Park police department during a divisive discussion Sept. 29 over the project’s drafted request for proposal (RFP). The project’s responsibilities, as outlined in the RFP, were criticized as being “massive” and the expense of carrying out the audit “costly.” The village board directed staff to create an RFP to solicit potential consultants to conduct the police audit during its June 22 meeting, as part of the board’s commitment to investigating and eradicating systemic racism in local law enforcement. The laundry list of project requirements in the RFP presented Sept. 29 include an evaluation of the police department “in regards policing, techniques, training, accountability and community engagement,” as well as a “study of community needs regarding policing and safety,” among many others. Village Manager Cara Pavlicek told the board the audit would hopefully be completed within the first quarter of 2021 and cost around $25,000. Trustee Simone Boutet suggested the board reconsider the decision to hire a consultant, believing that the many requirements reflect a board not in consensus. “It’s gigantic. It’s a fishing expedition and it seems like we’re not really responding to something we all agree on to be a problem,” said Boutet. Boutet found the completion timeline unreasonable. “I can’t imagine reviewing every aspect of our police department in Q1,” she said. “There’s no way a consultant would be able to do all that.” The $25,000 price tag of the audit seemed inconceivably low to Boutet, who thought the audit more likely to cost over $250,000 and take much longer to complete. Boutet called the project “costly” and suggested having Police Chief LaDon Reynolds review the police department. See AUdit on page 14
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Topsy-turvy Tavi Calin-Jagermann hopes for a smooth landing at Barrie Park.
Privilege or passion? Parents feverish over D97’s COVID plan
Efforts to return to class prompt calls of white privilege By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Last week, District 97 administrators announced that they plan on transitioning to hybrid learning from full remote learning by Nov. 30 — the first day of the second
trimester. The announcement came after a swirl of controversy over petitions and rumors of protests as parents in D97 got more aggressive in their pushback against what they considered to be Supt. Carol Kelley’s poor leadership and lack of communication amid the pandemic. But the parents’ pushback provoked vocal counterreactions from some community members, particularly Black and Brown leaders in Oak Park, who lauded KelSee CONTROVERSY on page 16
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
Take a ride on the Veltway
Trio of restaurants bring reliable fare to north Berwyn
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 foodlovers in the know are regulars at this affordably-priced gem on the “Veltway.” Since opening in 2009, Bodhi Thai has been turning out reliable Thai dishes using passion-driven freestyle cooking techniques. This inthe-moment cooking style makes use of seasonal ingredients and ensures quickFood Writer thinking cooks can create all dishes to order. As a result, most of Bodhi’s dishes are easily adaptable to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. The well-appointed dining room offers a tranquil setting to explore an array of Thai specialties. When selecting an appetizer, pay special attention to Gui-Chai. The steamed and pan-fried chive dumplings served alongside a sweet and spicy soy sauce are crispy on the outside and pillowy soft inside. 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.
Brendan O’Connor, owner of Big Guys Sausage stand shows off his soup and sandwich combo with his daughters, Michaela (L) and Reilly.
Melissa Elsmo
An assortment of Bodhi Thai menu items. Clockwise from upper left: Gui-Chai, Pad Khee Mao, Pad Thai and Spicy Beef Salad. Melissa Elsmo
MELISSA ELSMO
Tuesday Soups Day and family fare at Big Guys Carryout-focused Big Guys Sausage Stand, at 7021 W. Roosevelt Road, has turned toward family-style meals, slow food and hearty fare to welcome autumn. “We’ve kicked up the family meals again because there is a real need out there and people appreciate it,” said sausage stand owner, Brendan O’Connor. “Our Oktoberfest dinner was really popular because it is just a stupid amount of food. They are designed to serve six hungry people with leftovers.” Oktoberfest meal makes good on the
The Big Guys club sandwich features a half-pound of whole roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. As part of “Tuesday Soup Days” this bad boy comes with a free cup of soup..
Melissa Elsmo
Rosanne Saleh presents a duo of DiNico’s pizzas restaurant’s moniker by offering both bratwurst and knockwurst in addition to pork loin. Soft Bavarian pretzels, potato pancakes, apple sauce, sweet cabbage and spaetzle round out the menu. Meals rotate weekly and include homey offerings like meatloaf, shrimp and chicken creole pasta, and turkey with all the trimmings. In addition to feeding hungry families, Big Guys is serving up chili and other assorted soups. Chicken noodle, cream of potato, split pea and chicken and rice are popular offerings. Every Tuesday, as part of “Tuesday soup day,” customers receive a free cup of soup with every sandwich purchase.
Melissa Elsmo
DiNico’s also offers an assortment of breakfast, pasta and sandwich options. The grilled chicken focaccia sandwich is flavorful and generously sized.
Feeding generations at DiNico’s For 37 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. For 10 years, Rosanne Saleh, who “does a bit of everything” at DiNico’s, has been overseeing operations at the restaurant known for being open 24 hours per day. In fact, customers often refer to her as “Mrs. DiNico’s.” “People in the community have been raised on DiNico’s Pizza,” said Saleh proudly. “We’re an old family restaurant and I love watching
Melissa Elsmo
families grow and children grow up. They keep coming back.” DiNico’s employs 32 people, many of whom are high school and college students. Saleh indicates the restaurant embraces a family atmosphere and takes pride in providing employment opportunities to younger people. “I love working at DiNico’s,” says college student, Yaritza Rivera. “The schedule is awesome because they do it by semester and I never have a conflict.” 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.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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An embarrassing admission
S
ince the pandemic, I’ve done quite a bit of reporting on local school districts and the ways they’ve responded to COVID-19. I’ve also spoken to dozens of parents affected by the pandemic. But I’ve recently had to admit that the voices and perspectives that have dominated my thinking as a local education reporter have been more often those of the relatively well-to-do. This is embarrassing to admit, given my particular focus on equity. Commentary It also demonstrates just how easily the interests and priorities of marginalized people slip into irrelevance during crises. It takes hard work to hear the voices of the marginalized, even for someone like me who’s supposed to be paying close attention to them. That’s true enough during normal times, but the work has been Herculean in the era of COVID-19. I learned this the hard way last week when I was reporting on parents’ reactions to District 97’s remote learning and the administration’s transition to a hybrid model. I’ve spoken to some very smart, compassionate, reasonable and well-meaning parents in Oak Park over these last several months — many of whom, like all of us, are at their wits’ end. These parents demonstrate that inequity has many layers. I’ve spoken to comfortably middle-class people in Oak
MICHAEL ROMAIN
Park whose children have special needs and who feel marginalized because of their unique experience, but at the same time are aware that their class status affords them relative luxuries like nannies that have helped smooth the remote learning experience. I’ve heard the voices of Black community leaders and parent advocates who have spoken up about the specters of racism, white supremacy and white privilege that haunt Oak Park and that contour many white parents’ encounters with D97 Supt. Kelley and D200 Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams — both Black women. I’ve spoken to numerous Black and Brown student activists in Oak Park and River Forest — the bold, the beautiful, the bright and brilliant. But in my reporting, I haven’t often acknowledged those affected by perhaps the most persistent inequities of material well-being — wealth, resources and connections that facilitate opportunities. These are the most marginalized people in our community — those who aren’t vocal or very expressive about their suffering; who are poor and resource-starved; who aren’t connected or networked. What are their stories? What do they think about remote learning or hybrid learning or anything else? I haven’t often recognized them. I don’t go to where they are. I don’t hear them talking in whispers and moving in the shadows. And yet, their suffering will make most of us blush with shame at our relative fortune and embarrassed by our self-involvement, even when our survival necessitates it. The deepest, most entrenched inequities are those that are unseen and unheard. And the voices of people who are
suffering from those most entrenched inequities are the hardest voices to capture. As a reporter, hearing those marginalized voices sometimes takes traveling the path of greatest resistance. Sometimes, it takes being uncomfortable. Sometimes, it takes asking ourselves some tough questions. Like how do we center the voices of the marginalized among us even when crises — pandemics, climate events, recessions, civic unrest — force us to focus inward, to ourselves and our own families? Are we genuinely listening to the perspectives of the most vulnerable and marginalized among us and allowing them to inform our collective actions? That is, are we including everybody in the collective, in the common? Are we in this together as a community or as an aggregate of special interests? When we rationally respond to external threats, such as the threat of the pandemic to our children’s educations, how do we ensure that we’re not drowning out the voices of those who are suffering much more than we are? I’ve realized that as a reporter and a person, I haven’t been vigilant about keeping those questions front of my mind, because that’s the only way to ensure that I’m doing everything I can to make sure the voices at the margins of the community are getting heard. The old maxim says that journalism is about speaking truth to power. But whose truth? And how is that truth presented? From whose perspective? And from what angle? I admit I have to do a better job at presenting the truth more equitably. We all do.
‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of Halloween candy’ Oak Park establishes trick-or-treating hours By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
COVID-19 hasn’t scared off the Oak Park village board from allowing villagers to celebrate Halloween this year. During an Oct. 6 meeting, the village board gave trick-ortreaters the go ahead to collect candy this year by passing a resolution to permit people to participate in trick-or-treating activities from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. According to Public Health Director Mike Charley, Oak Park has seen “rather stable
HALLOWEEN IN RIVER FOREST STORY ON PAGE 11 community transmission” of COVID-19, making Halloween trick-or-treating possible. “As long as we continue to see sort of that leveling off of the virus and not an increase,
yes, we’re going to still recommend Halloween continue,” said Charley. Should the COVID-19 situation take a turn for the worse in the next weeks, Charley does have the power to prohibit trick-or-treating. “If we see a spike for whatever reason,” said Charley, “then of course, I would use my public health authority along with the board’s authority to rescind Halloween if necessary.” Not all households should feel obligated to participate in trick-or-treating festivities. For those who do not wish to join in, the village of Oak Park will provide the households with red signs that will alert trick-ortreaters to move on. Households that want trick-or-treaters will have green signs displayed. Trustee Susan Buchanan was concerned that stopping at 5 p.m., instead of 7 p.m. like other communities, mean that trickor-treaters outside of the village would be unaware of the stop time and be greeted with closed doors. “We have to be prepared to communicate that somehow,” said Charley. Starting Monday on the week of Halloween, the village of Oak Park will erect signage to alert not only Oak Parkers of the celebration timeframe, but those from
neighboring communities as well. East Oak Park homeowners traditionally welcome large crowds of children from the West Side for Halloween. The designated daytime hours will increase visibility of masks and signs, as well as the ability to social distance, according to Charley. “I just think it’s easier in daylight hours to do that,” said Charley. Trustee Deno Andrews was not in favor of setting a different timeframe for trick-ortreating this year, stating his belief that children will trick-or-treat whenever they want regardless of village-designated hours. “Kids are going to trick-or-treat pretty much whenever they want and they’re not going to stop at 5,” said Andrews. “I think it would cause more confusion to change the hours, especially the ending hours.” Andrews felt establishing trick-or-treating hours overly bureaucratic. Trustee Jim Taglia found the proposed hours favorable and did not believe the board should spend too much time discussing a trick-or-treating timeframe. “There’s a lot of angst in the community generally when you talk about trick-or-treating for some reason,” said Taglia. “It’s like, life, liberty and the pursuit of Halloween
candy and it gets to be a bit much.” Noting that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, Trustee Dan Moroney also supported allowing trick-or-treating activities between 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. “I think hours are reasonable, especially in COVID-19 times,” said Moroney. “I’m fine going along with what the proposed hours are.” Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said he did not want to imitate President Donald Trump who “gets in the way of experts” and that village staff and Village Manager Cara Pavlicek had done a “tremendous job” in handling COVID-19 locally. “I could not think of a better general to fight this war for us than General Pavlicek,” said Abu-Taleb. “I yield to you when it comes to those expert decisions.” The resolution to establish trick-or-treating hours as 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Halloween passed 6 to 1, with Andrews casting the singular dissenting vote. In his closing comments before the meeting adjourned, Taglia cracked a joke about Andrews’ stance saying, “If anyone wants to trick-or-treat past 5 p.m., I suggest they go to Trustee Andrews’ house because he’ll be up late that night.”
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
10th Anniversary Gala Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Virtually with Zen Life & Meditation Center This event benefits the Center’s vision of cultivating openness, generosity and wisdom within individuals and communities. The evening’s laughs will be provided by Mr. YouWho, dance by performing artist Lauren Hermann of the Chicago Repertory Ballet and modern hulu by Halau i Ka Pono. Participants will receive gift bags to enjoy at home that include Prosecco, fine chocolates and more. $100. Tickets: zlmc.org
Apply to Vote by Mail in Presidential Election
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BIG WEEK October 7 - 14
10th Production of CounterBalance Experience integrated dance, which features dancers of all abilities, in this virtual celebration. Brought by Access Living, Momenta of Oak Park, Bodies of Work and Studiothread. Pa Pay ay what you can from $0-$35. Sessions are accessible. More/register: momentadances.org/counterbalance-x See info below.
Inclusive Dance Workshop Deadlines through the month of October, Election Nov. 3 Any registered voter in suburban Cook County may request a mail ballot online through Oct. 29. Be ready with your driver’s license/state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, as well as an email and your mailing address. Applications may also be printed and mailed. If you have moved or need to register to vote, you can do so online through Oct. 18, in-person at a “grace period” location through Nov. 2, or in-person on Election Day at your polling place. Two forms of ID, including one with current address, are needed. More/apply: cookcountyclerk.com/agency/ elections
In Person Tours at Hemingway Birthplace Home Saturdays, top of each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about the home, the author’s family, his early years and more. Printed translations are available for most foreign languages. $15; $13, seniors/ students with valid ID; free, children under 10. 339 N. Oak Park Ave. Or for those in quarantine or living long-distance, Live Virtual Tours of Hemingway’s Birthplace are Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 and 3 p.m., on Google Meet. Join a knowledgeable docent on a live tour at Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Home in Oak Park while interacting with visitor questions along the way. Up to 15 may join each live tour. $15; $5 each additional viewer. Tickets/more: hemingwaybirthplace.com
Opening receptions for Nathan Mason and Anon Anym: Detritus Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 to 6 p.m., Compound Yellow According to artist Mason, “In this suite of ceramic objects, the source objects are found kitsch-figurines, layered with clay and glaze. If the figurine has damage it is incorporated as an element to grow from.” Detritus is a series of 27 porcelain sculptures, presented as a collection of recently discovered calcified specimens, 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m., Google Meet with Access Living View the Inclusive Dance Workshop’s summer video project and learn what went into it. Then join together in movement exercises used to devise the work.
Disability, Dance and Chicago Thursday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m., Virtual Panel Discussion Hear from some of the founding artists, advocates and allies of Chicagoland’s integrated dance community including Stephanie Clemens, Ginger Lane, Kris Lenzo, Alice Sheppard and Alana Wallace.
Author Claire Lombardo Returns to Oak Park Saturday Oct. 10, 2 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Join Oak Park native and author of The Most Fun We Ever Had, an instant New York Times bestseller, as she joins her hometown virtually for the Barbara Ballinger Lecture on Sunday and a Writers Workshop on Saturday. Register: oppl.org/calendar.
Agents of Change Festival Saturday, Oct. 10, Noon to 5 p.m., Scoville Park Visit a socially-distanced volunteer fair to connect with nonprofit organizations and local community groups that are spearheading initiatives for Black and Brown neighbors. featuring leaders in non-violence, wellness and resource programs. Held in partnership with Walk the Walk and YourPassion1st. Food pop-up as well as pumpkins and coupon goodie bags for all participants. Additional vendors and donations welcome. Email: chris@yourpassion1st.com More: facebook.com/events/2029935817141738. Lake St. and Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
“Reflections” and Sensational Shorts
Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m. Discover the power of integrated dance through a compilation from past CounterBalance performances. On Saturday, view videos and short films featuring dancers with disabilities.
Everybody Can Dance Workshop and Closing Celebration Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Workshops use structured improvisation and dance games to explore everyone’s potential. Later, join past and present performers, supporters and audience members for a toast, Q&A, 10th Anniversary Tribute and dance jam.
Kuumba Kids Dance Registration open through Oct. 16 Kuumba Kids Dance offers sessions in African, Caribbean and Hip-Hop dance for youth. Classes begin Oct. 19 and run through Feb. 26. More: kuumbakidsdance.org, 312-779-5273.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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ART BEAT
‘Rastus and Hattie’: race, friendship and trauma By MICHELLE DYBAL
The play opens with a Black woman’s presentation of her work in academia, focused on inheritable generational trauma in rats ith new theatrical productions and how it applies to Blacks in America — extremely limited right now, especially those whose ancestors (such as 16th Street Theater of Berwyn her own) go back to slavery — and how her is serving up Rastus and Hattie, presumably white mentor tries to edit her, a play by Lisa Langford that ad- in the name of protection. We soon learn that this woman, Needra dresses race, friendship and generational (played by Krystel V. McNeil) is best friends trauma. It is being delivered virtually to audiences since undergrad with Marlene (Kate BlackSpence), a white woman. Both now have through Oct. 24. “Before the pandemic hit, we were go- significant others and children. During the ing to produce Joyce Foundation’s award- celebration of Marlene and David (Ryan winning Rastus and Hattie as a stage play Kitley) becoming godparents to Needra and Malik’s (David Goodhere in Berwyn afloe) baby, things take ter Cleveland Puba turn. lic Theatre held the After the Baptist premiere,” said Ann church ceremony, in Filmer, artistic dithe white couple’s rector of 16th Street. home, two new char“But then everything acters are introstopped.” duced, Rastus and The play, which Hattie. They are 1930s manages to stay light robots that have been in tone throughout brought back into while dealing with heavy-hitting subject SILHOUETTES: One of the 16 images created use, found in David’s uncle’s barn from his matter, is presented by artist Roy Thomas, that illustrate 16th Westinghouse days. as an audio play with Street’s audio play, “Rastus and Hattie.” The playwright’s original illustrations inspiration for these to support the dialog. The original script required adaption to characters came from a photo of a robot developed by the Westinghouse electrical present it in an online format. “Lanise Antoine Shelley signed on as company. The human-like robot had brown director and adaptor of the audio play,” skin and denim overalls. It debuted at the Filmer said. “Shelley provided just the right National Electric and Light Conference in amount of additional text needed to bring San Francisco in 1930. In the play, the divide between the two the piece to life through the audience’s imagination since there would be no visual couples is immediate as Needra and Malik are taken aback by the dark skin on the roaction (by actors).” bots and the roles they have been assigned, Shelly led a cast of seven voiceover actors in rehearsals over Zoom before recording at which is to serve their friends’ every whim. The unraveling throws into question what Classick Studios, Chicago, in August with Olanre Adewole as audio engineer, Filmer really makes a friendship, shines a light on greed and insensitivity, and demonstrates said. Malcolm Callan, 16th Street associate art- how the past is interwoven into everyone’s ist, proposed creating an audio version with present — for better or worse. There is plenty to think about and discuss animated abstracted silhouetted images, after watching this play, whether watching not only “to tell the story of the play, but to alongside each other or at a moderated auprovoke the audience to go deeper,” Filmer dience talk-back organized by 16th Street, said. Langford loved the idea. Inspired by the images of Kara Walker — which take place two nights per week. “Rastus and Hattie” is available for viewan artist investigating race and other topics ing on Thursdays and Fridays, 7 p.m., and through silhouetted figures, who has exSaturdays, 4 p.m., through Oct. 24, virtually hibited at the Art Institute of Chicago and other major institutions — the search was on Vimeo. Ticket links work one hour before on for an artist for the 16th Street produc- showtime through midnight. Moderated tion. They found Roy Thomas, a Ball State Zoom talkbacks occur after the Thursday University student, recommended by an- and Friday, 7 p.m., performances. $10-$30, other artist with whom Filmer has worked. per person; $5, students. Content Warning: Thomas created 16 illustrations, one for the play includes racist caricatures, racism each scene, that were edited for video by Pe- and violence. Tickets/more: 16thstreettheater. org, 708-795-6704 x107. ter Marston Sullivan.
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Arts Editor
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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INSIDE REPORT Steve James’ ‘City So Real’ to air Oct. 29 Two years after his docuseries “America to Me” aired on Starz, Oak Park director Steve James is poised to release another documentary that sheds light on the Chicago area’s racial landscape. “City So Real,” a 5-hour documentary about the election of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, will debut on Oct. 29 on National Geographic. “The series is billed as ‘a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city, set against the backdrop of its history-making 2019 mayoral election,’” according to the Sun-Times.
— Michael Romain
STEVE JAMES
Annual Bataan Day Memorial Service canceled
CATHY ADDUCI
Adduci re-elected IML second vice president Cathy Adduci, River Forest village president, was unanimously reelected second vice president of the Illinois Municipal League (IML) at the organization’s annual business meeting on Sept. 26. The term is for one year. Adduci has been on the IML board of directors since 2015 and was originally elected second vice president in 2019. In a press release from the IML, Adduci said, “I am excited to continue my work with mayors from across the state. … I am proud of the work IML completed over the past year and look forward to continue using my role for the benefit of River Forest and all of the 1,298 cities, village and towns in Illinois.” The IML, founded in 1913, is a statewide organization representing communities throughout Illinois with the goal of “promoting competence and integrity in administration of municipal government.”
— Maria Maxham, staff reporter
The annual Maywood Bataan Day Memorial Service has been a Maywood tradition since 1942. Due the pandemic, however, the event won’t happen this year. Members of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization, which plans the annual event, said that they’ve postponed the gathering until 2021. “Maywood Bataan Day Organization President Richard A. McMahon and the MBDO Board of Directors notified the Village of Maywood this past week that due to the restrictions on gatherings caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, and in an abundance of caution for the citizens of Maywood, the event would not be held as planned,” the organization explained in a statement released earlier this month. This year’s Bataan Day Memorial would have been on Sept. 13. Instead of a gathering, McMahon suggested that “those who wish to honor the memory of the men from Maywood and surrounding suburbs who fell on the battlefields of Bataan in the Philippines, as well as those who suffered and died during the infamous Death March or subsequent activity should visit the MBDO website and browse through hundreds of stories of the men from Maywood, as well as thousands of photos from memorial events in the past, both in Maywood and in the Philippines.” McMahon said that it “is our solemn duty, our promise to these heroes, that we remember their service and sacrifice,” adding that they “gave all they had. For that, we promised them immortality in our thoughts and prayers.” The annual Memorial service will return on Sept. 12, 2021, 3 p.m., at Maywood Veterans Park, at First and Oak in Maywood. To access the MBDO website, visit mbdo.org.
— Michael Romain
Cecily Strong, SNL star, Oak Parker, on Maron’s podcast “What is Oak Park? Characterize it for me,” podcast extraordinaire Marc Maron asked Cecily Strong during her Sept. 28 appearance on his show WTF with Marc Maron. Strong, an Emmy-nominated actress for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” dove into her time growing up in Oak Park -- the good and the bad. “When I grew up [Oak Park] was pretty economically, religiously, and racially [diverse]...I got to grow up around a lot of people and ideas,” said Strong. The two comedians discussed how Strong became an actress, her first play being “Grapes of Wrath” at The Village Players on Madison Street when she was 8 years old (she played Ruthie Joad). When asked if that was the moment she knew she wanted to be on stage, Strong didn’t hesitate. “Oh absolutely,” she said. “My uncle is a producer in New York, and he was always against it until he couldn’t be anymore [laughs].” Strong also opened up about her experience at Oak Park and River Forest High School where she was expelled her sophomore year for bringing marijuana to school. “The first bag of pot I ever bought, [OPRF] found and I got handcuffed, marched
CECILY STRONG through school and arrested,” said Strong. “Then I got expelled for a semester and went to Catholic school for the end of the year. ... to get to the end of the year.” You can find the interview on Maron’s podcast feeds where Strong opens up about battling depression, her SNL career, the difference in star treatment in New York versus Chicago and more.
— James Kay, staff reporter
A mea culpa on merit semis Last week, I wrote about Oak Park and River Forest High School’s and Fenwick’s National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2021. While we included the list of deserving names online, the list was not included in print. We won’t make the same mistake twice, so here they are. Congratulations! Fenwick’s National Merit Scholarship semifinalists: ■ Donna Carinato ■ Anna Dray ■ Ronan Kristufek ■ Daniel Majcher ■ Daniel Westerman
■ Camille Grant ■ Nathaniel Lee ■ Jonathan Mueller-Nussenbaum ■ Emmett Perry ■ Dox Raskin ■ Eleanor Sigel ■ Devin Sturtevant
OPRF’s National Merit Scholarship semifinalists: ■ Maggie Rose Baron
Dominican’s Carroll announces retirement President Donna M. Carroll has announced she will retire as head of Dominican University at the end of the 2020/21 school year, according to an article in the Dominican Star newspaper and confirmed by the university. Carroll has served in the position since 1994 when she became the first lay president of the school, seeing the university through many changes, including the
■ Jackson Tanner ■ Nicholas Woods
— Michael Romain
transformation from Rosary College to Dominican University in 1997. In a 2015 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Carroll spoke about her position as the head of Dominican University. “It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle,” she said. “You don’t leave it in the office at end of day. I think I’m a more thoughtful adult Catholic as a consequence of the self-reflection needed to lead a mission-centered institution and speak on its behalf.” This is a developing story.
— Maria Maxham, staff reporter
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Class at St. Giles in quarantine after positive test
Second-grade students to learn from home until Oct. 9 By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
A second-grade class at St. Giles Catholic School, 1034 Linden Ave. in Oak Park, has been quarantined since last week after one student reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, according to a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Manny Gonzales, the Archdiocese of Chicago’s director of communications, said on Oct. 5 that the class will be learning remotely until Oct. 9. He said that the student likely contracted the virus outside of class. No other students in the school have been affected, he said. “We reported this to the local health department and the department does contract tracing,” Gonzales said. “They also monitor for potential clusters.” Gonzales said that, as far as he knows, no other Catholic schools in the Oak Park and River Forest area have had instances where a whole class has had to quarantine. He added that he doesn’t know how many students were in the class that is currently quarantining. When contacted on Monday, St. Giles officials referred all questions to
Photo by JNKA Architects
St. Giles the Archdiocese. Gonzales said that when St. Giles administrators learned about the student’s positive case, they notified all of the school’s parents and the Archdiocese, which, in turn, notified the Oak Park Department of Public Health. A representative with the health department could not be reached on Monday afternoon. On Oct. 2, Oak Park Public Health Director Mike Charley announced in a statement posted to the village’s website
that “nine more village residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus since his last report on Wednesday. “Six cases were reported yesterday and three today,” he said. “The cases reported today range in ages from less than 20 into their 70s.” Catholic school students have been undertaking in-person learning since August. Before each school could reopen, it was required to complete a reopening checklist and submit it to the Archdiocese
for review. According to the Archdiocese of Chicago’s comprehensive reopening plan that it released in July, students are required to wear masks and have been physically distancing in their homeroom classes. “Our plan calls for each student to be part of a larger group of students called a ‘cohort,’” the reopening document states. “Each cohort will roughly align with a homeroom class. When students are with their cohort, they should remain as far apart as possible, but do not need to keep at least six feet apart. “Homeroom teachers are also part of cohorts and can walk around their classroom to monitor student classwork. When students are around other cohorts, they should remain at least six feet apart. We believe the cohort model provides for better containment should there be a positive case of COVID-19.” Parents and/or guardians of students who show signs of COVID-19 should contact their doctor, who may ask them to take a test. Families are required to alert their school’s main office and avoid sending their child to school, the Archdiocese states in the plan. According to health experts, young people are much less likely than older adults to get very sick from COVID-19, but they nonetheless risk spreading the virus directly and indirectly to older adults.
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s a parent of four children, there is only one piece of advice I have for new parents. Family Dinner. There is a long list of benefits of family dinner as told by many researchers including a Harvard-based family dinner blog, The Family Dinner Project. Kids do better in school, have higher self-esteem, a better sense of resilience, lower risk of behaviors such as substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, obesity, and the list goes on. Why is family dinner so magical? It is the most reliable way for a family to connect. Family dinner provides a calm and comfortable environment for families to engage in conversation and focus on each other. This daily connection builds momentum to create stronger connections away from the table. Positive family connection helps to avoid family conflict and leads to a happier life. Family conflict is the biggest threat to successful estate planning. A strong bond between siblings cemented in their youth will help decades later to avoid family drama when settling their parents’ estates. Plus, family dinner provides parents the opportunity to talk with their children
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Irish father. He was a meat and potatoes man. A meatless meal was an insult to his manhood.
while we all watched long pieces of spaghetti drip red sauce from all around my father’s prematurely bald head.
That night when my father sat down to dinner and realized that the spaghetti sauce did not contain meat, he pushed his plate across the table and said to my
My parents later apologized to each other and to us kids. We were all back at the dinner table the next night. Luckily, this dinner drama was the exception, and most of my childhood family dinners were much more harmonious.
family dinners create family connection and resilience and, ultimately, lead to family harmony.
This story is testament to the power of family dinner. Family dinner can endure the occasional dramatic incident because consistent family dinners create family connection and resilience and, ultimately, lead to family harmony. Like family dinner, estate planning (often done at the kitchen table) helps assist families to further communication, avoid conflict, and maintain family harmony. To pave the way for a harmonious and happy family both in our lifetime and beyond we need look no further than our kitchen table.
mother, “What is this sh**?” My mother was not a feminist, but she was no shrinking violet either - particularly when it came to insults to a meal that she had spent the time making despite three little kids under foot. In response, my mother picked up the shoved plate of meatless spaghetti and dumped it on my father’s head. There was a moment of silence and then my brother (who loved drama) began to laugh wildly
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Keep the Hamburger, lose the Mary’s
Oak Park Brewing to cut ties with franchise in new year By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor
Since opening in 2016, Hamburger Mary’s has been synonymous with Oak Park Brewing Co., 155 S. Oak Park Ave. As the new year approaches, however, the local brewpub is cutting ties with the franchise. “Oak Park Brewing will be LGBTQ friendly no matter what,” said co-owner, Jim Cozzens. “Hamburger Mary’s was fun, but it wasn’t as big a draw as I thought it would be and it was confusing to people that we were two restaurants in one.” The energy levels between the two businesses were often incompatible and created logistical challenges for both staff and customers. According to Cozzens, Hamburger Mary’s shows would bring a sudden influx of customers into the restaurant and large group orders would frequently “sink the kitchen” and increase wait times for customers dining in the brewery. “Now we can cut down on wait times for food and limit distracting noise for families looking to enjoy a quiet dinner at the brewpub,” said Cozzens.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
BURGER BREWING: Co-owner Jim Cozzens at Oak Park Brewing. on Oak Park Ave. COVID-19 gave Cozzens and his new business partners the opportunity to begin making changes to their business model. The room that formerly housed Hamburger Mary’s has already been transformed into a flexible seating annex and private event space. Indoor dining space is at a premium with social distancing requirements in place and the multiuse space has increased
Oak Park Brewing’s capacity by 75 seats. Cozzens opted to keep the stage installed to make the room conducive to business meetings and special events. Additionally, he intends to continue offering comedy and charitable bingo nights as part of the independent business model. Giving up the Hamburger Mary’s franchise has also given Oak Park Brewing Co.
more control over its menu. Cozzens says they plan to streamline their burger offerings to allow deep dish pizzas to make an appearance on the menu for the first time. Customers can expect popular items like the fried tomato BLT to remain on the menu while new sandwiches, desserts and housemade sodas will bring a fresh feel to the menu. In addition to refining the menu the newly independent brewpub is also bottling their beer for the first time. Cozzens is focused on building their delivery business to include beer by employing independent Basset certified delivery drivers who check identification upon delivery. Cozzens started brewing beer out of his college dorm room 10 years ago before attending the Siebel Institute of Technology, a vocational school focused on brewing sciences. The passionate brewer also grew up visiting Oak Park. When he opened Oak Park Brewing, he had set out to create a brewpub with a distinctly Oak Park aesthetic with prairie style design references. “I want Oak Park Brewing to be a place where you never question where you are,” said Cozzens. “I want the experience to match Oak Park in every way and be a place where people can enjoy pleasant service and a nice relaxing meal.”
La Notte to make a big move down Marion Chef Giovanni Mancini to move to Carleton Hotel By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats
Giovanni Mancini, owner and executive chef at La Notte, is moving his five-year-old restaurant, currently at 118 N. Marion St., to the former home of Barclay’s American Grill, 1120 Pleasant Street. Mancini aims to be up and running in the new location by Nov. 1. Barclay’s American Grille, housed in the Carleton of Oak Park closed quietly in early July. At the time building owner, Mike Fox, was not ready to comment on the closure or any plans for the restaurant space. “The move has been in the works for a while,” said Mancini. “I am so excited I cannot even sleep anymore.” Mancini had already been searching for a larger space for his restaurant when he approached Fox with an interest in moving into the Carleton. Fox also owns the Marion Street building where La Notte currently operates. “He [Fox] has always been very helpful and cooperative. He is a great guy,” said Mancini. “I sent him a proposal, we made some adjustments and came to an agreement.”
Moving within the same village does not come without growth opportunities. La Notte currently operates in 1,900 square feet and can accommodate approximately 50 guests at full capacity. The Pleasant street location will offer Mancini 6,000 square feet and seating for 150 guests. Additionally, Mancini will work with The Carleton’s banquet chef and manager to handle all private events at the hotel. “Some people think I am crazy for doing this now, but this was a calculated decision on my part,” said Mancini who has 40 years of industry experience. “I wouldn’t even attempt this if I didn’t think I was capable of succeeding. I gain space and I get to accomplish something I have always wanted to do.” The Italian focused chef has always dreamed of opening a speakeasy inspired space with a nostalgic supper club vibe. The move means he can “bring back the Philander’s feeling” to Oak Park while keeping his food and menu true to the La Notte brand. Philander’s, Oak Park’s first fine dining establishment, opened in the late 1970s and closed in 2009 before becoming Barclay’s. Mancini was a regular a regular at Philander’s prior to its closure. He looks forward to bringing his eight finger cavatelli and tortellacci to a space that holds fond memories for him and generations of Oak Parkers.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
EXPANDING: Chef Giovanni Mancini plans to move his restaurant to the former Barclay’s Grill site. “I look forward to blending my story with the history of the place,” said Mancini. “I am going to try to transport the feeling of La Notte to the Carleton space. I want to create my own legacy and history in the place for a long time to come.”
Mancini indicated there are restauranteurs already expressing interest in taking over the Marion Street space. “I will miss Marion Street,” said Mancini. “Whoever goes into that place will have a great experience.”
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Hemingway Foundation in financial straits
Birth home may face closure By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (EHFOP) has launched a fundraising campaign to keep the Hemingway Birthplace Museum in operation. Titled, “Help Us Keep the Doors Open,” the campaign was created to help the museum survive the crippling loss of revenue caused by COVID-19. “There’s just no funding to stay open past the next couple months,” said Keith Strom, Hemingway Foundation executive director. The museum’s revenue is down by about 80 percent, according to Strom. Managed and operated by the foundation, the museum is located inside the historic Queen Anne-style home at 339 N. Oak Park Ave., where literary giant and Pulitzer Prizewinning author Ernest Hemingway was born and lived as a young child. Well over a century old and lovingly restored, the house retains many of its original features, allowing museumgoers to step back in time and experience what life was like at the turn of the 20th century. Now, it is unclear if the museum will make it to next year. EHFOP does not have a reserve fund or significant endowment. Supplemented by contributions from donors and museum members, Hemingway Birthplace Museum receives most of its revenue from visitors and tour admissions. “We normally get 7,500 to 10,000 visitors a year,” said
Strom. In compliance with the state-wide stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the museum stopped allowing visitors for most of spring and summer, its busiest seasons. “We were pretty much closed down for six months,” said Strom. While the museum has resumed giving tours following public health and safety guidelines, the reduced capacity of the tours and the time lost has made it extremely difficult for the Hemingway Birthplace Museum to remain operational. “There’s just no way to recoup what we lost,” said Strom. The foundation has created a GoFundMe campaign as part of its fundraising efforts. Since its creation on Friday, Sept. 25., the GoFundMe has raised $7,855 of its $75,000 goal. For those wary of donating through the internet, the foundation is also accepting written checks, made payable to EHFOP. People can mail donation checks to EHFOP, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL 60303. The foundation has also been applying for grants and is being considered for a handful. According to Strom, the foundation received $1,900 from the Oak Park Area Arts Council and some funding through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. However, the funds the foundation has received cannot close the gaping hole in lost revenue. “We’re looking for a lifeline, so that we can get enough funding to make to stay open to next spring,” said Strom. In a positive circumstance, the foundation has no outstanding mortgage on the birth home, said Strom. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, EHFOP partnered with
local businesses, including Oak Park Brewery and The Book Table to encourage people that visited the museum to explore other parts of Oak Park and spend money in the village. “We’re bringing dollars into the Oak Park area,” said Strom. “A lot of people will come and visit us, then visit another attraction and have lunch in the Hemingway District.” While it is dedicated to one of the world’s most revered novelists, the Hemingway Birthplace Museum encourages creativity and artistic pursuits in all people, young and old. The museum hosts lectures, arts performances and book discussions. It also hosts an annual short story competition called, “Hemingway Shorts” and provides scholarships for students. The museum is a very small operation with only two full-time staff members – Strom and volunteer coordinator Carla Mayer, whom Strom called an “incredible asset.” Everyone else who works at the museum does so on a part-time or volunteer basis. The Hemingway Birthplace Museum continues to offer virtual tours, which were implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. However, the foundation lacked the marketing budget to promote it, due to its devastated revenue stream. “It hasn’t hooked in nearly as much as we had hoped,” said Strom. Strom remains hopeful the museum’s fortune will change with support from not only the Oak Park and River Forest communities, but the wider arts and literary communities. “We’re in a dark, bleak period here,” said Strom. “Help us keep open.”
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River Forest mulls partnering with Dominican on equity
Trustees express interest in using school’s framework to ‘change the narrative on race’ By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest officials took a closer look at a potential equity and inclusion partner when representatives of Dominican University gave a presentation on the River Forest school’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) effort at the Sept. 29 virtual village board meeting. Officials from the village and the university are eyeing a mutually beneficial partnership that will assist the village in becoming a community where there is a commitment to a culture of equity and inclusion and help the university expand its TRHT efforts into the community. On Sept. 14, village officials announced plans to form two advisory groups, one internal and the other external, to address the equity and inclusion issue. At a committee of the whole meeting Sept. 21, village officials discussed the internal advisory group consisting of community and staff members. The group is expected to provide guidance, feedback and advice to the village board and the village administrator, creat-
ing an action plan that focuses efforts on all village operating departments and developing proper data points to measure equality and inclusion. The external group would begin a larger community conversation and interaction centered on equity and inclusion, utilizing the existing Twin Villages partnership with the village of Maywood and creating a new partnership with Dominican University using its TRHT framework. TRHT is a nationwide effort to prepare the next generation of strategic leaders and thinkers to break down racial hierarchies and dismantle the belief in the hierarchy of human value. The Twin Villages Covenant, approved earlier this summer, is designed “to guide the overarching spirit of our distinct towns to think as one and to interact in more collaborative ways.” “We talked at our last meeting about becoming a better government,” Village President Cathy Adduci said. “We’re talking today about becoming a better community.” In her presentation, Sheila Radford-Hill, chief diversity official for Dominican University gave an overview of TRHT in general and the effort at Dominican in particular. “We need to change the narrative about race,” she said. “We need to eliminate racial inequities on campus and in our communities.
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“We’re trying to be an equity-enhancing and anti-racist institution. To do that, we might have to reorder our priorities, not just in the classroom or in the hallway but also in the community.” Trustees Erika Bachner, Patty Henek and Respicio Vazquez expressed interest in TRHT’s beginnings and its future. In response to Bachner’s question, Radford-Hill acknowledged that River Forest would be the program’s first community partner but noted the connection with River Forest has already led the group to Maywood. She noted Dominican has formed partnerships with individual groups in Oak Park but not the village government itself. “What do you envision beyond the Maywood covenant?” Henek asked. Noting the group needs “to think broadly,” she suggested issues such as economic development and infrastructure that could be included. “Is this a model that can grow?” Vazquez asked. “Can it be the foundation of something we can use into the future?” Radford-Hill explained that the proposed partnership with River Forest is a project of one of eight TRHT working groups at Dominican. “The idea is to get the working groups working on projects,” she explained. In response to a question from Trustee
Bob O’Connell, Amy Omi, minister for liturgy and the arts at Dominican, explained that the working groups are headed up by faculty and staff who have passion for their chosen group. “This is a long-haul forever project,” she said. “We’re going to have fun and be challenged but might crash at times.” Maywood Trustee Miguel Jones, who also attended the meeting and was instrumental in creating the Twin Villages Covenant, expressed interest in becoming involved with what he called a “historic” effort. “I’m excited to hear what value we can add,” he said. “There’s relationship-building to be had.” In addition to Maywood, Adduci, Henek and Vazquez suggested inviting other entities to join the effort. Henek recommended including Trinity High School, also located in River Forest, and Adduci listed Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, the River Forest Public Library and “especially” River Forest Elementary School District 90. Also representing the Dominican TRHT effort at the meeting were Stephanie Samuel, director for community outreach at the Maywood Public Library, and Leila Wills of the Save the Hampton House Committee, a group that is seeking local and national landmark status for the childhood home of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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River Forest restricts parking near senior development By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest officials addressed present and future parking concerns raised by residents in the vicinity of the senior living center under construction at 800 Harlem Ave., approving two ordinances at the Sept. 29 virtual village board meeting. Following a recommendation from the River Forest Traffic and Safety Commission, the village board addressed future concerns by voting to install resident-only parking zones at both sides of Bonnie Brae Place between Chicago Avenue and Iowa Street and on both sides of Iowa between Harlem and Bonnie Brae. The restriction on Iowa Street will be 24hour while the restriction on Bonnie Brae will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The zones previously allowed two-hour parking. The Traffic and Safety Commission undertook a review of parking in the area as a condition of approval for the large planned development in 2018. A public discussion also was held Sept. 16 to address general concerns regarding offsite employee parking on a daily basis and visitor parking, most notably during holidays. Although the Traffic and Safety Commis-
sion addressed requests from residents that there be some means available to them to allow recurring exemptions for contractors, nannies/caregivers, family and friends by informally recommending the village investigate the possibility of providing homes in these zones with placards, officials deferred action on the recommendation. Village Administrator Eric Palm said staff members are working on “some sort of mechanism” to identify residents and their guests who will be parking on the street in these zones. The Sheridan at River Forest will include 125 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors needing assisted living and memory care services. The structure will be four stories in height in the middle, with its north and south ends topping out at three floors. The village board also addressed present concerns regarding construction workers parking on Chicago Avenue west of Bonnie Brae by voting to install a resident-only parking zone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both sides of Chicago between William Street and Bonnie Brae. Parking on the block was previously unrestricted. Palm said he anticipates removing the restriction when construction nears completion in early 2021.
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Still unsure about Halloween By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest parents and their children waiting for the village board to make a decision on allowing trick-or-treating on Halloween will have to wait a little longer. For the second time in as many village board meetings, officials failed to reach consensus on trick-or-treating on Sept. 29 despite extensive discussion and will try again Oct. 12. Nine-year-old Jonathan Zeh urged the village board to not cancel trick-or-treating. “Halloween is not Halloween without trick-or-treating,” he said. His mother, Mary Anne, asked that her son be allowed to speak after she addressed the village board on a parking issue during the citizen comment portion of the meeting. As was the case when the issue was first discussed on Sept. 14, Village Administrator Eric Palm said staff members had been hoping to receive guidance from state officials but “So far the governor has not said boo.” That direction finally came a day after the village board meeting, on Sept. 30, when the Illinois Department of Public Health issued guidelines that encourage social distancing
while trick-or-treating. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said households should consider leaving individually wrapped candy on a table in driveways or in front of walkways to allow for social distancing. According to the guidelines, those passing out candy should maintain six feet from trick-or-treaters and wear proper face coverings and trick-or-treating should be done in groups with household members only. Several trustees expressed concerns regarding enforcement. “This is a terrible choice we’re forced to make,” Trustee Tom Cargie said. Trustee Katie Brennan said she is against allowing trick-or-treating while trustees Erika Bachner and Patty Henek expressed concerns about allowing the practice. Henek cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that list trick-ortreating as a high-risk activity. Trustee Bob O’Connell and Village President Cathy Adduci noted the role parents play. “It really goes to the parents as to what a kid is going to do,” O’Connell said. “We’ll keep working at this until we reach consensus,” Adduci said.
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Schools cut resource officer post, cops figure out what’s next Oak Park police department has multiple vacancies
Currently, the Oak Park police department has 15 vacant positions authorized in the 2020 budget for sworn officers. Of the vacancies, the Resident Beat Officer (RBO) program has three openings. The department has one sergeant position and one neighborhood resource officer position open. By STACEY SHERIDAN The police department has a total of 121 sworn officers on Staff Reporter the force. “If somebody retires, it takes a while to promote someWith the school resource officer (SRO) agreements bebody,” said Village Manager Cara Pavlicek. tween the village of Oak Park and school districts 200 and 97 Once someone is promoted to a higher-level position in terminated back in July, the Oak Park the police department, the department police department has yet to give the has to hire a replacement to take over three former SROs new permanent asthe officer’s prior position. However, the signments on the force. COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the Once schools effectively closed their process. campuses last spring due to COVID-19, “The hiring process for police officers the officers joined the afternoon patrol is a lot longer,” said Pavlicek. “During watch. According to Police Chief LaCOVID, most of the academies are shut Don Reynolds, the police officers who down, we have not done some of the hirformerly served as SROs have been asing we typically would do.” signed to field service patrols, but that LADON REYNOLDS The 2020 budget also contains one open may not end up being their permanent Police Chief SRO position. Due to the terminated placement. agreements, that vacant SRO position is “[It’s] unknown at this time. We are no longer needed, bringing the number evaluating resource allocation,” said of actual vacancies to 14. Having vacanReynolds. cies in the police department happens Previously, Oak Park and River Foroften, according to Pavlicek. est High School, Percy Julian Middle “We always have vacancies,” said Pavlicek. “The board School and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School each had one has a total sworn count that they authorize the hiring of. of the three SROs stationed there throughout the school We typically, because of retirements and stuff, aren’t filled year. In summer months, SROs would be reassigned to dif- up to that.” ferent police duties. Oak Park’s village board has the opportunity to reor-
“It’s unknown at this time. We are evaluating resource allocation.”
Cara Pavlicek ganize the staffing chart of the police department during budget discussions for the 2021 fiscal year, which will likely begin in November. “I think the conversation for the board is whether or not you stay at the total of [full-time equivalent employees] as authorized in the budget,” said Pavlicek.
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Lawyer joins Oak Park village trustee race ‘Big issues on the horizon’ By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Longtime Oak Parker and regulatory compliance attorney Lucia Robinson is vying for one of the three Oak Park village trustee seats up for grabs in April 2021. “I see Oak Park being this thriving multicultural community and I also see the big issues that it faces on the horizon. It’s really important to me that Oak Park navigates those in a way that’s successful and ultimately makes the community stronger,” said Robinson. “I’d like to be a part of that.” In her capacity as a regulatory compliance attorney in the financial services industry, Robinson has spent considerable time interpreting and applying rules and regulations set forth by the government to ensure financial institutions conduct their business accordingly. “I’ve specialized in regulatory compliance which is essentially implementing policies and protocol to meet governmental statutory requirements,” said Robinson. If elected, Robinson believes her legal knowledge would give her a unique perspective into governmental compliance matters as a trustee. Robinson’s family moved from the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago to Oak
Park when she was a child. “I went up through the school system here,” said Robinson. She has spent more than half her life living in Oak Park, but briefly left the village after meeting her husband. “We moved away for a period of time, and then returned to Oak Park in 2007, and moved to northeast Oak Park where we’ve raised our three children,” said Robinson. She is a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, where her three children also attended. “We love living here,” said Robinson. “I love raising my children here. The fact that my children have been able to be sort of legacy children, also going to the high school as second generation Huskies, it’s been really one of the highlights of my parenting.” This is Robinson’s first time running for elected office. As a trustee, she plans to tackle myriad issues presented by COVID-19, including the health of Oak Park citizens and the health of its business community. “I think from a COVID perspective, one of the things we would be looking at for sure is the health and safety of our residents,” said Robinson. “I think what goes along with that is maintaining the vibrancy of our business community.” If elected, Robinson hopes to really focus on offering continuous support to local businesses throughout the entirety and after-
Lucia Robinson math of the COVID-19 pandemic by having the village board provide relief and structured policies. “I think it’s also about creating tailored solutions because we have various types of businesses that are struggling right now, whether it’s a medical office or a retail business,” said Robinson. “And so, the solutions that each of those types of business models might be a little bit different.” Another platform stance of Robinson’s is her commitment to improving Oak Park’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “I’m raising biracial children; I myself, am a third-generation Mexican American woman,” said Robinson. “These issues of
diversity and inclusion and equity are very personal to me, and they hit very close to home.” Robinson believes that Oak Park is a microcosm of the United States and that many of the issues, such as police reform, being discussed at a national level impact Oak Park directly. “Oak Park isn’t a bubble and I think in many ways it deals with a lot of the same issues on the national stage,” said Robinson. The village of Oak Park has a very unique opportunity to address these issues in a way that the federal government does not, according to Robinson. “In some ways we see sort of the national response to these issues falling short,” said Robinson. “As a smaller community, we’re able to try to avoid some of those types of pitfalls, and we can address these issues in a way that maintains some of the ideals that Oak Park stands for.” Robinson is running on a slate with Stephen Morales, another candidate vying for village trustee. “I really respect Lucia. She’s a great candidate,” Morales told Wednesday Journal. Morales stated that he and Robinson will begin the process of defining their slate and what it stands for in the coming weeks. At the moment, Robinson has no plans to align herself with any of the candidates running in the village presidential race.
Second citizen commissioner enters trustee race Second candidate from Environment and Energy Commission By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Two members of the citizen-led Environment and Energy Commission are running for Oak Park village trustee in the April 2021 election. Commissioner Ravi Parakkat announced his candidacy Oct. 1 and is joined in the race for trustee by his fellow commissioner Stephen Morales, who announced his own candidacy in late September. Noticing division in the community, Parakkat has entered the race to bring unity to the village of Oak Park. “We are increasingly getting divided and that may be a reflection of what’s happening nationally,” Parakkat told Wednesday Journal. “Problems can be solved if we put our minds together, but we cannot solve them if we are divided.” A digital and sustainability consultant, Parakkat is also an industrial engineer
Ravi Parakkat with a master’s degree in business administration. Throughout his career, Parakkat has honed his ability to harmoniously work with multiple people of various backgrounds. “I personally have some background in working across cultures, languages and then also bringing diverse teams together in my consulting role,” said Parakkat. “Bringing people with different talents and dif-
ferent thought processes together to solve problems.” Parakkat joined the Environment and Energy Commission in December 2019 and is also a founding member of the Oak Park Climate Action Planning Team, a community group focused on addressing climate change. “It is an ad hoc team that was founded outside the purview of the village to really take a step forward in terms of what a climate action plan would look like,” said Parakkat. “Essentially trying to look at the planning aspect of it from a short-term standpoint, as well as a long-term view.” Parakkat is also an energy efficiency ambassador with Illinois Green Alliance and sits on the board of the not-for-profit Urban Prairie Waldorf School in Chicago, where his daughter attends. His other daughter is a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School Parakkat has not decided whether or not he will run as a part of a slate, but said he is definitely considering it. If elected as village trustee, Parakkat will work to make Oak Park more affordable, sustainable, safe and inclusive for all by col-
laborating with his fellow board members. He believes his learned experience and dedication will allow him to understand all sides of issues facing Oak Park and to build bridges among the community as a trustee. Parakkat moved to Oak Park in 2006 with his wife and family. The village’s inclusivity and diversity struck a chord with Parakkat. “I felt included. I have a mixed family and we have always felt at home here,” he said. Diversity and inclusion are important to Parakkat, who was raised in Kerala, India. Kerala is a major hub in the spice trade and has been for centuries. Consequently, Kerala is very diverse politically and religiously. “Growing up in that environment, everybody was accepting,” said Parakkat. “The dominating thing that I remember from my childhood is the fact that we could all get along.” Parakkat also understands how important feeling included is when moving to a new country and takes it upon himself to make others feel welcome. “If I don’t stand up and get involved and push for inclusion, it won’t come,” said Parakkat. “I put a lot of onus on myself to do that.”
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Rethinking police oversight leads to board friction By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s village board tackled many different issues related to police reform during its Sept. 29 meeting, but reached no consensus on the role the Citizen Police Oversight Committee (CPOC) played in police disciplinary matters. CPOC oversees the process for complaints made by citizens against a police officer or police officers and the investigations into the complaints. The commission does not have the authority to dole out disciplinary measures nor does it conduct investigations. Investigations are conducted internally by police. The village board directed staff to carry out a review of CPOC during a June 22 meeting. Assistant Village Attorney Rasheda Jackson conducted the review of the committee’s procedural rules and the Oak Park village code. Jackson returned to the board Sept. 29 with the determination that CPOC was operating within the perimeters of both. “The only thing that I found that CPOC was not doing was providing the semi-annual report to the board,” said Jackson. That was rectified and a report covering the span of two years was submitted to the village board and added to the meeting’s agenda. Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla believed the review of CPOC should not have been centered around whether or not the committee was working within the perimeters of the ordinance under which it was created. “I think the framing of the question of does CPOC align with the current ordinance
AUDIT
Cost, timeline questioned from page 1 Trustee Deno Andrews was open to abandoning the RFP, stating that hiring a consultant would be a better use of taxpayer money if the board had clearly identified goals for the audit. “I still don’t know the specific problems that we’re hiring a consultant to fix,” Andrews said. Andrews said there was value in having an independent party participate in the police reform process if the board couldn’t have the discussions themselves, but that the board discussions had been more productive as of late. Trustee Jim Taglia flatly refused the idea of reconsidering hiring a consultant. “We had consensus on this item. I’m not interested and it’s not the point of the meeting tonight to reconsider this,” he said.
wasn’t really the right question to ask because we know that it aligns with the current ordinance. It’s just not working the way that it should,” Walker-Peddakotla said. According to Walker-Peddakotla, the goal should be establishing a truly independent citizen police oversight commission that can hold police accountable and provides complete transparency over policing. “That should not be a controversial point,” Walker-Peddakotla said. Walker-Peddakotla said local police reform activist group Freedom to Thrive Oak Park did a review of CPOC using a framework to determine best police oversight practices created by “over 100 elected officials nation-wide” and found CPOC “truly lacking” in its ability to carry out independent oversight. Walker-Peddakotla has been involved in organizing activities with Freedom to Thrive. Based on staff observations, Jackson gave the board a list of recommendations for CPOC, one of which was to make CPOC sessions public to provide more transparency. “There still has to be a way where the parties can remain confidential and not increase village liability if there was pending litigation” or even the threat of imminent litigation, said Jackson. Staff also suggested all subsequent semiannual CPOC reports be made public. “And finally, the suggestion was that CPOC’s evaluations occur after the final determination of the chief and after all procedural due process requirements are met,” said Jackson. That suggestion was made due to the fact that incidents contain confidential information, which could have the potential of in-
creasing village liability or influence trial strategies or defenses for pending litigation, according to Jackson. Walker-Peddakotla recommended broader responsibilities be given to CPOC, stating that CPOC’s authority had been eroded over time, with removal of three forms of oversight powers from its ordinance: internal complaint oversight, studies related to policing and patterns of officer discipline. “Those are three things that should come back,” said Walker-Peddakotla. Walker-Peddakotla said she wanted CPOC to also have the ability to access evidence, investigate incidents, compel testimonies and issue subpoenas and witnesses as needed. She also said CPOC should have a membership reflective of the communities most “impacted by police surveillance and brutality and violence.” Walker-Peddakotla also wanted the system of filing complaints against police improved and for general police orders to be published online and reviewed by CPOC. Trustee Simone Boutet agreed with a number of Walker-Peddakotla’s statements, including CPOC having the ability to access dashboard camera footage and to review general police orders, but believed that village staff should administer discipline to police. “What I envision for CPOC is that they exist to be a check and balance and a transparency check and balance to make sure we don’t have a culture of lax discipline in our police department, such that it’s a culture of silence or a code of blue brotherhood or whatever it’s informally called,” said Boutet. Boutet said she did not see CPOC as the disciplinary body itself or investigating the
methods of discipline but one that “checks on it openly.” The review of discipline, Boutet said, should fall on the commissioners of the Board of Police and Fire, a different citizen commission. Trustee Susan Buchanan had questions about “conflicting” CPOC responsibilities in Jackson’s legal review of CPOC, provided in the meeting agenda. “On the legal review, it says that the police department provides discipline recommendations to the CPOC. This conflicts with the process of complaints,” she said. “That says the chief imposes discipline, and that’s the point it goes to CPOC.” Buchanan agreed with Boutet and WalkerPeddakotla in CPOC having subpoena powers and the selection and membership of the commission. Trustee Deno Andrews agreed that CPOC should have access to dashboard camera records but not the ability to issue subpoenas, saying certain things should be reserved for the court system, while Trustee Dan Moroney believed the suggestions staff provided for CPOC were well thought out and adequate. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb resoundingly disagreed with giving CPOC subpoena powers. “It’s going to be very hard for me to support a commission that’s going to be totally independent and issue subpoenas and get in the way of litigation when we have litigation going on,” said the mayor. Abu-Taleb said that no one could anticipate the future or what position the village may find itself in. The village board took no official action to direct staff to revise the staff ’s CPOC recommendations and the commission’s responsibilities.
Taglia thought the RFP draft had very good elements that would help in building trust in the police department and wanted to avoid moving backward regarding police reform. “I think when we make a decision, we shouldn’t just flip-flop and go back and forth. I’m kind of tired of that,” Taglia said. “I don’t think it’s healthy to revisit it every time we have a meeting.” The idea to hire an independent consultant was originally posed by Trustee Susan Buchanan, however Buchanan did not support the RFP on Sept. 29. Buchanan said she did a search of the RFP draft for the words “race” and “racial,” which ended in disappointment. “There is absolutely no use of either of those words in this RFP. I’m not sure why because this is about race and policing,” said Buchanan. “If we’re going to spend money, I want the RFP to reflect that we are looking for guidance about race and policing.” Buchanan was not entirely accurate in this regard, as the RFP did in fact use the word “racial” in its “project background”
section to describe Oak Park demographics and “race” in anti-discrimination employment policy. However, Buchanan was accurate in that neither “race” nor “racial” was used to outline the intent of the audit. “I am not in favor of this RFP because it does not reflect my original idea,” said Buchanan. Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla voted against hiring an independent consultant June 22 and maintained her decision to oppose the action. “I don’t think we need a consultant. I think we have heard exactly what we need to do from community members,” WalkerPeddakotla said. The first thing the board should do to address community safety, Walker-Peddakotla said, was to “create a non-police emergency response team for mental health crises and homelessness crises.” She cited the CAHOOTS model used in Eugene, Oregon as a good example. “The last thing, and I know this is a sore point, but defunding the police because we spend an exorbitant amount of money on
the police in Oak Park.” Walker-Peddakotla agreed with Boutet that hiring a consultant would cost much more than $25,000. Trustee Dan Moroney wasn’t “gung-ho” at the idea of hiring a consultant but thought there was value in seeing what guidance might be available outside the village, due to the complexities of police reform. “This is a challenge because there are a lot of different ideas about what police reform looks like,” said Moroney. As the board already voted to enlist the help of an independent consultant, Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb felt it unproductive to reconsider the decision when consensus among the board members is very rarely reached due to differing ideas and “strong personalities.” “I don’t understand this wasting of time and flip-flopping all over the place,” he said. The village board took no official action to direct staff to revise the RFP. According to the village manager, the concerns of the board will be shared with project bidders upon the issuance of the RFP.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Drechsler deemed OK to demolish Historic Preservation Commission overruled
By STACEY SHERIDAN
lowing people to understand Oak Park’s first phase of development. The commission also felt the structure could be converted into ofThe Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral fice space or back into a home — expensive Home in Oak Park may soon be laid to rest. endeavors, according to estimates made by The Oak Park Village Board voted unani- real estate firm CBRE. mously, Oct. 5, to issue a certificate of approIn a letter of support for issuing a cerpriateness for demolition, taking the recom- tificate of appropriateness for demolimendation of village staff over that of the tion, Oak Park Economic Development Historic Preservation Commission. Corporation (OPEDC) Executive Director “While we respect the Historic Commis- John Lynch stated that CBRE estimated it sion’s thorough review of the situation, would cost $2.1 million to convert the propwe just have a difference in opinion,” said erty into offices on top of the as-is market Tammie Grossman, Oak Park development/ value, $795,000, determined by a 2017 apcustomer services director. “Staff believes praisal. it’s no longer a contributing structure to the The cost to return the structure to its orighistoric district.” inal single-family home use would cost just Located at 203 S. Marion St. in the as much, according to OPEDC. Trustee Jim Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District, Taglia called it a difficult sell. the building was constructed in 1881 as “Not to mention, who is going to live a single-family home for early Oak Park there? The Addams Family?” Taglia asked. settler James Campbell Rogers and his Trustee Susan Buchanan understood why family. Several reincarnations since then people would feel sad at losing Drechsler included being converted into apartments Brown, but she called many of the homes in 1920 and construction of a brick addibuilt during that time representative of ration in 1957. cial wealth disparity. “We feel that the building has been altered “These big Victorian homes were monusignificantly in that it no longer maintains ments to white wealth,” said Buchanan. the same historical characteristics as it As such, she said she would not miss some once did when it was first built,” said Grossof them “to some extent.” She also stated no man. wealthy family would move into Drechsler The building became a funeral home in Brown and renovate it. 1927 and has continued to operate as one for “I’m ready to move onto transit-oriented, over 100 years. Drechsler Brown’s current high-density development on some of these owners, Charles and Lynne Williams, are lots,” said Buchanan. looking to retire and sell the property to FoTo which Abu-Taleb replied, “High-densicus Development. The Williams family was ty — that’s my favorite!” unable to sell to a different funeral operator, Trustee Deno Andrews felt fine with isdespite efforts to do so. suing a certificate for demolition, as long Focus has already constructed multiple as the public knew what the tradeoff was, buildings in Oak Park, including Euclid while Trustee Dan Moroney felt maintainCommons, the multi-building residential, ing the property’s current use is not viable retail and parking complex at Lake Street and reverting the building back into a home and Euclid Avenue. The development comuneconomical. pany plans to build an apartment complex Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla felt simiunder 12 stories in height on the funeral home property, which is expansive by Oak larly to Buchanan. “I don’t know why we’re trying to prePark standards. Focus has hired former Plan Commission Chair David Mann as the serve properties of white people who stole land from indigenous people,” said Walkerproject’s architect. “It supports our economy and it supports Peddakotla. “I fundamentally can’t underour small businesses when we have more stand that.” She also noted that Oak Park has multiple people living in Oak Park and supports revproperties associated with James Campenue in terms of property taxes,” Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said of allowing demoli- bell Rogers’ name, including his daughter’s home, which Rogers hired Frank Lloyd tion. The Historic Preservation Commission Wright to design. Farm In regard to historic preservation of sinvoted against giving a certificate of State approBloomington, IL priateness for demolition during its Sept. 10 gle-family homes, Walker-Peddakotla felt meeting, believing the funeral home and its imposed regulations “could be construed to 2001290 garage serve as anchors in the district, al- be a form of contemporary redlining.” Staff Reporter
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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New owner at Sears site wants more retail, fewer apts. Old Sears building would be fully demolished By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
Novak Construction, the new owner of the former Sears store at North Avenue and Harlem, is looking to build more retail, while keeping some of the residential components outlined in an earlier redevelopment plan. As previously reported, Seritage Holdings, which inherited the ownership of the site when it was spun off from Sears, sold
CONTROVERSY from page 1 ley’s handling of the pandemic and said some parents’ aggressive demands to return students to classrooms teemed with white privilege. Last week, before the district announced a target date for returning to some form of in-person learning, members of the closed Facebook group District 97 and District 200 Parents created two petitions lamenting Kelley’s “leadership and the lack of any plan for a return-to-campus learning option,” according to one of the petitions. That petition, which as of Oct. 6 had garnered 138 signatures, stated that while surrounding school districts in places like LaGrange, Hinsdale, Elmhurst and Wilmette had either started the school year with on-campus options or had finalized “real-time plans for a transition” from remote learning to in-person learning, “Dr. Kelley and our School Board have had many meetings and conversations, but developed no actual plans.” The petition cited data and a study to support that “statistically, there is very little risk to returning to school” before recommending Kelley and the school board “deliver a re-opening plan prioritizing young learners (K-2) by October 16th with a return to school by October 26th.” The petition also called on the district to create a D97 Task Force that would “monitor and optimize our re-opening plan (integrated with reps from the D97 board, Teachers, Parents, Pediatricians and Infectious Disease Experts),” among other recommendations. A separate petition created last week called on the D97 school board to issue a vote of no confidence in Kelley. “Superintendent Carol Kelley continues to fail to share the strategy and an actionable plan for how District 97 students will return to the classroom,” the petition states, before lamenting “the severe lack of transparency, failure to support meaningful en-
several of its Chicago properties to Novak Construction. Seritage had previously worked with Chicago-based Tucker Development to turn the Sears complex into a mixed-use development with retail space and upscale apartments. Novak now proposes to demolish the Sears building altogether and build a new grocery store, two retail buildings and a drive-through restaurant, while keeping the apartment plans for the site’s east parking lot the same as Tucker’s. In a message to constituents, Chicago Ald. Chris Taliaferro (28th), whose ward includes both lots, said he will be hosting community meetings over Zoom “within the next 2-3 weeks,” but didn’t give any concrete details by deadline.
The previous proposal attracted plenty of support from residents because of the jobs it would create and the new customer traffic it would generate, but it also attracted opposition. Most of the concerns centered around the fact that residential units would be apartments rather than condominiums, as well as the size of the buildings. Residents living among Nordica Avenue, east of the east parking lot, were especially concerned about the impact of the buildings towering over their houses. Some residents were also concerned about the lack of green spaces. In the message to constituents, Taliaferro wrote that he asked Novak to create more green space on the east lot than what the Tucker plan called for.
It should be noted that Tucker already gutted the existing Sears building to prepare it for the renovation, but the work was paused at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan doesn’t make it clear what would happen with the CTA Route 72/North Ave bus turnaround, which currently wraps around the Sears building. In his message to constituents, Taliaferro was optimistic about the new owner. “[John Novak, president of Novak Construction] is excited about the opportunity to bring the 29th Ward a project that we will be proud of,” he wrote. “His family has extensive experience in neighborhood-based development, and it is important for him that this project is well received by the ward.”
gagement with all stakeholders including parents, teachers, and staff, and incapacity to lead our children through this pandemic with a solution-oriented and proactive leadership mindset.” Less than a week after creating the online petition, its author took it down after receiving pushback from Black and Brown community leaders, who also lambasted reports that some parents had been planning to protest at Kelley’s home. They also offered support for Kelley’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Amanda Siegfried, D97’s communications director, said that administrators were “made aware of a rumor that a group of parents were considering a protest,” but that those plans were never confirmed. Mara Maas, a D97 parent and member of the closed District 97 and District 200 Parents Facebook group, said she was also aware of rumors about a planned protest at Supt. Kelley’s home, but that the rumors were unfounded. Maas said that parents in the group “threw out ideas,” such as having their students not log into Zoom, because the parents felt that their concerns weren’t being heard by D97 administrators. Maas, a pediatrician, said the Facebook group was started after the pandemic arrived and around the time the district reversed its original decision of returning to schools based on a hybrid model to full remote learning. Maas had helped draft a petition earlier this year calling for students to return to classrooms, largely due to what she said are the detrimental effects of online learning on students. Maas said the author of the no-confidence petition posted an apology inside of the Facebook group. “He said he didn’t want it to be a distraction to our efforts to get kids back to in-person learning,” Maas said, adding that she doesn’t know the man personally. “The fact that some people took his petition to have racist overtones — he was very upset by that and didn’t want that to be part of the discussion. That was certainly not his intent. I be-
lieve him when he says that.” But Oak Park’s complicated racial dynamics had become a point of intense dialogue on Facebook not long after the no-confidence petition was created and as rumors of possible parent protests swirled. Makesha Flournoy-Benson, the founder and co-president of Oak Park Diversity Council — a group that promotes equity, inclusion and diversity in D97 schools — wrote in a Facebook post on Sept. 30 that the effort “by largely wealthy families” to push Kelley and administrators to return students to inperson learning “is privilege at its best and it’s sick.” “I’ve lived in this community a very long time,” wrote Gina Harris in a Facebook post on Oct. 1. Harris is a school board member at District 200 OPRF and also a climate and culture staff member at District 97. “What we keep seeing, these acts of aggression, whether they be personally directed towards leaders in our school districts, verbal assaults on people who don’t look like you, continued denial of white supremacy culture in our very midst, is at the root of it all and we have to stop. And call it out.” Harris added that “the administration in our school districts are both led by Black women. There is zero doubt in my mind that part of the continual questioning, lack of respect and outright intent to harm is brought about by an underlying belief that stems from white supremacy culture.” Oak Park Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla wrote in an Oct. 1 Facebook post that D97’s response to the pandemic “has been malleable — as it should be, with this ever evolving pandemic,” before adding that “instead of fighting the situation, we could work to protect those most struggling. We could work to create new modalities of learning for [special needs students]. We could create new ways of tackling the opportunity gap in our schools. We could demand that every child’s needs be met — not just ours.” Some parents who were unsatisfied with the D97 administration’s response said that a series of communications Kelley had released on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 had helped to
ameliorate their concerns. “Over the past 24 hours, a group of parents have questioned our decisions around opening,” Kelley wrote in a letter to families on Oct. 1. “Our team has been cautious, yet focused on plans that can be sustained, to prevent future interruptions for our families. Further, we’ve been consistent in our goal of providing in-person learning options for all, to the extent that it’s safe, by the beginning of the second trimester (November 30).” Kelley said that “there are a number of moving parts associated with reopening our buildings — scheduling, staff accommodations, finalizing safety protocols, etc.,” before mentioning that the district sent a survey to staff members about plans to return to classrooms and that another survey will be sent to families this month to determine whether they prefer hybrid or full remote learning. She added that the district has started a “phased-in approach” to hybrid learning. Last month, the district allowed a small group of special education students in the district’s “multi-needs program” to begin receiving on-site instruction and support at Percy Julian Middle School. And the district is working to bring in more groups, she said. Kelley said that administrators will share with parents a “framework for reopening” by Friday. “For now, we’re pleased,” said Maas. “There is definite forward progress. I’m definitely hoping that this Friday, we get a more concrete picture of both the plan and the timeline, but I do think having this is definitely a step in the right direction. A lot of us are happy with that.” In her letter to families on Oct. 1, Kelley urged patience. “I realize that many are anxious to return to normalcy,” she stated. “I am too, but I’m also committed to keeping all of your children and our teachers safe. All I ask is the same thing expected of anyone during times of trouble: Patience. Understanding. Grace. Our children are watching and learning from each of us. Let’s show them our best selves.”
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Shrinking churches find partners, modernize Graceful edifices, empty pews and a few exceptions
gation’s East Avenue building in September 2018. Rev. John Rumple, meanwhile, rector of Grace Episcopal Church on Lake Street, said, “Like many mainstream denominaBy TOM HOLMES tions, our church has faced the challenges Contributing Reporter of moving into modern times with a liturgy In 2008 the baptized membership at United that is traditional and a Gothic building that Lutheran Church, corner of Ridgeland and is from another age. However, in our theoloGreenfield, was 507, according to church re- gy and practice, we are at the cutting edge of cords, and attendance at worship averaged Christianity in terms of not only accepting, but welcoming the Spirit-led leadership of 94. Last year membership had slipped to 176 women, LGBTQ people, and racial minoriand worship attendance had declined to 45 ties.” Like many congregations, Grace Episcoin the large sanctuary built in 1928 when three Norwegian Lutheran congregations pal has embraced technology as a way of in Chicago merged and moved to the sub- staying together virtually during the pandemic. Rumple reported that the congregaurbs. Many congregations in Oak Park and Riv- tion’s worship attendance has actually increased while being online er Forest have experienced similar declines from the during the shutdown. height of church attendance River Forest United Methin the 1950s and ’60s when, acodist Church, like United Lucording to the Gallup Organitheran, is the result of mergzation, 70 percent of Ameriers — five congregations cans belonged to a church. over the past 129 years from Although United Lutheran Austin, Maywood, Forest members have no trouble soPark, Melrose Park and River cial-distancing in their large Forest. The latest adjustment worship area, their faith to changing demographics is community, like many others its partnership with Urban in the area, have responded PASTOR KATHY NOLTE Village Church. Good Shepherd Lutheran to the changing religious Two faith communities ecology by evolving in many that have done better than creative ways. most in their response to Rev. Dennis Bushkofsky, changes in society and culUnited Lutheran’s pastor ture are Good Shepherd Lusaid his congregation has theran and St. Christopher adapted by “going from being Episcopal. a congregation that focused “Good Shepherd,” said Pasprimarily on its own programming and was tor Kathy Nolte, “is actually stronger than relatively isolated from much of the wider we were in 2000. In the ’80s and ’90s, Rev. community to that of being in more inten- Jack Finney had built up the congregation tional partnership with others.” from less than 100 people to over 400. In 2000 The narrative of First United Methodist he retired, and, not surprisingly, when a beChurch on Oak Park Avenue is similar. Rev. loved pastor leaves, the congregation has a Katherine Paisley, the pastor, acknowledged period of shrinking. So in 2000 there was a that her church “has decreased in size sig- time of decline. We have since rebounded to nificantly from 20 years ago.” where it was when Rev. Finney left.” Her faith community has responded by Nolte noted, “Instrumental in the return sharing their large facility with Alcuin to strength was an emphasis on children Montessori School, hanging a Black Lives and youth ministries and diversity in worMatter banner outside the building as a ship. More than anything, members were symbol of becoming a stronger voice for proud of their congregation again and bejustice, and changing worship to featuring gan inviting people.” a blend of traditional and contemporary “After a significant drop a few years into hymns. this century,” said Eric Biddy, rector of St. First Baptist Church, which meets for Christopher’s, “we mostly held steady for worship at 820 Ontario, has a large build- about 10 years. In the last five years, we have ing built in 1921 — 110 rooms to be exact — enjoyed quite a bit of attendance growth which is no longer needed to accommodate and are currently larger than we have been the activities of its congregation alone, so in living memory, though who knows how it has responded to membership decline by the pandemic will affect that.” hosting other organizations. Biddy attributes the growth to a “deep inThe latest and most dramatic has been vestment in the needs of our neighborhood sharing space with Good Shepherd Luther- and continuing adaptation to support faith an Church after a fire ravaged that congre- formation at home, as people in general
“Members were proud of their congregation again and began inviting people.”
File Photo
REBOUND: Service at Good Shepherd Lutheran, pre-fire and pre-virus. spend less time in our building than in previous generations.” And Wiggle Worship, a kid-friendly family Mass started by Biddy’s predecessor, Rev. Paris Coffey, “has given us a new way to minister to children and their families.” The six Roman Catholic parishes in Oak Park and River Forest have been given a way to respond to declining worship attendance by the Archdiocese of Chicago called Renew My Church, a strategy in which “all 344 parishes in the diocese have been joined into 98 groupings. Within these groupings, parishes will determine opportunities for collaboration and unity following a structured process for discernment, transition, and building a future together.” In Oak Park, for example, St. Giles has been “grouped” with Ascension Catholic Church, and St. Bernardine in Forest Park
has been grouped with St. Luke in River Forest. To explain the decline in worship attendance nationwide, researchers report many Americans have become either disillusioned or dissatisfied with institutions of all kinds. “I am spiritual,” they often say, “not religious.” Robert Putnam documents in his classic study titled Bowling Alone, that the Baby Boomer generation “put great emphasis on individualism and tolerance for diversity and rejected traditional social roles. … Throughout their lives they have expressed less respect for authority, religion, and patriotism. Boomers in general are highly individualistic, more comfortable on their own than on a team, more comfortable with values than with rules.”
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Bystander shot in Austin Blvd. crossfire
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A bystander was shot during a disagreement that occurred between three men outside the BP gas station, 520 S. Austin Blvd., at 1:39 a.m., Oct. 4. Two men, one wearing a baseball cap, exited a black automobile and began arguing with a third man, who was driving a dark colored SUV. The man in the ball cap and the man in the SUV both discharged their weapons, striking a fourth man, who was in the gas station parking lot. The victim sustained a shot to the abdominal area and a graze wound to his thigh. He was transported to a hospital where he received treatment and was released from care. The victim was not involved in the dispute and nor was he associated with the three men. Police reports describe the first man as Black, wearing a baseball cap and a white long-sleeved T-shirt with dark pants and dark shoes. The second offender is described as Black and was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Police described the man in the SUV as Black. All three offenders were last seen fleeing south on Austin Boulevard.
Armed robbery ■ Two
men, both carrying handguns, robbed the 7-Eleven, 240 Chicago Ave., at 12:57 a.m., Oct. 1. Both men pointed their handguns and demanded the store clerk turn over cash and cigarettes, which the clerk did. The two men fled the scene in an unknown direction. The estimated loss was unknown at the time of reporting. ■ Police reports describe the first man as Black, 6-feet tall, 180 lbs. and about 25 to 29 years old. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants. The other man is described as Black, 6-feet tall and 25 to 29 years old. No clothing descriptions were included for the second man.
Burglary ■ Someone entered an unlocked garage and then entered an unlocked vehicle parked inside and removed $10 in cash and a bicycle between 5 p.m., Sept. 27 and 7 p.m., Sept. 29 in the 600 block of South Scoville Avenue. The estimated loss is $410. ■ Someone broke a 12-inch-by-12-inch glass windowpane on a resident’s garage door then reached in and pressed the garage door opener; once inside, the burglar removed a Stihl chainsaw and a black Jamis Allegro bicycle between 10:30 p.m., Sept. 30 and 8:15 a.m., Oct. 1 in the 900 block of North East Avenue. The estimated loss is $750. ■ Someone broke into a garage through an
unlocked side service door and ransacked two unlocked vehicles parked inside, taking cash, between 8 p.m., Sept. 25 and 9 a.m., Sept. 27 in the 1200 block of Forest Avenue. Estimated loss is $10. ■ Someone took a women’s black Trek Hybrid bike out of an open garage in the 1100 block of Paulina Street between midnight, Sept. 24 and 7:29 p.m., Oct. 1. Estimated loss is $600. ■ Someone broke into a residence, possibly through an unlocked door, and removed from inside a set of car keys; using the keys, the offender then drove off in the victim’s silver 2013 Toyota Sienna that was parked outside between 11:30 p.m., Oct. 2 and 7:20 a.m., Oct. 3 in the 100 block of North Euclid Avenue. Estimated loss is $10,000.
Motor vehicle theft
An unlocked vehicle with a spare key inside of it was removed from the 200 block of South Marion Street between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., Oct. 4. The vehicle was located shortly after in Chicago, where it had been set on fire. Estimated loss is $11,000.
Criminal damage to property ■ Someone damaged the rear window of a River Forest resident’s vehicle parked in the 6500 block of North Avenue between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Sept. 29. The estimated damage is $500. ■ Someone cracked and damaged the front windshield of a car parked in the 500 block of South Humphrey Avenue between 3 p.m., Oct. 1 and noon, Oct. 3. Estimated damage is $300. ■ Someone damaged a large glass window by throwing a rock through it between 11:30 p.m., Oct. 3 and 8:30 a.m., Oct. 4 in the 400 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Damage is estimated at $700. ■ The windshield and rear glass window of a vehicle was damaged while parked in the 300 block of South Cuyler Avenue between 2 a.m. and 11 a.m., Oct. 4. Estimated damage is $730. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Sept. 30 – Oct. 5 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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Homes
More to Chicago architecture than Wright and Mies
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Riverside professor teams up on book spotlighting residential modernism in the city and suburbs By LACEY SIKORA
M
Contributing Reporter
ichelangelo Sabatino may live in Riverside, but his path to the Midwest took a circuitous route. A professor and director of the Ph.D. Program in Architecture and the inaugural John Vinci Distinguished Fellow in the College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology counts other countries and cities among his many influences. Sabatino was raised in Toronto, which he calls the city that Mies built -- in reference to iconic architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. He later studied architecture in Italy and at Yale and Harvard and then settled for a time in Houston before putting down roots in the Chicago area. For Sabatino, it has been thrilling to be in Chicago, a city with such an extensive architectural history. He enjoys the robust interest in architecture in the city and the suburbs. “The general public has been trained to be aware of architecture, because there are so many good examples,” Sabatino said. Inspired by the modernist architecture of the area, Sabatino partnered with historic preservationist Susan S.
MODERN LIVING: Professor Michelangelo Sabatino (left) included a section in “Modern in the Middle” to describe his own Riverside home, which he shares with his partner, Serge Ambrose (right). The early suburban modern design was completed by architect Winston Elting in 1939. Benjamin to pen “Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses work, which often emphasized natural materials and 1929-1975.” The book looks at modernism through the lens pitched roofs. But, he says there is some commonality at work between of Chicago and suburban architecture. the two architects, including the signifiFrom his vantage point at the IIT cance of bringing in the natural world. campus, which was designed by Mies He also points out that “the fireplace is van der Rohe, Sabatino says we live in the central part of the home. The two a city dominated by the narrative of architects were different generations, Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der but still sharing a lot of common interRohe. ests.” In considering the influence of both Both architects struggled to adapt of those masters on modernist archiorganic and rationalist architecture to tecture, Sabatino says the relationship their clients’ needs. In fact, many modof Wright and Mies van der Rohe is an ernist architects of this era were havinteresting study. MICHELANGELO SABATINO ing to tack to the middle rather than The simplistic take on their relationCo-author of “Modern in the Middle” extremes, says Sabatino. ship is that Wright introduced Mies The use of the word middle in the van der Rohe to the scene, and that as book’s title has many interpretations. the younger architect started garnering Sabatino says it could be seen as a play more and more attention in the 1950s, on the Midwest as a geographical area Wright soured on him. According to Sawith its own architectural identity. batino, there’s more to it than that, and the two shared more He also says it captures the essence of the Midwest, noting than some may think. that there can be a snobbery that nothing of culture exists The book includes Mies van der Rohe’s Edith Farnsworth House in Plano. Sabatino points out that the glass and steel outside the coasts or the big cities, but the homes in his book
“A lot of these towns outside of Chicago became the places where a lot of experimentation was going on.”
masterpiece with a flat roof differs from much of Wright’s
See MODERN on page 21
20
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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LOVELY BRICK HOME offers wonderful space with beautiful views of the spectacular lot! Original details with two story foyer and hardwood floors throughout. This elegant home is beautifully constructed and large enough to accommodate family and friends for years to come..............................................................................................$1,299,000 BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap-around porch, eleven-foot ceilings and oversized windows. LL has 2,000 feet of living area............ ........................................................................................................$1,295,000 PRICE REDUCED ELEGANT CRAFTSMANSHIP can be found throughout this 5 BR French Normandy home. Sophistication is evident from the moment you walk in the door. Impressive foyer, formal LR with fireplace and built-in benches, family room, separate formal DR, updated kitchen, home office. .....................................................$999,000 SPLITLEVEL HOME offers newly refreshed contemporary style and wonderful space. Home offers three bedrooms, three brand new bathrooms, beautiful front entryway, vaulted ceiling family room, sunroom, game room, deck, spectacular backyard, attached two-car garage .............................................................................................. $599,000 CITY LIVING CONVENIENCE in a charming village atmosphere. This large Cape Cod is not a drive-by. Ten large rooms with four bedrooms, four full baths, and a huge 1st-floor family room with a wet bar. Three-season room, and a kitchen with 42” oak cabinets. .....$550,000 BRING YOUR IDEAS! Brick bungalow offers a lot of potential. Centrally located, this house sits on a 75 X 157 lot. Open floor plan, outside side deck, 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, finished family room in the basement with plenty of storage. Renovate or build new. Many options available..............................................................................$539,000 CENTER ENTRANCE COLONIAL offers wonderful space! Deep lot, large deck, and original details throughout the home. Features include large living room, sunny sitting room, hardwood floors, updated kitchen, family room, full finished basement, and a two-car garage. ...........................................................................................................$440,000
BEAUTIFUL SIDE ENTRANCE COLONIAL with 4 BRs, 2 full & 1 half baths features a spacious center family room, cooks’ kitchen with mud room, gas fireplace, built-in shelving & art glass windows. Beautiful woodwork & hardwood floors throughout. Finished LL. Front & back heated walkway. ............................................................... $639,000 ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY of this 4 BR, 3BA farmhouse has been preserved whenever updates were completed. Double door entry, antique light fixture, hardwood flooring, art glass windows, natural trim work and high ceilings are found throughout this home.$625,000 PRICE REDUCED TURNKEY LIVING awaits you in the 3 BR, 2 bath ranch all made up and ready to go! All new stainless steel appliances and granite counters highlight the twenty-foot long eat-in kitchen. The expansive finished lower level practically doubles the size of the living space. Two car garage.............................................. $299,900 DUTCH COLONIAL with rehab already started, already gutted. Originally 2 bedrooms, but now open to new floor plan and added bedrooms and baths. Could be a flip or a great home to live in. ............. ............................................................................................................$185,000
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MODERN
Sophisticated, not ostentatious from page 19 prove that to be a misconception. “A lot of these towns outside of Chicago became the places where a lot of experimentation was going on,” Sabatino said. He says the middle also refers to many of the clients these homes were originally designed for. “Most of these clients were middle-class professionals,” he said. “These homes were sophisticated but not ostenta-
tious.” The homes featured in the book continue to resonate today, according to Sabatino. For instance, the Dorothy Miller and Paul Schweikher House in Schaumburg was designed by Schweikher as his own home and the base of his architecture practice. “Years after Wright’s Home and Studio, the idea of a home and studio goes with the whole live/work idea,” Sabatino said. “Paradoxically, this is on everyone’s mind yet again.” Similarly, the Lucile Gottschalk and Aaron Heimbach House in Blue Island was designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg to serve as the family’s residence and the offices for Heimbach, a physician. When it was designed in 1939, few architects were being asked to design mixed-used live/ work buildings, but today those spaces are once again in de-
Photo courtesy Chicago History Museum, Hedrich-Blessing Collection
Photo courtesy William Zbaren
21
mand. Sabatino also highlights the Riverside design of IIT architect John Vinci in collaboration with Lawrence Kenny -- the Ruth Nelson and Robert J. Freeark House. Sabatino says that Vinci, is both a preservationist and a modernist. “He designed a house that wasn’t a copycat modern,” Sabatino said. “He’s someone who goes between preserving Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and also creates modern buildings.” That dialogue between the giants of architects of the past and the more contemporary is what Sabatino says make Chicago and its surrounding suburbs the perfect subject of the book. It also made Benjamin the perfect co-author. She brought to the project a lifetime of experience in preservation, which paired well with his own interest in modernism. At home, Sabatino practices what he preaches. When he and his partner Serge Ambrose moved to the Chicago area about six years ago, Sabatino said that they were blown away when they visited the village of Riverside. “The idea of living in a town that was designed as a park? This house was on the market, and it was kind of perfect in its need of tender loving care,” he said. He calls the home, the Sylvia Valha and Francis J. Benda House, the perfect place where he could join forces with his architect partner. Designed by architect Winston Elting in 1939, the home’s flat roof and load-bearing brick perimeter wall marries the modern and traditional Chicago style. Sabatino calls himself and Ambrose “self-taught” preservationists, who are enjoying the process of breathing new life into their own modern-in-the-middle house. On Oct. 15, the Mies van der Rohe Society will host a virtual launch party for the book, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The book presentation will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Reed Kroloff, dean of the College of Architecture at IIT. Special guests include Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and Margaret McCurry, who grew up in houses designed by their fathers, both IIT architecture graduates. Information and registration are available at miessociety. org/events/mies-society-book-launch.
SLEEK IN THE SUBURBS: Among the homes highlighted in “Modern in the Middle” are, clockwise from top, the Lucile Gottschalk and Aaron Heimbach House designed by Bertrand Goldberg; the Ruth Nelson and Robert J. Freeark House, Riverside, by John Vinci; and the Sylvia Valha and Francis J. Benda House (Ambrose-Sabatino House) in Riverside, by Winston Elting.
Photo courtesy Bob Thall
22
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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VIEWPOINTS
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C O N S C I O U S
A G I N G
Aging should be a celebration, not a crisis
H
ere Awhile is a film about medical aid in dying — not so much the “medical” part, not even so much the “dying” part. It’s mostly about the living part. The movie is about relationships — not the length of time, but rather the quality of a relationship with another human being. It raises the question: Which is actually more important? Once again, the Wabi Sabi Film Festival brings a high-quality, relevant movie to our community. As with the two previous screenings since the advent of the pandemic, Alive Inside and Gen Silent, the next film in this ongoing festival will be online and free. Here Awhile will screen on Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. Guests will include director/co-writer Tim True and co-writer Csaba Mera, who will be present for a discussion and Q&A following the movie. For free registration and tickets, go to https:// wabisabi-here-awhile.eventbrite.com. “People who seek medical aid in dying want to live, but they are diagnosed with a terminal illness. They simply want the option to die peacefully without unnecessary suffering by having some say in the timing and manner of their death,” says Roz Byrne, co-chair of the Oak Park/Western Suburbs Action Team, Illinois End Of Life Options Coalition (IEOLOC). An Oak Park-based volunteer group, IEOLOC is part of Compassion & Choices, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving and expanding options at the end of life. Roz Byrne can be reached at Roz@RozRealEstate. com I’d always thought of medical aid in dying as an aging issue, but one of the strengths of Here Awhile is presents this as an intergenerational issue. In so doing, it highlights the ageism inherent in our attitudes about dying. The movie also exhibits a sensitive treatment of other common relationship prejudices, including ableism, homophobia and racism. I hope to see you online on Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. for the screening of Here Awhile and for the post-film Q&A with discussion. I also hope to see you online this Friday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m., for a free webinar I will be moderating for the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) titled, “Shifting Ageism: How Consciousness Affects Our Experience of Aging.” I will be joined by a panel composed of Ashton Applewhite, Elizabeth White and Dr. John Holton. Information and registration can be found at https://noetic.org/event/shifting-ageism. Meanwhile, what will it take to get politicians — local, state or national — who are running for office to utter the words “older people”? How do they plan to deal with the explosion of our older population? How will older people be able to afford a place to live? How will our communities become age-friendly? Because of longevity, we have entered a new phase for our species. We have added more longevity to our lives since the year 1900 than all of previous human history. This is an achievement to be proud of. Yet there are some who would say that, as a society, we cannot afford this achievement. If we look at aging the way we have for the last 200 years, we will turn this achievement into a crisis rather than a celebration. For ourselves, our communities and our planet, how we grow older today is unsustainable unless we can shift our consciousness about aging. A system that is unjust cannot sustain, and a system that is unsustainable cannot be just.
MARC BLESOFF
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
N
23
Remembering the 1959 Go! Go! White Sox P. 27
No income tax without something in return
ext month’s election will be a pivotal moment not only for the nation but our state. On the ballot is a progressive, graduated income tax measure to give the politicians that gave us this unbearable pension debt problem more money to squander. Vote No. The Illinois Constitutional Convention in 1970 voted in favor of the present-day pension clause that states government employee retirement benefits shall not be “diminished or impaired.” Shall not be impaired or diminished. Can you read this, shuttered business and restaurants owners and your staff on Lake Street? Tell us if your benefits or paychecks have been impaired or diminished during this crisis. Or perhaps the construction on Lake Street will be over shortly and business will be back in January? In Illinois, cities and local governments have been struggling for years, wondering if the next hike in sales tax, user fees and/ or property taxes will pass to help shore up their finances. Financial watchdogs and credit agencies Illinois State Capitol have told our leaders to get our financial house in order multiple times. Our politicians haven’t listened. In the mid-’90s, Illinois had a pension obligation of around $20 billion. Today our pension obligation is over $130 billion, the highest in the nation. Congratulations on a job well done, Illinois. Our Democratic state leaders from the governor on down, think this is a revenue issue, hence the ballot measure. I and others agree this is a big-time spending issue that is bringing our state to its knees. Since the early 2000s, Democrats have controlled our state government and done nothing to rein in our pension debt. Each year it grows larger with no end in sight. In 2003, Governor
Blagojevich borrowed $10 billion to shore up the pension and failed. In later years, lawmakers skipped payments while the pension debt grew. In 2011, state income taxes increased 67 percent for four years to balance budgets and clean up our financials. It didn’t work. Democratic politicians in California and New York asked for and received support from their public unions to cut employee paychecks to help with state finances to assure no layoffs or furloughs during the crisis. What did Illinois get from their public employees? Nothing. Instead these employees got a guaranteed 2 percent contract raise on July 1. Earlier this spring, our state finances were so bad the Illinois Democratic Senate leadership wrote our Congressional delegation asking for $40 billion in federal aid for COVID-19 with $10 billion for the pension debt. As the old political saying goes, “never let a good crisis go to waste.” The average family of four in Illinois make $63,000 a year but CREDIT: AMOSDOYLE / CC BY-SA has a $76,000 pension obligation. Our leadership has put its citizens in fiscal handcuffs. Enough is enough. The state lost over 800,000 residents in the last decade. Passing the graduated income tax measure won’t be a draw for companies to come to Illinois much less a reason for citizens to stay. Here’s an idea: how about a quid pro quo measure? We accept an income tax increase if we can vote to change the state’s Constitution and get rid of long-term guaranteed pay and pension benefits for a 401K type plan? We cannot continue to feed this beast without pension reform. Vote No until we get a chance to vote on the guaranteed contracts for public employees. Jim Gotti is a resident of Oak Park.
JIM GOTTI
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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No consensus on police reform
t took three months, June 22 to Sept. 29, for a majority of the Oak Park Village Board to articulate that its confusing and scattered “decision” of early summer to hire an outside consultant to evaluate the police department was ill considered. The overdue clarity came in another contested village board meeting last week when the village staff offered up a proposed Request for Proposals for the services of a consultant to study the department. That Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said the work could be completed by the first quarter of 2021 and would cost just $25,000 is only the latest indication that this divided village board is fully lost on how to thoughtfully, aggressively address policing issues in the months after the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. There was an opportunity back then for Oak Park to lead on this complex issue of rethinking public safety and community policing. But the ingrained tensions and suspicions among board members and the mayor made a conversation requiring trust and open minds immediately impossible. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb could not successfully engage with more progressive voices on the board — Trustees Walker Peddakotla, Buchanan and Boutet. That failing is largely, not exclusively but largely, on him. His instinct that the village had to act led him to unilaterally sign on to an initiative from the Obama Foundation to take action on reviewing use-of-force policies in departments across the nation. Not a bad idea but one that, if actua l conversations had taken place, would have surfaced a rare base of agreement between strong backers of the local department and its critics that use of force is happily not a huge concern in Oak Park. With a divided board, he could not effectively lead on this issue, so the mayor turned fast to the notion that a third-party review of the whole department by an academically credentialed consultant would sidestep the contentiousness on his board and lead to some sort of actionable recommendations. And so on June 22 in one of the most Zoomed-up, dumbed-down public meetings ever, the board took some action, in some way toward a consultant. As we said at the time, the board really had no idea in the moment what it had approved. And the only direction it provided to staff was vague and conflicting. We don’t often argue with Trustee Jim Taglia but his comments last week that the board had consensus in June and should not flip-flop in September was rose-colored revisionist history. There was nothing approaching consensus in June. There were sharp divisions among board members on next steps. And the mayor’s determination to bring the meeting to a close with a vote of some sort on something was hanging paper over a fractured elected body. Last week’s meeting also did not come to a viable conclusion. Four trustees opposed the hiring of a consultant to review the police department. Those four voices were not perfectly aligned except in their opposition. And there were three voices opposing a “do over” and sort of directing the manager to move ahead in issuing the RFP. There will be no positive outcome from pursuing that course. That said, Trustee Simone Boutet’s suggestion that the board ask Police Chief LaDon Reynolds to conduct his own review of the department is stunningly tone deaf. We admire Reynolds’ brains and gut on policing issues. Not sure why that talent has, so far, been put under a basket as the chief has a lot to bring to this conversation. But it is not his department to solely review. The starting point is obvious but likely not possible in this lame-duck political season. Listening is the starting point. Listening to every voice, valuing every voice is how reform begins. We’re not optimistic this will happen with the sitting board. We’re not optimistic that it can be well debated during the spring 2021 campaign. What is just ahead, critically ahead, for this current board is the negotiation of a new contract with police officers. Police unions, nationally and in our own Lodge, are the often invisible obstacle to transparency and culture change in policing. This board’s greatest opportunity to have impact is to hang very tough on this contract when it comes to matters of discipline of officers, transparency in reviewing police conduct and remaking the current citizen oversight process.
V I E W P O I N T S
Praying for a happy ending When all the world is a hopeless jumble And the raindrops tumble all around Heaven opens a magic lane. When all the clouds darken up the skyway There’s a rainbow highway to be found Leading from your windowpane To a place behind the sun Just a step beyond the rain …
Yip Harburg, lyricist
You know the rest. “Over the Rainbow,” an apt song for the moment. After last week’s wild ride — with the Trump Talkathon on Tuesday, and the Coronavirus Rebuttal on Friday, and less than a month till Election Day — a lot of people are on the verge of meltdown. Time to get down on our knees. I’m guessing many people are praying — for the President’s recovery, for the President to shut up, for the President to learn a lesson in humility, for Joe Biden to stay healthy, for this four-year nightmare to be over. If birds can fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why, can’t the rest of us? I pray that this country can conduct a free and fair election with all the ballots counted and with all those who want to vote allowed to cast their ballot. I pray for a landslide so there is no question about the legitimacy of the results and so the Electoral College can’t steal its third election this century. And I pray that the results arrive in a timely manner. Sometime that week would be appreciated. I pray that the results signal a rebirth of democracy so government of the people, by the people and for the people can rise from the ashes of Trump’s scorched-earth tenure. I also pray for the health and safety of my grandsons who are in school, in-person, and their hard-working mom, and my son, who is serving in the National Guard, stationed in Africa, and my family circle, which extends to many friends, and for everyone whose life has been shaken or taken by this virus. It has been a long year — with three months still to go — so many of us are very likely praying pretty hard. I pray even though I don’t believe. Not in the traditional sense of petitioning a personal God who answers requests. What I believe — or more to the point how I believe — is too complicated to summarize in the space we have here. But praying is a good way to articulate deepest longings — what we want, what we think we need, or merely what we wish. I define praying as full-hearted yearning. Often, though, my wording is inexact. I pray for good outcomes, when what I really need is courage on the front end. The courage to do my best, regardless of the outcome, is all I can really ask. In the Christmas film, The Bishop’s Wife, the angel tells the bishop that his prayer at the outset of the
story has been granted. The bishop says that isn’t true. He was praying for a grand cathedral on the hill. The angel replies, “No, Henry, you prayed for guidance and that has been given to you.” Courage and guidance are good things to pray for. And grace — to handle life’s difficulties. And help. I pray for help mostly when I’m at the end of some rope. Or less dramatically, when I bump up against a ceiling, an apparent dead-end, and know I’ve reached my limit. The poet Rilke wrote, “Go to the limits of your longing.” He didn’t say what happens then. That’s when I ask for help — usually in the dark hours of the early morning. It’s not some melodramatic plea. This isn’t Hollywood, after all. This is merely my life. My prayers don’t scale rhetorical heights. They’re simple. Sometimes I say it out loud because it feels more focused: “I could use some help.” Almost a statement of fact. Memo to myself. But also a call — I don’t know to whom or to what. All I know is that I direct it outward, past my limits, to whatever might be “out there” — or “in here,” meaning deep down within, beyond the limits of my conscious self. Some mysteries in life we will never fathom. I aim my prayer into the mystery, like the Voyager probes heading into deep space, each with a golden record. To whom it may concern … Does prayer have special properties? Does it open a magic highway where none seemed to exist, beyond the sun and the rain, over the rainbow? I don’t really know, but I pray anyway. I pray for time — time enough to do what I was meant to do, if I was meant to do anything. And if I was, a little guidance on that front would be appreciated. And maybe some courage to get there. And if there isn’t anything I was meant to do, then time enough to do something I think makes a difference, that makes me feel my life had value. Praying may be hard-wired in us — even for those who limit themselves to the material universe and don’t believe in a transcendent dimension of some sort. I wonder if there aren’t moments in the wee hours when they, too, are tempted to pray as they bump up against some ceiling. The “answers” may not come from an interventive deity. They may come from a deeper part of ourselves. I don’t particularly care who or where they come from. But when prayers come, I have stopped trying to censor them just because they don’t perfectly fit my cosmological construct. My wish list: time, courage, and a little guidance. And if it isn’t too much trouble, maybe make that clown shut up?
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blessoff, Jack Crow, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea, Debbie Becker Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan 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 Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
About Viewpoints
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Oak Park Dancers liven up the block party One Saturday, Oct. 3, a group of kids, age 6-10, on the 700 block of Clarence (and a pal from East Avenue) held a remarkable dance performance for this year’s block party. The Oak Park Dancers, as they named their troupe, had been rehearsing for weeks on the front lawns, creating the entire choreography themselves and perfecting amazing gymnastic and cool pop music moves. Their goal in doing this was to raise money to help victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. They raised $155 in tips, which they’re donating to Beyond Hunger (formerly Oak Park Food Pantry). Everyone on the block can hardly wait to see what they create next year!
Linda Bailey Oak Park
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 ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
H O W
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ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com
Kids from Clarence and East avenues danced to raise funds for Beyond Hunger during their block party last Saturday.
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 $38 within Cook County and $45 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. © 2020 Growing Community Media, NFP.
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1.Publication Title: Wednesday Journal 2. Publication no.: USPS 0010-138 3. Date of filing: October 6, 2020 4. Frequency of issue: Weekly 5. No of issues published annually: 52 6. Annual subscription price: $38.00 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 30, 2020 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4719 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 76 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3370 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 345 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3791 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: 201 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 347 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 548 F. Total distribution: 4339 G. Copies not distributed: 380 H: Total: 4719 I. Percent paid: 86.81% 15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4393 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 76 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3342 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 311 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3729 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: 101 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 300 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 401 F. Total distribution: 4393 G. Copies not distributed: 262 H: Total: 4393 I. Percent paid: 90.29% 16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 7, 2020 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager October 6, 2020
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D O O P E R ’ S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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M E M O R I E S
Long-gone Go! Go! White Sox live on in memory
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n the mid-1950s the Sox were a solid team, but they always finished behind the Yankees and the Indians. In 1959 a Chicago sportswriter picked the Sox to overtake the Yankees, but the Indians would be a problem. The pennant race was up and down between the Sox and Indians and, of course, the Yankees were still very much alive. Because of great pitching by Early Wynn, who led the American League with 22 victories, and Billy Pierce and Bob Shaw and strategic hitting by Ted Kluszewski, Al Smith and Sherman Lollar, the Sox beat out the Indians for the pennant. The Sox led the American League with 113 stolen bases, 56 of which were stolen by shortstop Luis Aparicio. The Sox were known, however, as the Hitless Wonders because they won 94 games by one or two runs and as a team, they hit fewer than 100 home runs. But they never stopped running. The night the Sox won the pennant, the air
raid sirens were set off by Fire Commissioner/Civil Defense Director Quinn and the sirens blared for at least five minutes. Some of our neighbors thought Chicago was being attacked by Soviet bombers, and they ran to the shelter of their basements. Because I was listening to the game, it was clear to me that the sirens were part of the Sox victory, and even though hundreds of Chicagoans were angry, it was discovered that no laws had been broken by setting off the sirens. When the Sox team landed at Midway in the early morning hours, the team was met by a joyous crowd, which kept cheering until dawn. The next day, Sept. 24, the team, led by owner Bill Veeck and Mayor Daley, paraded down State Street to the sound of riotous cheering and falling confetti The Sox won the first game of the World Series over the Dodgers 11-0, with Ted Kluszewski hitting two homers, and Early Wynn pitching a superb game.
JOHN
STANGER
COURTESY OF CHICAGOLOGY.COM
Fans line up for World Series tickets at Comiskey Park in 1959. In game two, the victorious Dodgers hit three homers, and the one hit to left field by Charlie Neal was caught by my friend Chuck O’Leary who was sitting in the lower deck. A newspaper photo showed Al Smith, the Sox left-fielder, being showered by beer falling from the cup of a fan trying to catch Neal’s home run. The Series now moved to Los Angeles where the Dodgers won games three and four and the Sox won game five. The Series returned to Chicago where it all ended as the Dodgers won game six and the
Series, four games to two. The Dodgers went on to win other World Series titles in the years to come, but the Sox didn’t appear in another World Series until 2005 when they beat the Astros four games straight. Even though the Sox lost the Series in 1959, three players from the 1959 team — Wynn, Nellie Fox, and Aparicio were inducted into the Hall of Fame, as was manager Al Lopez and owner Bill Veeck. The 1959 Sox will live forever in my memory as the Go!Go! Guys.
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The FOP’s racism is showing
Billionaire tries to buy a ‘No’ vote
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
n August, a resolution came before the Oak Park Village Board that would have begun defunding the police department — reducing its funding and shifting those funds to social services. The “Freedom to Thrive” resolution set the goal of “reducing the amount spent on policing in the village of Oak Park by defunding the Oak Park Police Department such that we reduce the number of budgeted sworn officers during the FY2021 budget cycle, and commit to further reductions in future budget cycles.” During the village board meeting, the resolution was ultimately, and unfortunately, defeated with a vote of 5-2. During this meeting, the Oak Park chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police provided a statement against the resolution, which said in part: “The resolution punishes your fellow public servants for a crime committed in another state. We share a border with Chicago. Defunding the Oak Park Police Department will have the same effect as hanging an ‘open for crime’ sign at our village limits. This resolution specifically targets a group of citizens because of the color of uniform they wear.”
This statement contains numerous biased and misdirecting ideas. First, the notion that reducing funding is a punishment to police speaks to the sense of entitlement that the FOP has about the role of police officers in this community. Police officers do not have the right to a certain amount of funding, and reducing that funding is not a punishment for them. Next, the idea that decreasing the number of Oak Park police officers would suddenly trigger crime to pour in from Chicago is not only an erroneous idea, it is a racist idea, created from the fiction that residents of Austin are waiting to rush into our community to take what we have, rather than the truth that they are our fellow citizens trying to do the best they can by their families. And finally, to say that police officers are targeted because of “the color of uniform they wear” is a clear and direct reference to the real targeting of Black people because of the color of their skin. And this false comparison — real prejudice against Black people, who were born into their heritage, with fictitious prejudice against police officers, who choose to put on a certain uniform
JIM
SCHWARTZ One View
— is horrendous. This is the same thing as using the phrase “Blue Lives Matter” in response to Black Lives Matter, the same as claiming that “reverse racism” against white people is the problem instead of racism against Black people, Latinx people, and other people of color. Some of us like to believe that this type of prejudice does not exist in Oak Park, but here we have more evidence that it is alive and well. And it indicates the clear opposition that we face in our work for racial justice. The “Freedom to Thrive” resolution was defeated, but the drive to reduce police funding in Oak Park is not dead. To push it forward, we need to listen to young people, such as those in the organization ROYAL, who make clear the real harm that police inflict on Black people here in Oak Park and continue to build the case that many of the roles we have assigned police can be best accomplished by other people — social workers, mental health counselors, and others. If we listen and if we keep pushing, we can make the goal of defunding the Oak Park police a reality. Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining. org.
Re: “Griffin drops extra $26.7M against tax rate proposal,” Chicago Tribune, Oct. 5, p. 2: A billionaire has spent $46.7 million fighting the Fair Tax Rate Amendment. Why would he do this? How can he afford it? The amendment would not raise taxes on 97 percent of Illinoisans. But it would allow the state legislature to require rich people to pay tax at a higher rate. Ken Griffin is the richest man in Illinois. He is worth $15.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index [1]. If his investments generate 10 percent annually, which is the average for the U.S. stock market [2], he has $1.56 billion in annual income potentially subject to the Illinois state income tax. If the amendment passed, and the tax for billionaires increased by only 1 percent, this would increase Griffin’s tax burden by $15.6 million. If billionaires paid 3 percent more, his tax would increase by $46.8 million. So by spending just one year’s worth of future tax, he hopes to kill the Fair Tax Amendment and force the rest of Illinoisans to pay the same rate as he does. [1] https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/ profiles/kenneth-c-griffin/ [2] https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/average-stock-market-return/
Tom DeCoursey Oak Park
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Life is best lived small Several readers have asked us to reprint some of the late John Hubbuch’s columns. This one first ran on Nov. 26, 2019: t has been said the central human predicament is that we humans want life to have more meaning than it actually possesses. I am of two minds about this tragicomic worldview. On the one hand, I worry about missing out on bucket list stuff. My friends and family are traveling everywhere, going to trendy restaurants and doing cool things. I sometimes feel like I need to do more of these things. I ain’t getting any younger. I do some of these things, but I fear the doors of experience are closing. The Great Wall of China, monarch viewing in Mexico, Alinea, and shooting Colorado rapids are slipping away. Kind of sad. But then I’m reminded that maybe life is best lived small. Two Fridays ago we were grandparenting Chris and Sarah’s kids in Glen Ellyn while they went on a two-night getaway. There was still a couple of inches of melting snow on the ground and we had talked about going outside to play. After 11-year-old Lily and 8-year-old Ava got home from school, they joined Cole, their 4-yearold brother for a snack. They were now ambivalent about going outside in the growing darkness and lowering temperatures, but eventually I said I was going out no matter what. So after rummaging around for snow boots, hats and gloves, like Shackleton exploring the Antarctic, we staggered out into the backyard. I knew immediately this was going to be a great adventure when Ava and Cole, first thing, began making snow angels. Lily made a snow kangaroo that she morphed into a snow rabbit. Ava made a tiny snow chair, and Cole made something that only a Druid would appreciate. Then we put snow on the slide and collected data on whether diminished friction increases speed. It does. We got Cole airborne, and Papa landed hard on his butt to the amusement of all, other than Papa. Next we shoveled off the neighbor’s trampoline and the kids played soccer and basketball and I served as announcer, coach and referee. Only two rules: no crying and no fighting. By now we were tired, cold and hungry and Gigi said dinner would be ready shortly. We closed out with Ghost in the Graveyard. In the deepening darkness, it was easy to hide. It was kind of spooky. It took a while to find someone. As I hid behind a big tree my mind wandered back to when I was a kid, then when I was a dad doing exactly the same thing I was doing now as a grandfather. It was a powerful moment for which I was grateful and appreciative. So even if I never see the Pyramids or go to the Super Bowl, I will have had a wonderful, memorable time in the snow with my grandkids in Glen Ellyn on a chilly November evening. To be sure a small thing. But maybe that’s enough.
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Preserving our democracy
find it amazing that our brilliant forefathers designed a Constitution that has guided our nation for some 233 years. Although our Supreme Court justices have been appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, the justices have been able to rule impartially, setting aside their own political and personal views. It is especially interesting in Supreme Court history that there were a few justices who have been selected by presidents of opposing political parties. These justices obviously were respected for their outstanding qualifications. In today’s world, this would be almost impossible to occur. Republicans and Democrats are irrefutably divided. Judges nominated for the Supreme Court are interviewed before the Senate votes on their eligibility and acceptability for this lifetime position. If they display any bias, they are to be considered unacceptable. Ms. Amy Coney Barrett, unfortunately, is not impartial on at least two subjects that are scheduled for discussion when the Court session resumes. She has written papers in objection to the Affordable Care Act, and she has openly stated her views against abortion. She has a fine conservative reputation, but she is not qualified for a Supreme Court placement. In contrast to the Supreme Court justices’ presumed impartiality, President Trump nominated Judge Barrett for her biased views, which match his views. Mr. Trump announced publicly he also has a devious plan for using a “Republican Majority” Supreme Court. If he happens to lose the election, he claims he will consider the voting fraudulent: “fake voting using faulty ballots.” His plan is for the issue to be brought to the Supreme Court whose justices would then declare him the winner. He said he does not plan to leave the office. In other words, he would become “Dictator Trump.” Most of us assumed there would be no discussion at this time, concerning a replacement for Justice Ginsburg’s seat. Four years ago, when President Obama selected Merrick Garland to replace Justice Scalia on the Court, Mitch McConnell and his “lock-step” senators refused to even meet
with Judge Garland. Their reasoning was that “in only a few months,” there would be an election. In truth, the Garland nomination was made on March 16, 2016, which was 7½ months prior to the November 2016 election. Their decision was to allow the new president to choose the nominee. Now only 44 days before this election, Trump has hurriedly named a nominee. He is within the law to select a nominee, but if he had some concept of fairness as to the restrictions placed on President Obama’s choice, there would be no nomination at this time. This rush to fill the seat is a shameful insult to the memory of the honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This nomination announcement was delivered five days after Justice Ginsburg’s death and before she was laid to rest. I was extremely saddened by President Trump’s insensitivity. Our democracy, with its three equal branches of government and its Constitution, has kept our nation progressing reasonably well over the years until Trump. There have been many challenges this nation has had to face, including the terrible loss of life during the Civil War and all the other wars in which we participated, but our democracy prevailed. Although we must tackle the problems of COVID-19, racism, foreign interference, and the greed, hate, and power madness by corrupt leaders, we will overcome these scourges and preserve our precious democracy. What can we do? 1) Vote! 2) Email and/or call Senators to vote “no” on Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. Politics aside, we all sincerely hope the President and the First Lady have a speedy and complete recovery from COVID. We are all aware of the President’s views on precautionary measures to prevent being a victim of this virus, but we should not concern ourselves with recriminations. This is a time for us to focus on conquering this enemy virus, and have a science-based plan for a healthier future for all of us. Harriet Hausman is a longtime resident of River Forest.
HARRIET HAUSMAN One View
Support your An abundance of favorite restaurants kindness and care
After reading about the dire financial straits of some restaurants along Lake Street due to road construction [Lake St. restaurants starved for customers, News, Sept. 30], my husband and I ventured out last Friday to visit one of our favorite restaurants, Rustico. We quickly found parking in the public lot on Oak Park Avenue and North Boulevard, just a block from the restaurant. Lake Street between Oak Park and Euclid avenues was dug up, but the sidewalks were intact, and we easily covered the short walk from the parking lot to the restaurant, where we had a delicious lunch. I encourage everyone who can do so to patronize their favorite restaurants on Lake Street during construction. One day, the construction will be over, as will the pandemic. What a loss it would be if these restaurants disappeared in the meantime.
Erin Daughton
Oak Park
During a time where there is so much uncertainty and dishonesty throughout our land, even at the highest levels, on the home front I was reminded today that folks still do the right thing. A heartfelt thank you to the kind person who found the credit card wallet that I dropped outside White Lotus Chiropractic on Saturday around 2 p.m., and then handed it to a nearby Oak Park police officer parked in his vehicle. Most of us know what it’s like to lose or misplace a wallet and the anxious feeling that follows. After retracing my steps in a panic but to no avail, by the time I returned home an officer was standing in front with my little green wallet in hand. Thank you, good Samaritan, and also to the police officer who drove to my home to return my wallet. May someone pay it forward to you both. And thank you for reminding me that there is an abundance of kindness and care within our community.
Ann Flood
Oak Park
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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To my Evangelical friends …
ear Friends, Polls show that the majority of us have already made up our minds on who we’re voting for, so I’m sending you this letter not to convince you as much as to feel at peace with myself. Because you and I both share the belief that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, I’m going to try to base everything I say on Scripture. I’m not going to vote for Mr. Trump because he has broken the Eighth Commandment — Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor — over 20,000 times in the three plus years he’s been in office. According to a non-partisan fact checker, he made 15,843 false or misleading claims during his first two years in the White House. He criticizes the press for printing “fake news” but his tweets and public statements are in fact the primary source of fake news. One example: “When it gets a little warmer, [the virus] miraculously goes away.” When I ask my Evangelical friends how they can vote for a man like that, they reply, “OK, the guy exaggerates sometimes, but I can tolerate that part of his character because of issues like abortion, Supreme Court judges, the economy, and law and order.” So taking that argument seriously, I checked the facts regarding all the good he has done for America and all the harm that he says Mr. Biden will do if elected, and I found that almost everything he bases his campaign on is fake news and violates the Eighth Commandment. More importantly, I also compared Mr. Trump’s positions with what Jesus said and did.
ing — Biden sponsored the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Biden has repeatedly stated that he is not in favor of “defunding the police,” even though the Republican fake news contends he does. What he does favor is giving the police more support in the area of social work. The police officers I talk to welcome this kind of help. JESUS: In the gospels, Jesus seems to take for granted that one of government’s roles is to maintain order in society. I cannot, however, imagine Jesus condoning a police officer shooting at point blank range a man in the back seven times. I think he would condemn violence on the part of everyone. And regarding gun control, can you, in your wildest imagination, picture Jesus pointing an assault rifle at anyone? Jesus was consistently pro-life.
TOM HOLMES
Abortion Mr. Trump has appointed over 200 conservative judges and will likely appoint a conservative judge to replace Ruther Bader Ginsburg. Those are the facts about which conservatives can feel good. One of many things we should feel bad about is that he disseminates fake news about Democrats when it comes to that issue. For example, in a March 2 speech, he claimed, “Democrats have unlimited support for extreme late-term abortion, ripping babies straight from the mother’s womb, right up until the very moment of birth.” FACT: As a senator, Joe Biden voted in favor of a bill banning late-term abortions. What Biden has said is that he accepts his Catholic Church’s position that life begins at conception but does not think that his religious view should be imposed on others. In that sense, pro-lifers would have in Biden an ally in the effort to reduce the number of abortions in this country. JESUS: I don’t think Jesus would approve of abortion as a way to do family planning, but have you noticed that in the gospels, he never uses government at any level to bring in the Kingdom of God? One of my Evangelical pastor friends said, “When Evangelicals seek power, they lose Jesus.”
Crime and Police Reform Vice President Pence, speaking for Pres. Trump, warned, “The hard truth is you will not be safe in Joe Biden’s America.” FACT: In Vice President Biden’s America 2009-2017, crime went down and in Trump’s America 2017-2020, crime has gone up. During much of Biden’s 47-year career — during which Mr. Trump claims he did noth-
Economy Vice President Pence, speaking at the Republican National Convention, claimed that the Trump administration inherited “an economy struggling to break out of the slowest recovery since the Great Depression.” The implication was that in Biden’s America the economy would lose everything it had gained during the Trump administration. FACT: Statistics published by the U.S. government reveal that during the time when Joe Biden was the vice president, ■ The economy gained a net 11.6 million jobs. The unemployment rate dropped to below the historical norm. ■ Average weekly earnings for all workers were up 4.2 percent after inflation. ■ After-tax corporate profits also set records, as did stock prices. The S&P 500 index rose 166 percent. All of the other issues Mr. Trump campaigns on like health care, immigration, and climate change are based on fake news and a false narrative. What’s more, much of what he does, what he says and how he lives is terribly inconsistent with what Jesus taught and how he lived.
Make America Great I’m pretty sure that Mr. Trump considers Jesus to be a loser. Jesus, in contrast, responded to his disciples arguing about which of them was the greatest by telling them that in his kingdom, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” The two seem to be polar opposites. George W. Bush once said in an interview that the most important trait of a great leader is humility. Can you recall Mr. Trump ever saying he was wrong or I’m sorry? Mr. Trump refers to Gen. Colin Powell, Sen. Mitt Romney, Gen. James Mattis, Gen. John Kelly, John Kasich, Jeff Flake, Charlie Dent, Christine Todd Whitman, Bill Kristol, Carly Fiorina, Chuck Hegel — Republicans who have endorsed Joe Biden — as “human scum.” When I look at the ever-growing list, what I see are Republicans with character. I therefore cannot vote for Mr. Trump because of my Bible-based faith. In Christ, Tom Tom Holmes is a columnist for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Are D200 teachers talking about a strike?
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ike many District 200 parents, I find myself lost in the cloud of obfuscation which surrounds this simple question: When will our kids be able to return to some form of in-person learning? Any public comment on this issue, whether from the school board or the administration, conjures a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Steering committees, advisory committees, and subcommittees are being formed to “examine metrics” during an “iterative process.” No one believes this is progress. So what is the key? What are we missing here? My guess is that D200’s teachers union is playing hardball. On some level, the teachers are refusing to return to in-person teaching. As evidence of this, just look at the statistic the administration presented to the board at the last meeting: 60 percent of teachers are reporting they are “unable to return” to in-person teaching, for reasons including child-care issues. For further proof, watch the administration and board members freeze, and then frantically backpedal, whenever a reference to “negotiations” is accidentally dropped in a public board meeting. As a lifelong Democrat, I support the rights of employees, including teachers, to join forces and press their interests. Where industry is organized, employees should be organized as well. Unions “bring justice and democracy to the shop floor.” Democracy, however, requires transparency. The citizens of Oak Park and River Forest elected our school board members, who employ our administrators, who are negotiating with our teachers. We have the right to know what is going on with these negotiations, and why a “return to school” option appears to be failing. However, we are told nothing. As a result, we are being held hostage by a patently undemocratic process. I believe the public is entitled to an answer to one simple question: What will it take for our teachers to be willing to return to the classroom? If the board and administration would share with the public what teachers are requiring, then we can at least have an earnest public dialogue about it. If extra pay would motivate some teachers to return, perhaps the school board should make this a priority. If the teachers are requiring extra safety measures, the board could determine the costs. If the teachers are unwilling to return until the coronavirus is cured or a vaccine widely available, the board can discuss, in the public eye, whether this is a realistic or fair demand. A central tenet of OPRF’s official school philosophy reads: “We believe trusting, collaborative relationships and strong communication establish a safe and respectful school community.” I’m asking the board to honor this philosophy, and be transparent with the public about the negotiations with the teachers union. We have fallen well behind other districts whose hybrid plans are well underway. Our community cannot hope to match their progress, or arrive at an informed consensus on this critical issue, if we are not being told what it will take for our teachers to return to the classroom. Flo Schumacher is a resident of River Forest.
FLO
SCHUMACHER One View
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
O B I T U A R I E S
Nancy Deuchler, 74
Teacher, managed Barbara’s Bookstore Nancy Ann Deuchler, 74, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Oct. 5 of complications of diabetes. Born in 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia, she was an only child. Her mother, Mary Lee Cross, was a primary teacher in one of the rural southern Rosenwald elementary schools. Her father, Thomas, was a World War II Army veteran. They moved to the South Side of Chicago in the early postwar years, as did many other African-Americans during that period, for better opportunities. She attended Catholic schools of the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) order. After she graduated from Immaculata High School, she began her journey as a BVM Catholic nun in Dubuque, Iowa, from 1964 to 1970. Nancy Deuchler with husband Doug Deuchler. She taught history, dance, and televiShe enjoyed her book club, her creative sion production at St. Mary’s Center cookery, her role on the first board of Oak for Learning on Chicago’s West Side. In 1973 she married Douglas Deuchler and Park’s Ten Thousand Villages store, and she they lived in Oak Park with their three chil- loved caring for her grand-pup, Dexter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made dren: Timothy, Jason, and Samantha. She is survived by her children and her husband. to WITS Chicago.org (a juvenile literacy She was the manager of several bookstores, teaching program), and the American Diaincluding Barbara’s Bookstore in Oak Park. betes Association (diabetes.org).
Thanks to Melissa’s passion and experiencing our coffee first-hand by “cupping”, we thank Oak Park Eats for the positive exposure! - Jacques, Kribi Coffee, Forest Park
Enjoy a cup at KribiCoffee.com
Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at:
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O B I T U A R I E S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
Joanne Planek, 84 Lifelong educator
Joanne Marie Planek (nee Murphy), 84, died on Oct. 1, 2020. Born on Dec. 24, 1935 in Chicago, one of six children, she graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1970 with a B.S. in Education and continued her education throughout her career, ultimately earning her PhD in Education in 1981. She was a talented and devoted student, receiving Loyola’s Outstanding Student of the Year Award and serving as the president of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators. Her 50+ year career in Catholic education began at St. Vincent Ferrer in 1970, where she taught junior high school students. She served as principal at Blessed Agnes School, beginning in 1974 and became vice president at Sylvan Learning Systems Inc., where she built several on-site learning centers in academically struggling schools. Her strong work ethic endured throughout her lifetime. She served as the affiliate representative for Chicagoland Christian Schools for federal and state funding from 1999 to the present. An avid art collector, seasoned traveler, and renowned storyteller, she had a vibrant personality, quick wit, and generous heart. Joanne was the wife of the late Charles “Chuck” Planek; the mother of Charles (Linda), Kathleen (George), Mary (Sean) Toohey, John (Mary), William (Kathleen), and Robert (Wendy); grandmother of Joannne (Andrew) Barkmeier, James Rolff, William (Allyson), Mary Jo Toohey, Charles, Emily, Elizabeth, Mary Kate, John (Isabel), Tom, Margaret, Kathleen, Annie, William, Ryan, Lilli, Maeve, Robert, and Caroline Planek; great-grandmother of Amelia, Charlotte, Susanna, Mae Barkmeier, and Conor Planek; sister-in-law of Thomas Planek; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. A Mass will be scheduled at a later time to celebrate her life, and the life of her late husband, Charles. Interment was held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery on Oct. 5. Memorials to St. Agnes of Bohemia (formerly Blessed Agnes)
School Scholarship Fund (givecentral.org/ location/63/event/2189) would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Mary Weitzel, 84 Owner of MLW Property Management
Mary Leonard Weitzel, 84, of Hinsdale, a former 52-year resident of River Forest, died peacefully on Sept. 30, 2020 surrounded by her family. Born on March 5, 1936 in Rockford, the daughter of Dr. Charles and Helen Leonard. After her husband Charles died in 1982, she went to work for Madly Pop’n of Oak Park, Pilgrim Management Company of Oak Park, and then started her own company, MLW Property Management. A 52-year member of St Luke Catholic Church in River Forest, she loved to play the piano, play bridge, attend book club and cheer on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. She lived a long, fulfilling life and always made everyone smile with her good humor and generosity. Mary was the wife of the late Charles J. Weitzel; mother of Chuck (Gina), John, Megan, Tom (Meg), Catherine Erhardt, Helen Patricia Sattler (Don), and Michael (Phoebe); and grandmother of Alex (Kaitlyn), Matthew, and Peter Weitzel, Bridget, Kevin, and Camryn Weitzel, Sarah and Anne Sattler, Shannon and Molly Erhardt, Charlie Weitzel, and Brandon and Caden Weitzel. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles J. Weitzel; her sisters, Nell (the late William) Sheil and Helen C. Leonard; and her brothers, Charles Leonard Jr and John (Marsha) Leonard. She is survived by her sisters, Ann (Dave) Burton, Kate (William) Devers; and her brothers, Tom (Paula) Leonard, Luke (Georgia) Leonard, Peter (Claudette) Leonard. Private interment services at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Connie Lee Watson, 79
Firecracker personality Connie Lee Watson, 79, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 26, 2020. Born May 2, 1941, she had a firecracker personality and everyone who met her loved her. She loved her family just as much as she was loved. Connie is survived by her husband Jessie Watson; her children, Tony Thompson, Troy Watson, Leon Watson, and Victory Watson; her grandchildren, Darius Thompson, Trinity Thompson, TJ Watson, Angelo Watson, Aiden Watson, Natalie Tostado, and Emily Tostado; and her sisters, Doris Thompson, Bobbie Thompson and Sandra Thompson. Visitation and services were held on Oct. 2 at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, followed by interment at Forest Home Cemetery.
Kay Subaitis, 85 Longtime D97 admin. asst.
Kathleen “Kay” Subaitis (nee Shannon), 85, a 58-year resident of North Riverside, died on Oct. 2, 2020. Born on Sept. 13, 1935, she was an alumni of Immaculate Conception High School, Elmhurst, class of 1953, a longtime administrative assistant at the central office for District 97, Oak Park public schools, and an active board member of North Riverside Public Library and the Friends of the Library for many decades. Kay Subaitis was the mother of Rick,
Cathy (Earl) Briggs, and Dan (Judy) and the grandmother of Shannon Briggs and Danielle, Alexandra, Hannah and Cole Subaitis. Preceded in death by her parents Francis R. and Florence Shannon, she was the sister of the late Frank (Joyce) Shannon, Barbara O’Neill, Jean (Frank) Cupp, Peggy Shannon and Jim Shannon; aunt of many nieces and nephews; and former spouse of Richard W. Subaitis. Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Friday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 8 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral Mass Saturday at Mater Christi Church is private, followed by interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave. or Mater Christi Church, 2431 10th Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546. Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family - Brian D. Kuratko, Director.
George McMahon, 98
Owned McMahon Brothers Machine Works George L. McMahon, 98, of Burr Ridge, formerly of Brookfield and Berwyn, died on Sept. 29, 2020. Born on Feb. 17, 1922, he served as a Naval Seabee during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was the longtime owner of McMahon Brothers Machine Works in Cicero. George was the husband of the late Lorraine (nee Kalles); the father of Patrick M. McMahon; the brother of the late Mary (Albert) Muisenga, Edward (Gladys), James (Phyllis), Lorrine (Michael) Murray, and Joan McMahon; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Oct. 5 at ZimmermanHarnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, followed by Mass at St. John of the Cross Church, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880
I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Family Owned & Operated
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667
Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director
I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
ANIMAL ASSISTANT Part—time Animal Assistant. 25 hours per week. Will train. Call Prairie State Animal Hospital 708-5249720 to get application to fill out.
TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least Associates’ degree in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position. Must love children and be outgoing, patient, exible. Contact 773-521-9499.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT – HR SUPPORT PERSON
ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848 HAPPY KIDD’S WEST INC. 6928 W 16th St Berwyn, IL 60513 We are seeking a Director and 2 teachers. Director must be qualified and have Associate’s degree or equivalent. Teachers must be director or teacher qualified. Mon thru Fri. working with Infants to 6 yrs old. Compensable salary negotiable based on experience. Call 773-619-5545 or fax resume to 773-728-5437.
You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342.
River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking an Infection Control Officer, Registered Nurse (6 Month Position) Qualifications: a) Certified Registered Nurse license required b) Appropriate Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree is preferred c) Three years of successful infection control experience is preferred w/experience in a large institution, such as a hospital, school, or detention center. Job Duties: Provide direct support to the Superintendent in the area of COVID-19 prevention, surveillance, tracking/tracing, and outbreak containment. The Infection Control Officer will be instrumental in facilitating the District’s successful transition to in-person classroom instruction at the elementary and middle schools. Emphasis will be on establishing and implementing an infection control policy across the school district, overseeing the tracking and tracing of all student/staff COVID-19 cases, liaison with the area pediatricians and local testing centers, and management of district database for a district dashboard. Apply online at district90.org River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Permanent Traveling Substitute Teacher for Willard and Lincoln elementary schools Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Elementary Grade School Endorsement b) Successful teaching experience preferred Job Duties: The traveling elementary substitute teacher will be assigned to classes at the elementary schools on a daily basis, as needed. Apply online at district90.org River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Long-Term Substitute PE Teacher (November 30, 2020 – March 19, 2021) Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Grade-Appropriate Physical Education Endorsement b) Successful teaching experience in physical education preferred c) A Master’s Degree is preferred Job Duties: Physical Education Teacher will instruct a class in physical education in elementary grades and work cooperatively with other classroom teachers and support area staff. The teacher will be responsible for supervising and managing the class, effectively teaching the curriculum to meet individual needs of children. Apply online at district90.org
Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is looking for a skilled individual to provide high level administrative and project support to its CEO and VP of HR and Administration. This person will coordinate and/or perform a diverse set of administrative and HR support tasks to ensure the organization has the resources needed to operate smoothly and efficiently. The right candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and three to five years of experience in an administrative role in a professional environment and/or any combination of the above which supplies the required knowledge, ability and skills. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Acrobat Pro DC and Word Press experience a plus. For a complete position description go to www.oakparkrc.com/workoprc To apply, send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc. com. OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Selling your home By Owner? Advertise here! Call 708-613-3342.
SUBURBAN RENTALS
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE
SUBURBAN RENTALS
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
LOCAL REALTOR ANGELIQUE Actively looking to guide BUYERS and SELLERS in the home buying/ selling process. The market is HOT right now. Call someone who will work diligently, honorably, and incredibly hard for you and your real estate needs. You are my priority, and it will show. I put in the work to stay current and educated on market trends in order to get you the most money for your property or the best deal on your new purchase. Call/text/email me today! alohnes@daprileproperties.com 708-663-3028
FAB APT-PRIME LOC-PETS OK Fabulous vintage 2 BR (or 1 plus sunroom), hardwood oors, tons of closet space. Updated kitchen with SS appl, new cabinets and pantry. Updated bath w deep clawfoot tub! LARGE rooms, exible oorplan. Secure building, with laundry and storage unit in basement. Awesome location just a block from Scoville Park, tennis, library, shops and restaurants. Dog or cat allowed (small pet fee and additional small rent fee). Somewhat exible availability (mid-Nov thru early Dec) Text: 630-777-6213
DOWNTOWN OAK PARK Downtown Oak Park, on Marion St. Nice office with skylight. Heat and A/C included. Approx 220 sf. Call Mr. McNamara 630-215-3253
SUBURBAN RENTALS
OAK PARK 2BR 2BA CONDO Condo for rent on a great location near downtown oak park: 2 bedroom 2 bath condo, only electric bill not included. $1600 a month, $1600 deposit. For more information please call 224-475-7929.
FOREST PARK 3BR 3 BR apt, 2nd oor, w/ dining rm and breakfast nook. New kitchen w/ granite & stainless. New baths central air, free laundry. Garage space included. 2 blks to blue line. $1800 + deposit & credit check required. 312-802-8291 COZY TOWN HOME FOR RENT Cozy Town Home for Rent. Two bedroom, One Bath, with partial finished basement and washer and dryer. 1 block from the amazing Lincoln Elementary School. Walk to the Blue Line, Grocery Store, Cafe, Ice Cream Shop, and great parks. One parking space included. Tenant pays all utilities. One month rent and one month security deposit required. Credit check required. Owner pays water and refuse. $1450. Available October 15, 2020. Please email townhomeoakpark@gmail.com for inquiries.
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M
property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
River Forest Public Schools District 90 has vacancies for Teacher Aides at Lincoln Elementary and Roosevelt Middle schools. Qualifications: a) Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Endorsements; or Educator License with Stipulations with a Paraprofessional Endorsement. b) Successful instructional assistant experience is preferred in regular education or special education. Job Duties: The instructional assistant in Special Education will work with both general education and special education staff members to support learning for identified child(ren) with special needs. Responsibilities include instructing students in small groups and one-on-one settings. This will also encompass helping students to develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults: utilizing and modeling school behavior management programs: and assist in communications between students, teachers and parents as requested. Apply online at district90.org
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Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223 WESTCHESTER 3BR 1.5BA Westchester 2nd oor apartment for rent. 3BR, 1.5BA. Heat & water, appliances incl. 1 parking space incl. Garage space avai. $1450 plus 1.5 mo security. Avail. Oct. 1. 708-642-1408
CITY RENTALS 3BR APT FOR RENT 4949 W IOWA $1200/mo. Application required. Non-refunded $600 move-in fee. Call between 10am and 7pm. 773-626-5994 DELUXE 3BR APT 5955 W HURON First Floor. Large kitchen, all electric appliances. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. $1150/mo. Call 773-637-8677 for appt.
COMMERCIAL/ RETAIL SPACE A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN A 6-SPACE SHOPPING CENTER: 1600 Sq Ft. • 321-B S. Harlem Ave./Madison St. area - Forest Park, IL. • Very Good Condition – Recently Updated. • Heavy foot/road traffic area. • End space. 45-Space Parking Lot! • For more details: Serious Inquiries ONLY: CALL/TEXT, at: Or: D.B. (708) 828-6491
Lost & Found and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342
RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. *926 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6597 North Ave. *598 sq. ft. 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
GARAGE/YARD SALES Brookfield
MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 9200 GRANT AVENUE FRI 10/9 & SAT 10/10 9AM UNTIL ??
Variety of items including furniture, artwork, collectibles, Halloween and Christmas decorations, vintage stereo and transistors, vintage plastic models, Clothing, Shoes and much, much more! Masks required, social distancing guidelines enforced. Hope to see you there! Riverside
GARAGE SALE 254 LIONEL RD SAT 10/10 9AM TO 3PM
ITEMS FOR SALE DECK FURNITURE 48�wicker patio table with glass top, plus 4 chairs (2 swivel) and matching umbrella. Small side table with glass top too. Best offer. 708-528-0896
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
GARAGE DOORS Our 73rd Year
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Dining room table w/ 4 chairs; small china cabinet; small settee/sofa; small tables, lamps and other miscellaneous items.
Wednesday Classified 3 Great Papers, 6 Communities To place an ad, call: 708/613-3333
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34
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
CLASSIFIED ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
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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.
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Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
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LANDSCAPING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP
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HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
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HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
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Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 20-09 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: October 27, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park. us. The individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can drop comments off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no
later than 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2020. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us. PETITIONER(S): Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on the text amendment application of the Petitioner for amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance. The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 14 (“Zoning Approvals”), Section 14.5 (“Planned Developments”), Sub-Section G (“Effect of Approval or Denial and Expiration”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance regarding changes to, or elimination of, some of the timelines for approved planned development permit submittal, construction and completion phases. A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Published in Wednesday Journal October 7, 2020
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 20-10 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: October 27, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park. us. The individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can drop comments off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall,
123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2020. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us. PETITIONER(S): Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on the text amendment application of the Petitioner for amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance. The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.3 (“Use Restrictions”), Sub-Section A (“DT Districts”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance regarding exceptions to the 50-foot setback retail use restriction in the DT-1 and DT-2 SubDistricts, including, but not limited to, art and fitness studios, health clubs, indoor recreation and business service centers. A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Published in Wednesday Journal October 7, 2020
www.OakPark.com | RiverForest.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 20-06 HEARING DATE: October 22, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park. us. The individual’s name and a reasonable part of their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can be dropped off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the south entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 22, 2020. All written testimony and comments will be distributed to the Plan Commission and made a part of the official hearing record. Those wishing to provide public testimony at the hearing shall contact the Village Planner at planning@oakpark.us for instructions on attending the live Zoom meeting by 5:00 PM the day of the hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by emailing the cross-examination form to clerk@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign
up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us.
PETITIONER(S): Oak Park Land II, LLC a corporation under the control of Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group, 1259 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607 REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on a planned development application for a one building 84-unit multiple family complex in the R-7 MultiFamily Residential Zoning District. The Petitioner seeks the following allowances from the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance associated with the Planned Development application found in Article 4 - Table 4-1 Residential Districts Dimensional Standards; an increase in building lot coverage from a required 70% to 75%; an increase in density from an allowed 46 dwelling units to 84 dwelling units; an increase in height from the allowed height of 45 feet to 74 feet; a reduction in the west side yard setback from the required 10 feet to 5 feet; and a reduction in the required rear yard setback of 25 feet to 14 feet. The Petitioner is also requesting an indoor ATM use be allowed on the first floor within an R-7 Multi-Family Residential Zoning District.
Published in Wednesday Journal 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/2020
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004605 on September 24, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of DESIGN WORKS & GRAPHICS with the business located at: 1108 FERDINAND AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ROBERT KNUTH 1108 FERDINAND AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Forest Park Review 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/2020
Starting a new business?
Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice here. Call 708/613-3342
SCOTT J. LEVY (32596) Attorney for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street, Suite 504 Chicago, Illinois 60615 STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) ss COUNTY OF COOK ) Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the Marriage of ELVIA MENDOZA, Petitioner, and JOSÉ ELIAS ZAVALA ÁLVAREZ, Respondent, Case Number 2020D-006515. 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 31, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/2020
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004554 on September 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of NGREEN PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS with the business located at: 3013 S. WOLF RD #247, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: NATALIE GREEN 2007 S. 8TH AVE. MAYWOOD, IL 60153.
OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Published in Forest Park Review 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/2020
A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on the Village Website at www. oak-park.us and also on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
Published in Wednesday Journal October 7, 2020
LEGAL NOTICE Dr. Linda Oster DDS. and Marion Street Dental, LTD. will be closing November 1, 2020. After November 1, inquiries handled by custodian at: MSD2020@mail.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: 20004498 on September 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of LAMAR’S T-SHIRTS with the business located at: 310 S. 7TH AVE., MAYWOOD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: LAMAR DUGGER, 310 S. 7TH AVE., MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Published in Forest Park Review 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/12020
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20004465 on September 22, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of SUGA BAKERS with the business located at 153 23RD AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KEELIE BANKS, V 153 23RD AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Published in Forest Park Review 9/30, 10/7, 10/14/2020
LAW OFFICES OF MALIKA T. ASSAR, P.C., Attorney for Petitioner, 420 West Huron Street, 1st Floor, Chicago, IL 60654. STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division In re the Marriage of Farzana Khan, Petitioner, and Mohammed Hussain, Respondent, No. 2020 D 006030. 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 Appearance to said Petition and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before November 3, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. Dorothy A. Brown, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal September 30, October 7 and October 14, 2020.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE-MAY Case Number 20204004288 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE-MAY to the new name of: HEIDI RUTH RUEHLE The court date will be held: On 12/01/2020 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Avenue, Maywood, Cook County Illinois in Courtroom # 112. Published in Wednesday Journal 10/7, 10/14, 10/21/2020
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of BERNEITA B. HINES-WILLIAMS Case Number 20204004264. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BERNEITA B. HINES-WILLIAMS to the new name of: BERNEITA BRADDY HINES The court date will be held: On November 24, 2020 at 9:30 am at 1400 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, IL 60153 in Courtroom # 112 /s BERNEITA B. HINES-WILLIAMS Published in Wednesday Journal 9/30, 10/7, 1014/2020
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST Plaintiff, -v.EDILBERTO V. VERZO, MARCELINA C. VERZO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019CH05533 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 28, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 300-302 NORTH CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-107-0090000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mort-
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
gagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-04111 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH05533 TJSC#: 40-2200 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2019CH05533 I3156607
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. LORNA J. RANKER; CHARLES K. RANKER; CITIZENS BANK NA; Defendants, 18 CH 2459 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-327-034-0000. Commonly known as 1185 S. LOMBARD AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-04613 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3156269
The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale
other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-12-14848 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 019546 TJSC#: 40-2199 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 12 CH 019546 I3156592
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.ORA L. WADE, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR JESSIE BRUMFIELD (DECEASED) Defendants 12 CH 019546 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD. OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 11, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 27, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD., OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-106-020; 16-05-106-021
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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)
1.Publication Title: Wednesday Journal 2. Publication no.: USPS 0010-138 3. Date of filing: October 6, 2020 4. Frequency of issue: Weekly 5. No of issues published annually: 52 6. Annual subscription price: $38.00 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 30, 2020 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4719 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 76 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3370 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 345 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3791 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: 201 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 347 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 548 F. Total distribution: 4339 G. Copies not distributed: 380 H: Total: 4719 I. Percent paid: 86.81% 15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 4393 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 76 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 3342 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 311 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3729 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: 101 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 300 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 401 F. Total distribution: 4393 G. Copies not distributed: 262 H: Total: 4393 I. Percent paid: 90.29% 16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 7, 2020 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager October 6, 2020
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2020
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wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L
Our Covid-19 free gift to the community - watch it free on ZOOM in your own home
Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.
Here
Awhile
Friday, October 16 • 10am In this sweet and beautiful film, Anna returns home to Portland to reconnect with her estranged brother after 15 years apart and what feels like a lifetime of guilt. Under the guise of reconnecting, Anna needs her brother’s support to make an important life decision that puts a new strain on their recently repaired relationship. Terminally ill Anna has returned in order to use the Oregon death with dignity law. By spending time with her grown brother, his girlfriend, her own life partner and a quirky neighbor, Anna and the group form a bond that strengthens their relationships more than she could have ever expected. In each of their own ways, they learn to celebrate life, love and maximize the time that they have together. JOINING US FOR POST-FILM Q+A/DISCUSSION IS DIRECTOR/CO-WRITER TIM TRUE AND CO-WRITER CSABA MERA.
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