WednesdayJournal_101123

Oak Park and River Forest

Housing For ward will buy Write Inn to advance interim housing

Cook County is providing funding

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

From Morocco, with Love

Karim Benyaich, owner of Grape Leaves, brings homeland cuisine and hospitality to the table

STORY BY JESSICA MACKINNON, PAGE 3

Through a partnership with Cook County, Housing Forward will take over ownership of the Write Inn, which has been leasing the hotel since 2020 to provide shelter for unhoused individuals in the non-profit’s interim housing program.

The purchasing agreement is still being finalized, but Housing Forward representatives confirmed the county is providing the funding to purchase the Write Inn to Housing Forward, a non-profit that works to transition individuals and families experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. Housing Forward will be the owners of the property. There is no closing date set yet.

Cook County commissioners unanimously approved a motion Sept. 20 to spend $6.5 million of the county’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the hotel to turn it into a per manent shelter facility.

See HOUSING FORWARD on pa ge 12

TODD BANNOR

Hospitality anchors Grape Leaves owner Karim

Benyaich

Restaurateur says Morocco will rebound after last month’s

devastating earthquake

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

It has been just a month since a 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated central Morocco, killing almost 3,000 people, primarily in remote villages southwest of Marrakech. But, according to Karim Benyaich, who was born and raised in Fe z and is the owner of Grape Leaves, a popular Moroccan restaurant in Oak Park, rebuilding has already be gun.

“Everyone in Morocco r ushed to help by providing food, blankets, clothing, blood and money. Even our leader, King Mohammed VI, donated blood as part of a nationwide appeal for donors. I have seen footage of old ladies carrying bricks on their backs to rebuild what they lost. Everybody is doing whatever they can to rebuild as f ast as possibl e,” Benyaich said.

Benyaich said he is convinced that the small, remote villages most impacted by the earthquake will be rebuilt better than they were within a year. Starting this month, the government is providing monthly stipends to impacted families and financial assistance for rebuilding homes.

“The gover nment is focusing on rebuilding and paving roads in remote areas in the Atlas Mountains where many people walk miles to and from their tiny homes. I think the gover nment will also build more schools in these areas. Many of these people still live like they did 200 years ago — but this is what attracts tourists to the mountains,” Benyaich said.

Benyaich is understandably proud of his country and has deep knowledge of its history. T he first country to reco gnize the United States as an inde pendent

nation, Morocco was for many years protectorate of France and Spain. Islamic country is a constitutional monarchy with an elected prime minister, it is essentially r uled by hereditary king of the Alaouite dynasty, the second oldest dynasty in the world. Benyaich’s f amily has been closely connected to the ro f amily for generations

His grandfather, great-grandfather great-great grandfather were all chambellans, or chamberlains, to the courts of successive kings, responsible for ceiving and briefing guests of the ro household and serving as scribes for monarchy. His uncle was the personal physician of King Hassan II, a cousin is the ambassador to Morocco in Spain and another cousin is one of the current king’s advisors. In addition, his mother, a prominent dressmaker, created many of f amed actress Elizabeth Taylor’s signature caftans, he said.

Benyaich grew up in Rabat in a palatial 26-room home with 14 relatives and a constant rotation of guests and visitors, all of whom, including the guards and servants and cats, were feted with food Cooking is a revered art form and people go to the market every day to buy fresh ingredients. When the markets close at 2 p.m., the unsold fruits and ve g etables are left for poor people to pick up.

“Hospitality is very important in Morocco and everyone is welcome. Our tables are always round to include everyone and we only sell silverware in sets of 10 to 12. When I go shopping in the U.S., I can’ t believe things are sold in sets of four,” Benyaich said, laughing.

From an early ag e, Benyaich knew that he wanted to be a chef. He remembered r ushing into the kitchen every day after school to see what was being pr epared. In particular, he loved the cuisine of Aicha, the f amily’s head cook. After majoring in business management at colle ge, Benyaich followed his calling by enrolling in culinary school in Fe z and apprentic-

ing in his uncle’s hotel/restaurant, the Dar El Ghalia.

In 1989, Benyaich came to the United States after being recruited by Disney to lend an authentic flavor to the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. He brought a lot of talent and chutzpah — but no English.

“I thought every Puerto Rican I saw at the airport in New York was Moroccan and I tried speaking to them in Arabic,” he said, laughing.

In addition to long work hours, Benyaich took classes in English and food and beverage management at a community colle ge in Orlando. He studied the billboards every day on his way to and from Epcot. Fluent in French, Spanish, German and Arabic, Benyaich took about two years to become comfortable with English.

Benyaich subsequently worked as the banquet manager at the Hilton Hotel at Altamonte Springs and at Disney World’s deluxe Swan and Dolphin Hotel, as well as sous chef at MGM Studios’ Brown Derby

After several years in Orlando, Benyaich decided to follow his brother to Chicago. He first visited the city in winter — and, unlike many long-term Chicagoans, he loved the snow. While driving through Oak Park, he came across the charming retail area at Marion and Lake streets and was surprised at how much it which reminded him of Morocco. He

immediately knew he wanted to open a French restaurant here. Howeve r, when he learned that the owner of the original Grape Leaves was selling the Moroccan restaurant, Benyaich made him an offer, sealed with promises to keep the kitchen open and to maintain the name. Grap e Leaves will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, 10 years after Benyaich bought it in 2014.

Benyaich now considers Oak Park home — even though he goes back to Morocco two or three times a year, including in February, when he “bribes” his wife and daughter to allow him flee the snow he once loved. His wife is a pharmacist in Chicago, his son is a dentist in Wisconsin and his 13-year-old daughter attends Grace Lutheran School in River Forest.

Although he has been encouraged to expand his tiny restaurant, Benyaich insists he wants to keep the business small so he can maintain a balance between work and family. He has dinner at home with his wife and daughter every evening.

“I am happy where I am. Besides, I want to control every plate that comes out of the kitchen — because if it’s not good, I won’t serve it,” he said.

Grape Leaves, 129 S. Oak Park Avenue, is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

TODD BANNOR

Owner Karim Benyaich on Oak Park Avenue

Meigui Zhang who will begin the Festival with a song recital. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with acoustics known for clarity and balance. Tickets at www.schubertfestivalunitytemple.org. 875 Lake Street, Oak Park.

Magic & Adventure Club: Building a Fantasy World

Wednesday, Oc t. 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Library

For those among you who are major Dungeons & Dragons or Wings Of Fire fans. If your mission is magic and adventure, then you’ve found the right place. Recommended for aspiring D&D players and Game Masters. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake Street, Oak Park.

Ever ything Dope About America Comes From Chicago With Shermann “Dilla” Thomas

Thursday, Oc t. 12, 6-7 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Library

Chicago historian Dilla puts a unique spin on local history. Known for his walking tours of Chicago history, for his event he’ll be contained in one space, but covering a wide territory. Register now at oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake Street, Oak Park.

BIG WEEK

Oc tober 11-18

First Baptist Church: Free Tour

Saturday, Oc t. 14; Sunday, Oc t. 15, First Baptist Church

This is a partial tour of the First Baptist Church, which is celebrating its 150th anniversar y. This includes the famed Sanctuary, designed by architect and church member E.E. Roberts. A special worship celebration will begin at 10 a.m., Sunday. 820 Ontario Street, Oak Park.

Beth Hyland: Seagulls

Previews Oct. 12-15, Performances Oct. 16-Nov. 19, Pleasant Home Oak Park Festival Theatre’s rst-ever indie-rock musical. Seagulls friendship, art, and love can bind you together or tear you apart. Join us for this one -of-a-kind production. Tickets: oakparkfestival.com. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Children’s Halloween Costume Swap

Through Thursday, Oc t. 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Library

Halloween is around the corner, and here’s the per fec t place to nd costumes for chidren from 0-11. This is also a great chance to donate or swap children’s costumes as well. Drop o gently used and newly washed costumes and accessories for children ages 0-11 in the Main Library Children’s Services Area during the librar y’s open hours. Learn more at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake Street, Oak Park.

Listing your event in the calendar

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest community groups and businesses are planning. We’ ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon

■

Proposal For Social Ministr y Center

Sunday, Oc t. 15, 12 p.m., St. Edmund Church, Murphy Hall

This is a public forum to discuss a proposal to utilize the rec tor y at St. Catherine-St. Lucy as a base for social ministries focusing on the needs of Austin school families. 188 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park.

McAdam Pumpkin-Palooza

Saturday, Oc t. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., McAdam Nurser y & Garden Center

Special fall celebration. The folks at McAdam have gone all-out to create that special October atmosphere; there will be hay rides, a pumpkin patch, ghost stories, sweet treats, pumpkin painting and much more. Every child will receive a free pumpkin, and everyone (including adults) are encouraged to show up in full costume.

Construction season 2024: H improvements and tra

Here are 4 of the biggest sewer, construction and streetscaping projects happening next year

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Oak Park’s 221-page capital improvement plan lists the projects the village plans for the next five years and what their costs will be. The projected cost for all 2024 projects on the list is $22.4 million, although costs may change as the projects develop. Oak Park Public Works Director Rob Sproule walked Wednesday Journal through four of the biggest public-facing projects, ones with impact, beginning next year.

Madison Street Redevelopment and Streetscaping, $5.25 million

The village will be making resurfacing, streetscaping and utility improvements along Madison Street between Oak Park Avenue and East Avenue to revitalize the corridor and to provide safer pedestrian crossing. The street will receive new lighting, bicycle lanes, an elevated speed table and crosswalks, as well as undergo utility relocation, alley replacements and construction of the planned cul-de-sac on Euclid Avenue. Throughout construction, at least one lane of traffic is expected to stay open in each direction.

The project is part of the 2018 redevelopment ag reement, which included the village’s transfer of Madison Street properties to Pete’s Fresh Market to serve as the location of the grocery store’s second Oak Park location. The agreement also allowed for the construction of the American House senior living complex on the south side of Madison Street, across from the long-awaited grocery store.

The cost of the project is estimated at $5.25 million, with $4.38 million coming from capital funds. The rest will come from a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other sources.

Parking lot 10

Work is expected to begin late February or early March and is expected to end in November.

South Boulevard Water and Sewer Main Improvements, $2.6 million

The water main and sewer main will be re placed on South Boulevard from Home Avenue to Kenilworth Avenue. South Boulevard will also be resurfaced, and the road will be reconstructed under the Forest Avenue viaduct. The new sewer and water mains are expected to better manage rainwater.

A 12-inch water main will re place the existing 6-inch one, improving the flow of water for firefighters.

T he projected cost of the project, $2.6 million, will come from the village ’s water and sewer operating revenues, which are generated by residential and commercial water bills. Some elements of the work will require street closures, which will have a “significant impact” on traf fic and require detours, according to Sproule. Construction is expected from March to June

Austin Boulevard resur facing, $2.16 million

A joint project between the village of Oak Park and Chicago, Austin Boulevard will be resurfaced in 2024 from Roosevelt Road to Lake Street. T he street, which hasn’t been resurfaced since 1999, is shared between the municipalities, with the village owning the west half. T he project will also have some sewer re placements and spotre pair work on the village’s half of Austin Boulevard

While the village will handle the sewer work, the city will be carrying out the whole of the street resurfacing work. T he village will reimburse the city for its share of the project expense.

T he village’s portion is projected to be $2.16 million and 80% of that will be covered by a $1.08 million grant awarded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transpor tation Project.

T he remaining resurfacing costs will be covered by the village’s main capital improvement fund and the state motor fuel tax with $175,000 coming out of the fund and $140,000 coming from the tax. The sewer re placement costs, estimated at

$1.8 million, will come from the village’s sewer and water fund

Work is expected to begin in spring and last through the summer

Parking Lot 10 reconstruc tion and streetscaping, $1.2 million

Public parking area Lot 10, between Marion Street and Forest Avenue on North Boulevard, will see improvements in the pavement of the off-street parking area and the installation of a permeable parking lot. The lot’s sidewalks will be replaced to improve accessibility. North Boulevard will be resurfaced from Marion to Forest.

The project is intended in part to make the lot a greater space for outdoor events, such as Downtown Oak Park’s annual Oaktoberfest. The village will carry this project out with the South Boulevard water and sewer main improvements project.

T he village’s parking operating revenues will cover $675,000 of the project, with $350,000 coming from the capital improvement fund. T he installation of the permeable parking lot will be covered by a $220,000 grant.

JAVIER GOVEA

Sarah’s Inn: on the frontline in the ght against domestic violence

The organization holds rally to raise awareness during Domestic Violence Community Ac tion Month

By TOM HOLMES

Contributing Reporter

About a hundred people gathered at the south end of Scoville Park in Oak Park last Thursday to participate in a rally sponsored by Sarah’s Inn.

Carol Gall, the Executive Director of Sarah’s Inn, explained, “October is Domestic Violence Community Action Month, and for seven years we have held a kickoff event like this in a public space to raise awareness about the issue and to call people to action throughout the month.”

Speakers included a victim of domestic violence who gave a testimony regarding how Sarah’s Inn helped her not only escape the violence she was experiencing, but also a neurophysicist who detailed how blows to the face and head can result in brain damage.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), “On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.”

A counselor at Sarah’s Inn named Wanda confirmed that men are victims of domestic

violence as well as women. The NCADV reported that “1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic str ess disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.”

Wanda, whose last name has been withheld to protect her privacy, said she has been working with victims of domestic violence for 20 years. She said she works in close collaboration with the police officers in the area.

“Most of the time,” she said, “the police are the first responders on the scene. They call us when the client is out of danger, and the police want to know what to do next. The discussion is about where to refer the client, to a hospital or the agency or a shelter. We do our best to work together.”

When counseling clients, after establishing rapport, her main objective is to determine what the clients’ needs are and then work with him or her to figure out how those needs can be met.

Clients come to Sarah’s Inn sometimes by calling their crisis line, while at other times

friends or family members refer them. Many come through the court system. Sarah’s Inn places advocates in the court houses in Cook County to work with people seeking an order for protection from a judge. Gall said that there are judges in the family court who are trained regarding how to respond to domestic violence and the advocates can help victims sort out their legal options

“We do not have an on-site shelter,” Gall said, “though we are beginning to provide transitional housing and rapid rehousing in collaboration with Housing Forward for victims and their families. Additionally, Sarah’s Inn provides emergency financial assistance to clients for rent, mortgage and utilities to help them stay safe and stable.”

She said that Sarah’s Inn serves 23,000 people a year. In the agency’s intervention program, 1,400 adults and 150 to 200 children were served. In addition to directly helping in a crisis, Sarah’s Inn does a lot of education and awareness raising. Staff members work with local schools and churches.

When working with kindergartners, Sarah’s Inn staf f members focus on healthy relationships instead of bringing up violence per se.

“Last year,” Gall said, “we piloted a kindergarten program in which we teach healthy ways to resolve conflicts. With older students, we address dating violence and clarify what sexual assault is. We also address the impact of technology and the need to set boundaries.”

The agency does a training with the police departments every year. Gall said, “We train officers to make sure they are up to date with the current laws at least once a year, so they feel comfortable and up to date with changes in the law.”

Sarah’s Inn was founded in 1980 by a group of concer ned professionals at a time when not many services were available for victims of domestic violence and their families. The first service put in place was a 24-hour crisis line.

Many in attendance at the rally were motivated to come because, they said, they had seen the effect of violence on their families or friends.

To volunteer, call 708-386-3305 or email volunteering@sarahsinn.org.

All victims who are in need of services or support should call the agency’s 24-hour crisis line: 708-386-4225

River Forest police promote bicycle safety program — sweetly

Par tnership with business leads to ‘Bike Helmets for Bon Bons’

wearing one

ROBERT J. LIFKA

Contributing

Reporter

River Forest Police Chief Jim O’Shea promoted the recent “bike helmets for bon bons” program at a village board meeting explaining how the police department has partnered with River Forest Chocolates to reward bicyclists for wearing their helmets while riding.

“We’re very excited about this campaign,” O’Shea said at the Sept. 25 meeting.

Police officers are handing out coupons for free chocolate truf fles at River Forest Chocolates to bike riders who prioritize safety and are seen wearing helmets while riding. Each coupon can be redeemed for a free chocolate truf fle. Officers will warn those not wearing bike helmets and explain the importance of

O’Shea explained that River Forest Chocolates and owner Donna Fantetti-Slepicka “always” wants to contribute to the betterment of the community and wanted to team up on this program. She has given free candy in the past for helmets on her own and was “very eager” to collaborate, he added.

Fantetti-Slepicka said she has been giving a free lollipop to every youngster who came into her store wearing a bike helmet for eight to 10 years.

“We’ve always done that,” she said.

She said she agreed to the program when the police department approached her. As to the type of candy to be given away, FantettiSlepicka claimed the credit. “I wanted to choose the truf fle,” she said.

“It’s so important,” she said, noting that she had given away 50 pieces of candy since

the program began this past summer

“This is a great program,” village President Cathy Adduci said. “I appreciate the police de partment’s ef forts.”

In addition to the Bike Helmets for Bon Bons program, the department has continued Operation Chill, a partnership with 7/11 that also promotes wearing bike helmets. Under Operation Chill, officers are handing out coupons for free small Slurpees to bike riders who are seen wearing helmets while riding.

T he department has also partnered with Forest Security to offer free bike helmets to children in need

Jay Rutili of Forest Security in River Forest said his business agreed to make the donation after being approached

“We always support the police department,” he said. “We were presented with

this opportunity and were glad to help out.”

O’Shea said the department is in the process of evaluating prices and programs that other communities use prior to placing an order.

“This is a great opportunity to work with local businesses,” he added.

O’Shea said the programs are being spearheaded through the department’s crime prevention bureau and those interested can contact Officer Megan Drake at 708-366-7125.

Officers will be giving information out at all schools in the village. In addition, officers will be conducting bike safety classes and a bike rodeo.

The department also will be working with the River Forest Township and other community groups to identify youngsters in need of a bike helmet and bike safety information.

$300K grant funds ‘zero waste’ in local schools

Program was founded by local o cials to reduce food waste and introduce composting and other concepts to students

By ROBERT J. LIFKA

Contributing Reporter

For grade schools in three of the CrossCommunity Climate Collaborative member communities, the start of the school year meant more than classroom education.

Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, officials of schools in Bellwood, Broadview and Maywood started working toward educating their students about composting in their school lunchrooms.

The C4 initiative was created in June 2022 by officials from 12 west suburban municipalities and spearheaded by Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, Oak Park

Village President Vicki Scaman and Rive Forest Village President Cathy Adduci. It is designed to bring together Black, indigenous and people of color and non-minority communities across income lines to share ideas, secure resources and drive large scale projects within and across communities that achieve ag reed upon greenhouse gas emissions reductions, equity and sustainability goals.

The USDA grant allows school district officials to participate in the Seven Generations Ahead Zero Waste Schools program, which will incorporate food scrap diversion systems within schools and establish food recovery protocols toward significantly reducing food waste and returning finished compost back into the communities for use in school and community gardens and landscaping.

The $300,000 grant is part of $9.5 million made available by the USDA for compost and food waste reduction pilot projects for fiscal year 2022. The cooperative ag reements support projects that develop and

See ZERO WASTE on pa ge 9

Oak Park celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with fresh perspective

‘Los Avengers’ brought together all members of the community for healing, learning and celebration

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

National Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from Sept 15 to Oct. 15, and Oak Park residents celebrated its first official Hispanic Heritage Month with the community.

Oak Park’s history of systemic oppression, redlining and se gregation with people of color has often created conditions that made people of color in the community feel unwelcome. However, officials in Oak Park said they have been working on turning this around to make a more inclusive community.

This celebration will now be an annual tradition and feature many events in which community members can reflect on Hispanic culture.

Danielle Walker, diversity, equity and inclusion officer, reached out to Hispanic community members to ask them to participate in planning the celebration.

Maya Puestes, a Broker Associate for Baird & Warner, Oak Park’s Public Library

Latine Language and Culture

Librarian Nora Sanchez, and Kribi’s Coffee vice president of business development Juan Muñoz served on the committee. Quetzali’s founder Alma Martinez and Oak Park Township’s Assistant Housing Specialist Yazmin Morales also were part of the committee.

Although there have been several, separate events for Hispanic Heritage month in the past, this committee took a unified approach to craft a comprehensive celebration.

T hey were so committed they called themselves “Los Avenger s.”

“I want to go ahead and thank the village for this opportunity because they have been ag reeing with Los Avengers with the community members and every suggestion we have been giving them,” Morales said. “Dr. Walker is the DEI Director for the village, and she has been very supportive of all the different ideas that the committee has been bringing to their attention. This has been created because the village has been involved.”

Los Avengers put together a multilayered approach that included roundtable discussions, listening sessions and a party with an all-girl mariachi band.

Last month, storyteller, public theologian, feminist, and advocate Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez served as the keynote speaker for Oak Park’s National Hispanic Heritage’s Month at the Veteran’s Room at the Oak Park Public Library to discuss her works “For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts.” Mojica Rodriguez, an immigrant and first-generation student, combines education and narrative to help individuals comprehend the bigger forces at work, often known as systemic oppression.

“The whole community believed that she was the right person to come and share her kno wledge in her book with the community as a whole,” Morales said. “There has been feedback that they really opened up for this event and it was very healing to people because they identified with the book of what she was mentioning in that book.”

The audience, she added, was largely female and Latinx — people who would identify with the book.

“They felt they were visible, as well and shared the same feelings and thoughts she shared in the book,” Morales said.

In the beginning of October, community members were invited to join the Village of Oak Park’s Office of

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a dialo gue about the village’s language access needs at Village Hall and other municipal facilities.

“It was very dynamic because people were able to talk about the experiences after the panel discussion and it would be very different if there were different cultures at this event expressing their interest,” Morales said.

The ¡VIVA! Festival held on Saturday featured an allfemale mariachi band and Peruvian folk dancers on the south lawn of Village Hall. Food, face painters, kid-friendly g ames and piñatas were part of the event.

“The performances re present the Hispanic community,” Morales said. “This group is the first all-female mariachi here in Illinois and it provides that warm understanding, not only for the Hispanic population — it is a community festival.”

And on Friday, the village will screen “Encanto” at 6 p.m. on the south lawn of Village Hall

“The movie Encanto, everything is tied together,” Morales said. “Everything is a re presentation of Hispanic culture and we wanted to go ahead so that they feel the awareness.”

“They felt they were visible, as well and shared the same feelings and thoughts she shared in the book .”

YA ZMIN MORALES

Oak Park Township’s Assistant Housing Specialist

ZERO WASTE USDA grant funded

from page 7

test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. They are part of USDA’s broader ef for ts to support urban ag riculture.

“These cooperative ag reements support communities in their ef for ts to reduce and divert food waste from landfills,” said Terry Cosby, chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “These projects will empower communities to reduce waste and support ag ricultural producers through increased access to compost to improve soil health on their operations.”

SGA, founded in 2001 in Oak Park by Gary Cuneen, works with local government, community and private sector leaders to help communities make the changes they need to build a healthy and sustainable future.

According to the SGA website, the Zero Waste Schools program works with school staf f and students to shift operations and minds towards generating zero waste through source reduction, recycling, composting and food recovery. The program has already been implemented at Oak Park and River Forest High School, as well as across the Chicago metro area. Other projects are in Chicago, Lake County and McHenry County.

Becky Brodsky, Zero Waste Schools progr am manage r, said the progr am be g an at Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park in 2008 and “over the following years” spread to all District 97 elementary schools

“We’ve officially launched around 45 schools in the program and have helped hundreds of others schools get on the path to zero waste by sharing resources and best practices,” she added.

Brodsky said she and others from SGA have been meeting with school district officials, explaining that setting up at the district level makes it easier to implement the program at the individual schools.

“Principals and district officials are very excited about the program,” she said.

She said she hopes to launch the program in two or three schools this fall, explaining

that they usually stagger the launch of the program if there are multiple schools in a district participating.

“We start the program according to when the schools will be ready,” she explained.

Brodsky said the program is tailored to each school’s need, noting “It’s not a one size fits all” program.

“We want to set the schools up for success,” she added. “It’s a hands-on opportunity for students with climate anxiety.

“It gives them something tangible they can do and allows them to do something about climate change.”

According to the SGA website, zero waste is a path and SGA’s role lies in meeting schools where they are in the process and supporting the changes needed until zero waste is the new normal for schools and the next generation of environmental leaders. On average, schools that have been supported in implementing commercial composting and recycling programs divert as much as 80 to 85 percent from the landfill.

In addition to the Zero Waste Schools program, the USDA grant will be used to help officials in Bellwood, Broadview and Maywood develop composting programs for their residents through their waste hauling services.

“We really want it to be the whole community,” Brodsky said.

Jen Nelson, SGA progr rector, explained that although 70 municipalities in northern Illinois have food scrap pickup, the service is relative to Cook County. She described Lake County as being one of the success stories.

“We’ re looking for ways to provide the service to c ommunities tha do n’ t have it,” N elson said, noting tha SGA c an tell municipal officials they should be asking for in their ing contracts.

For example, when Broadview’s waste hauler contract was up, SGA provided the language for the contract for a new waste hauler. A similar situation is developing in Bellwood, where officials are meeting with that municipality’s waste hauler.

“We are already paying to have food scrap removed” under existing waste hauler contracts, Nelson explained.

T he g oal is to dive rt food scrap from the landfill not unli ke municipal cling pr ogr ams

CINDY LYONS HEALTH FAIR

OCTOBER 25TH

Michael D. Costello, Artistic

Chicago

Choral Artists

October 21, 7:30 p.m.

October 22, 3:00 p.m.

Concerts at Grace Lutheran Church 7300 Division Street, River Forest

Tickets at www.ChicagoChoralArtists.org, 773.658.9799 or at the door.

$45 Adult, $35 Senior, $20 Student with ID

Free for children 12 and under with paying adult

“It gives them something tangible they can do and allows them to do something about climate change.”

BECKY BRODSKY Zero Waste Schools program manager

Director

Oak Park resident, Westmont resident chased by robbers

Right after parking their car on the 300 block of South Taylor Street, an Oak Park woman and a Westmont man were chased by a group of three or four men at 1:50 a.m. Oct. 6. The men robbed the woman, but her companion was able to escape.

The group had pulled up in a vehicle next to the one the victims had just exited, then began to chase the two victims upon exiting the vehicle. The female victim fell to the ground and was told she would be shot if she moved. No firearm was pulled out.

The men demanded the keys to the victims’ car, which the woman did not have, and they took the woman’s black Marc Jacobs handbag, which contained $400 in cash and her Samsung cellular phone. The group of men then fled in an unknown direction.

The estimated loss is $1,000.

Attempted armed robbery

An Oak Park resident was sitting in his vehicle near an ATM when a man ap-

proached his window and pulled out a black handgun with an extended magazine and pointed it at him at 9:43 a.m. Oct. 5 on the 6700 block of West Roosevelt Road. The man told the victim to withdraw all of the money from his bank account but fled in a blue SUV with no license plates when the victim as unable to comply.

Aggravated robbery

■ Three men robbed two Oak Park residents, who had just parked their car, and threatened to start shooting if the victims didn’t tur n over their possessions at 2 a.m. Oct. 6 on the 100 block of North Humphrey Avenue. One of the men got into the victims’ vehicle and took a wallet and two cell phones, then all three got into a black Hyundai and drove away. The estimated loss is $1,500.

■ Three men were seen burglarizing a Bellwood resident’s work van at 4:26 p.m. Oct. 2 on the 1100 block of Lexington

Street; when the victim approached, one of the men implied he had a weapon. The men then fled the scene in two different vehicles with the victim’s plumbing camera. The estimated loss is $9,150.

Burglary

Someone broke into an Oak Park resident’s home, possibly through an open rear window, and two PlayStation 4 game console systems at about 1:46 p.m. Oct. 6 on Ontario Street.

Motor vehicle theft

A white 2015 Infiniti was taken from a parking lot on the 300 block of North Oak Park Avenue between 9:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 4:30 a.m. Oct. 6.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated Oct. 3-9 and re present a portion of the incidents to

which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port 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

Oak Park plans free COVID vaccines for those without insurance

With private insurers covering vaccination costs, Oak Park will focus on the uninsured and underinsured

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

The Oak Pa rk Public Health Department is expecting an increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections this fall and winter as the chillier weather will cause more people to cong re gate indoors.

People should take precautions, officials said.

“Everyone should get vaccinated,” said Oak Park Public Health Director Theresa Chapple-McGruder.

And while the rollout of the latest version of the COVID-19 shot is underway, most Oak Park residents should not expect to get the inoculation through the Oak Park Public Health Department.

COVID-19 countermeasures, such as vaccines and tests, are no longer available through the health department because it no longer receives the vaccine for free through the federal government because the federal public health emergency declaration ended in May. Instead, they should look to their physicians or nearby clinics.

That’s because federal law requires private insurers to cover the cost of vaccines for in-network providers. For the village to host a clinic, it would need to purchase the vaccine from manufacturers, which costs about $125 per person.

“That is not something the village is able to provide to the community because we don’ t have the money,” Chapple-McGruder said.

However, for those who are uninsured and underinsured, a village-run clinic is being planned. Those vaccines will be free, too, because the health department is able to procure some doses of the updated vaccine through the state, according to Chapple-McGruder. The clinic is expected to take place at the end of the month.

Staying healthy

COVID-19 protocols have fluctuated since the virus was introduced, so to protect yourself and others this season, Oak Park Public Health Chapple-McGruder of fered these reminders:

■ Vaccines: People aged six months and older are eligible for the vaccine. The initial COVID-19 vaccination requires a series of two shots. After completing the original series, an annual COVID-19 shot is recom-

mended. The vaccine is also safe for nursing parents; protective antibodies from the vaccine can be passed onto the infant through breastfeeding, according to Chapple-McGruder.

■ Isolation: After testing positive for COVID-19, infected individuals should isolate for five days.

■ Testing: Take an at-home rapid antigen

test three to five days after being exposed, then if you test ne gative, test again the following day. Chapple-McGruder recommended testing once a day for a period of three to four days because of the virus’s incubation period, which ranges from two to 14 days. Tests are available at village hall.

■ Masking: A pandemic staple, the mask that covers the nose and the mouth lim-

its the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of infectious particles being inhaled and exhaled. N95 surgical masks work best.

“Wear a mask and be considerate of your neighbors because you don’t know who’s at high risk of severe disease, you don’t know who’s at high risk of hospitalization,” Chapple-McGruder said.

Do you have DIABETES?

If you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. is is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes a ects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation.

e key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist. Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely

to undergo an amputation than those who do not seek treatment.

Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. e shoes come in 30 di erent styles each for men and women. ese include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available.

Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.

RibFest Every Day!

Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special

Welcome to Our Town Oak Park

“Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”, a new book by Wednesday Journal columnist Ken Trainor, an Oak Park native, is based on short essays, published over three decades in the local newspaper, that chronicle life in a dynamic, ever-evolving town where the unique meets the universal. The unifying thread is true community — nding it in the extraordinary ordinary, in the day-to-day, the face-to-face, the moments of beauty, and, as Thornton Wilder said of his play, Our Town, nding “a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.” Our Town Oak Park aims for that same “rainbow’s end,” capturing the experience of being alive — in one middle-sized, middleclass, Midwest town at the beginning of the 21st century. Join this pedestrian-friendly journey in search of true community.

The book is available at The Book Table, the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, or online via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

from page 1

A representative from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office told Wednesday Journal the county was “proud” to use the money to support the purchase of the Write Inn.

“The hotel-based model that this funding will support has seen success and deserves investment — providing stable housing in hotels while also offering wraparound services like medical care, case management, mental health resources, and employment resources represents a critical part of our ef fort to end homelessness,” the spokesperson said.

The county will continue to support “most vulnerable communities until all Cook County residents have a safe place to lay their head at night,” they added.

People within Housing Forward’s interim housing program live in the Write Inn until permanent housing becomes readily available. The program has seen major success at the Write Inn, according to Housing Forward. In the three years since Housing Forward began leasing the Write Inn, 83%

of clients in the interim housing program have moved into permanent housing. In 2022, 89% of clients in the program moved into per manent housing

In an emailed statement to Wednesday Journal, Housing Forward CEO Lynda Schueler praised the county for taking action to allow for continued use of Write Inn.

“We are thrilled by Cook County’s partnership and support in establishing a long-term location for the highly impactful services that have been operating at The Write Inn building for the past three years,” she said.

This is not the first time the county has collaborated with Housing Forward. The two entities have worked together to bring medical respite to the unhoused population through RISE Center of Cook County, which provides medical care, support services and case management for people experiencing homelessness through the Cook County De partment of Public Health.

“Our Interim Housing program and the RISE Center medical respite program with Cook County Health — both of which were located at The Write Inn building during the COVID crisis — are another step in advancing solutions to address homelessness in our community and surrounding suburbs. While there is still much work to be done, this funding is a tremendous start,” Schueler said in the statement.

e foundation designed to restore Unity Temple is dissolving

Leaders promise to keep the UNESCO World Heritage site from falling into disrepair

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Unity Temple Restoration

the non-profit that has functioned to the famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple in good condition, will be dissolved Oct. 31.

The restoration foundation, been active for half a centur by-side with the separate Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Cong cong re gation that worships in the temple. Through that partnershi Temple Preservation, the two organizations handled temple maintenance, ing to Amanda Kaleta-Kott, the cong tion’s co-chair.

Now that the foundation end, Kaleta-Kott said the cong looking to others to ensure the built in 1908, stays fit for and churchgoers.

“At this point, we are looking ways to work with people that understand the needs that this special she said.

Those people with whom the tion is looking to work, Kaleta-Kott said, are “experts in the field of building conservation.” Beyond that, she said, she was unable to announce any other plans regarding the future of preservation efforts for Unity Temple

The restoration foundation has been

active for 50 years, overseeing several smaller renovations made to the temple, as well as the comprehensive multi-year $25 million restoration and moder nization of Unity Temple that ended with its reopening in 2017. The building was closed to the public and the congregation for two years durin the project. Kaleta-Kott said the foundation was “instrumental” in getting the necessary fund to pay for the renovation.

The large restoration won se servation awards, including the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site both in in 2019.

UTRF Executive Director Heidi Ruehle

On Saturday, Oct. 14� McAdam Pumpkin-Palooza

Over the years, the McAdam PumpkinPalooza has become an annual autumn staple of fun (and free) family activities.

This coming Saturday, October 14, it’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at our Nursery & Garden Center, 2001 Des Plaines Ave. in Forest Park: a pumpkin patch, hayrides, ghost stories, sweet treats, pumpkin painting, and more! Every child will receive a free pumpkin and we encourage everyone—kids and adults alike—to wear costumes.

joined the foundation in 2018, just after the completion of the restoration and the foundation was still in the process of raising funds to pay for it, as well as to open the building back up to the public. Under Ruehle, Unity Temple programming grew with tours, a lectureship series and concerts.

That work, according to Ruehle, requires “heart and passion.”

Ruehle called the end of the “bittersweet” but said the foundation had completed what it set out to do when it for med in 1973.

“Our primary mission was to restore the building ever since 1973. And we’ve felt that that’s been very well accomplished,” she said. “It lined up to be a good time for us to sunset and just celebrate.”

During this special occasion, we will offer huge fall discounts on all trees, shrubs, and perennials that are in stock. And for those looking to know what they can still plant, professionals will be on hand to give tips on how to winterize your garden. Particularly with plants that have been growing in the same containers all year long, this is a good time to landscape. Before next summer’s heat comes around, it’s very beneficial to give new plantings upwards of six to eight months to get established.

A half-mile south of Roosevelt Road, the McAdam Nursery & Garden Center is open until midNovember. Whether you have a question about Pumpkin-Palooza or anything else, we’re always just a phone call away at 708�771�2299.

“Our primary mission was to restore the building ever since 1973. And we’ve felt that that’s been very well accomplished. It lined up to be a good time for us to sunset and just celebrate.”

HEIDI RUEHLE

UTRF Executive Director

Unity Temple HEIDI RUEHLE

Scott McAdam Jr.

Fresh flavors are the star at New Star

Small touches, fresh ingredients make New Star shine

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Freshness is the most important element in New Star’s success, according to owner Jinny Zhao.

That is the way to ensure the best quality and consistent flavors. When she bought the restaurant almost a decade ago, Zhao transformed the kitchen to follow that rule. And it guided her as she turned an underused banquet room into a hibachi steak house.

Tucked in the back of New Star are eight teppan grills, where chefs cook in front of diners. It’s dinner and a show. More than one group of diners sit together around each grill, so it’s best to make reservations if a larger group wants to be seated

together.

Japanese steak houses are famous for flaming onion volcanos, acrobatic feats with eggs and even whole bowls of fried rice. While New Star doesn’t disappoint on the stage show, the real draw is the quality.

“Japanese style cooking uses fresh meat, fresh everything and just cooking for you. People love it,” says Zhao.

To keep improving the dining experience, New Star doubles down on freshness by making its own hibachi sauce. Better known as Yum-Yum sauce, the ingredients include fresh apple, fresh peach and tomatoes.

“Even myself, I put some on a bowl of rice, my Yum-Yum sauce, and just eat it. It tastes so good,” says Zhao.

That joy comes through in everything Jinny Zhao does. As she updated the restaurant space and menu, she wanted to attract a new generation of customers looking for even more options.

“I was thinking that the young people, they do love sushi,” says Zhao.

So, she added a sushi bar and an extensive Thai menu. Both of those benefit from the freshest vegetables. None come from a can at New Star. Generous portions are standard too. There is a full bar which features tropical drinks. This expansive take on Asian foodways means that diners at one table can sample many different styles at one meal.

The smallest detail does not go unnoticed by Zhao. She designed the colorful bags covered in sunflowers that await take-out customers in the warmer months. When the weather takes a turn for the chilly, the restaurant switches to a zipped, insulated bag. The investment in high quality take-

out bags is worth it to Zhao.

“Chinese foods need to keep warm. If you order in cold weather like Chicago, when you get home, I don’t want it to get cold,” she says.

For dine-in customers there are special touches too. Coloring pages, crayons, and even small toys to keep children occupied while they wait for their adults to be done talking. But it’s the rack of umbrellas that really sets New Star apart when it comes to customer service.

Years ago, when Zhao was on vacation in Taiwan with her children, she was caught in the rain and needed to make a run for it to get to the airport on time. A kindly store owner told her to take an umbrella. She insisted that she couldn’t because she would be unable to return it. Zhao took the umbrella and returned with a lesson in customer service.

“I came back to the United States, thinking, wow, I should do something like that. When older people or people with kids come in, when it’s raining, we say take one and bring it back next time when you visit.”

The location on Elmwood Park’s North Avenue restaurant row creates an atmosphere and advantage for customers that Zhao loves.

“The people you can walk up and down here and say, ‘Hey, I want to eat this. I want to eat that.’ Also, we’ve got a parking lot on the corner.”

The parking lot actually belongs to Zhao. It came with the restaurant when she purchased it, but she shares it with all the restaurants on the row. What is good for the customer is good for New Star, says Zhao.

Zhao, who had previously owned another restaurant, came out of retirement to undertake the challenge of New Star.

She is proud of what she has accomplished, “I am enjoying doing this.”

The details

• newstarrestaurant.com

7444 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

• Hours:

Monday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday noon to 9:30 p.m.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

New Star owner Jinny Zhao.

NEED TO REACH US? oakpark.com/real- estate email: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org

Homes

Reinvention of an Historic Home

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Typically, when real estate agents hire a photographer to get professional photos of a home, it’s when they are listing the home for sale. For Compass Realtor Julie Stanczak, her clients’ purchase of 224 N. Elmwood in Oak Park was anything but typical. Her clients bought the home during the challenging pandemic period, and the home was not exactly the single-family home of their dreams. Instead, they bought a two-flat that needed a complete overhaul before they were able to move in almost

two years after their purchase. The result was so remarkable that Stanczak gifted them with professional photos of their new home shortly after they moved in.

Built in 1873, the home was originally a Queen Anne Victorian-style home, complete with a turret. About 30 to 40 years after it was constructed, the home was encased in stucco in an attempt at a Prairie Style makeover. T he building also became a two-flat and housed two rental apar tments when Don and Kimberly Vander Griend first saw it in the spring of 2021.

T he fact that the building was a two-flat and not the single-family home they were

looking for did not deter them. As Don recalled, “In 2021, the real estate market was mayhem.”

Stanczak ag reed. “We put in offers on six different homes. It was a time of rapidly evolving change in pricing. They were very competitive, but we got beat out by developers offering cash,” she said. “Escalation waivers and appraisal gap waivers became a thing.”

When 224 S. Elmwood hit the private listing network, Stanczak said, “They saw it first and put in an offer. It finally worked.”

With three children and a menagerie of pets, the Vander Griends knew they were

going to convert the two-flat back to its single-family home status. The brought in architect Bill Scholtens of Elements Architectural Group, contractor Brian Manola, millwork and kitchen expert Lee Ann Anderson and designer Kristina Bailey to coordinate the project.

The Vander Griends honored the existing tenant’s lease while planning the project and began work in April 2022.

The Atlanta-based Bailey had worked with them on their previous Oak Park

See REINVENTION on pa ge 18

224 N. Elmwood, Oak Park

REINVENTION

Creative wizardly

from page 17

house, and she was involved in the Elmwood house from the framing stage forward.

Don said that old Chicago Record-Herald newspapers found inside the walls point toward 1914 as the year the home’s front porch was enclosed and the exterior encased in stucco. While unsightly, the stucco ended up preserving a lot of elements such as original windows.

They worked hard to preserve what original elements remained, while Bailey set to work to make the home live like a singlefamily home for a moder n family

“The house had a lot of division,” she said, adding “we had to make a lot of changes.”

The staircase had to be moved and brought up to code. Along the way, they discovered an original stained-glass window that was restored and relocated to the new stair landing. More original windows flanking the front parlor fireplace were uncovered and restored. Original ceiling beams were also highlighted and saved.

Don noted they stayed within the home’s original footprint while renovating most spaces. The kitchen was opened up, with a rear enclosed staircase becoming part of the finished space. A piano nook is wrapped in a botanical wallpaper, and a mudroom makes busy family life a lot neater

On the second floor, a few combined to create the primary suite. fireplace with more original stained graces Kimberly’s home offic closet and a large bathroom with a soaking tub round out the space.

Two more bedrooms for second-floor bathroom decorated with color ful tile and a blue vanity

The staircase to the third framed artwork by the children. ily gathering space on the fect for sleepovers. This floor also houses fourth bedroom and another full bathroom.

A secret hallway leads to a finished spac within the home’s turret -- a perfect for the kids to tuck away in the house with view of the trees

After using Stanczak to sell their previous Oak Park home on Clarence Vander Griends moved into a the construction on their new home was fin ished. They’ve been in their new house a few months and said it is all they hoped it would be and more.

Don noted that Bailey was making the house live well. furniture choices that didn’t break the bank, while also making custom choices that fit the house, such as a custom banquette that fits the curved turret and a Kristina Bailey original painting in the family room.

Bailey said the house was a true collabora tion. She called Anderson a “kitchen wh and praised the architect and builder. Stanc zak’s expertise was also key to letting the owners know how to best improve the home without over-improving for the local mark Bailey summed it up creativity, a lot ome up with exponentially better ideas ou have a team. ou bring out the est in the house

e updated primary bedroom.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

is disease called hate

We recently received notice from Oak Park Temple about a fall gathering with the local Muslim community to be held at Pilgrim Cong re gational Church. It sounded like a wonderful evening, inclusive of our diverse community.

On the same day we learned of this upcoming event, we learned that Israel was being bombed. Fifty people were re ported killed in the initial incursion, which we know is only the beginning of a disastrous slaughter of victims of hate.

We are yet again hor rified by r hate has to engender . There has been an uneasy peace between Israel and the Palestinians for 50 years, smaller, but also lethal skirmishes.

Both parties shoulder blame

HAUSMAN

Instead of cooperating with each other as neighbors, resenteed, and powermongering contagiously foment into hateful interactions.

Like a disease, hate infects. Violent rhetoric is a pathogen through which whole groups of people become infected. Hateful words all too easily mutate into vicious actions by individuals and then to groups of people. This contagious virus can further spread from communities to cities and countries, putting all of humanity at risk.

You may think framing hate as a disease is an exaggeration. However, even at a distance from direct hate, we also get sick, evidenced by the pain we feel and tears flowing for lives lost, now and over the years. We are deeply concer ned about children everywhere, and selfishly for our own grandchildren. What will their future be? Will hate and power-mongering always be so rampant?

For the most part, our Oak Park and River Forest communities celebrate diversity and the inte gral role it plays in a thriving democracy. How do we transfer this mindset/heartset to the larger scale of communities around the world? Is there anything we can do to foster respect between human beings?

Our hope and prayer for the world are that we focus more on our similarities and less on our differences. Is it too pollyannish to ask that we accept, and hopefully even love, one another?

Harriet’s daughter, Barbara, contributed to this column.

Fond remembrance of Conser vator y George

The Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education (CEEE) extends our sincere congratulations and praise to Laurie Fiorenza, her team, and our dedicated District 200 teachers for advancing racial equity opportunity to lear n in unprecedented ways as related in the administration’s 32-page evaluation presented on Sept. 7.

It is a comprehensive re port evaluating restructured History, English, World Languages and Science courses and also tracks teacher and student experiences in, and beliefs about, restructured courses.

Most importantly, the re port shows that Oak Park and River Forest High School has taken major steps toward ending one of the most persistent, troubling dimensions of public education — the racial isolation and inequities that consistently take place under traditional for ms of curriculum tracking.

OPRF’s new curriculum enrolled around 89 percent of all freshmen in honors level World Languages, Eng-

lish, History, and Science courses. This was not a water-downed curriculum experience as opponents feared. The allhonors courses are aligned to Common Core English Standards, A.P. History Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and World Readiness Standards for Learning. Freshman honors is indeed a high-level, rigorous curriculum that more equitably prepares students for continued honors and AP course work in their sophomore and subsequent years.

The outcome metrics indicate significant gains for most students and small increases in D and F grades compared to the previous four freshman cohorts. African American and Hispanic students in freshman honors were enrolled in honors curriculum in numbers that dwarf their enrollment in past years. Percentages of A, B, and C grades for last year’s honors cohort were

OUR VIEWS

A bold buy

Housing Forward, the bold and innovative nonprofit focused on housing and supporting unhoused people in our communities, has found a way to purchase the Write Inn, an old-school boutique hotel on Oak Park Avenue

Housing Forward has been operating the facility for three years — straight into the pandemic — as a key piece of its interim housing program. And it has proved remarkably successful.

The agency found that, if it can move people into stable housing and provide support services, a very high percentage of people will move into permanent housing solutions. The best possible outcome.

The ability to lease the facility was made possible by a generous mix of public funding. A good bit of it came through various aspects of the federal government’s American Rescue Plan COVID fund (ARPA). While that was great, it did not resolve the long-term ownership of the hotel property.

That has now been addressed.

Furthering its longtime collaborations with Cook County gover nment at the intersection of housing and health, Housing Forward has now secured county funding of $6.5 million to make an outright purchase of the facility. The deal has not closed yet but it appears to be near. The county also supplied similar funding to a housing organization purchasing an old hotel in Evanston for a similar purpose. The county funding came from federal ARPA funds.

There will still be challenges, we imagine, in funding the long-term operation of this facility, but we’ll bet on Housing Forward to secure those monies.

This story is remarkable in so many ways:

That the nimble and deter mined organization could launch this project at the start of the pandemic says a lot about its staff and board leadership. Also credit its hundreds of dedicated volunteers who are always present.

That over these three years neighbors of this north Oak Park location have been gracious and welcoming to the facility says good things about the neighbors and good things about how well organized and aware Housing Forward staff has been.

Also interesting, Hemmingway’s Bistro, the lovely and upscale restaurant that has long operated on the ground level of the Write Inn, continues its successful run as an Oak Park dining destination.

Housing Forward continues to innovate on multiple fronts. It is nearing completion of its first, from-theground-up facility in nearby Broadview. That new construction on Roosevelt Road will include 16 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals and families. Units will be set aside for veterans and for young people aging out of the state’s foster care system.

All remarkable and positive news. A testament to collaboration, empathy, problem-solving and innovation.

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of Tyler and Bryce’s arrival in the world, Oct. 10, 2013, making this their “golden birthday,” an invented milestone, in their case doubly golden (twins turning 10 on 10/10), but a very real milestone as well — their first decade (of many, I dearly hope).

And my first decade as Papa Ken, their grandfather, a role I relish.

Here’s how our connection began, as described in my column immediately following their birth:

A golden birthday, times two KEN TRAINOR

Last Thursday, I became a grandfather. Times two. On the most beautiful day of the year to date (the weather was grand, too), Tyler and Bryce Trainor came eight weeks early. At just over 3 pounds each, they weren’ t exactly clogging the birth canal. Kristen pushed and an alert nurse had to make a pretty nifty basket catch of grandson number one.

Both boys seem fine so far, lounging in their luxurious suite at the Edward Hospital Hilton, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU, pronounced NICK-yoo), sleeping peacefully while they fatten up

The next day, I made their acquaintance. I planned to take just a quick look. Be back in no time. Little bodies, sleeping, all wired up, attached to monitors — how interesting could it be?

There is no such thing as a quick look at a preemie in an incubator, especially when they happen to be your first grandchildren.

How interesting? Better than watching the first moonwalk. Way better. Utterly engrossing. So fragile, so precious, so beautiful, so innocent, so peaceful, so pure

So alive. Suddenly I was falling down the long well shaft again, which I experienced 30 years earlier with my son, head first into the mystery.

Roger Cohen published a column in the New York Times the day these two were born titled, “Experience as it once was.”

“The question of genuine, undiluted experience has been on my mind,” he wrote. “Germans have a good word for something authentic. Echt. We have an echt deficit these days. Everything seems filtered, monitored, marshaled, ameliorated, graded and app-ready — made into a kind of branded facsimile of experience for easier absorption. The thrill of the unexpected is lost.”

It’s true. We live in a virtual world, which impoverishes us, detaches us, too often removes us from the real Watching Tyler and Bryce’s doll-sized bodies breathing

was the most intense “echt” I’ ve encountered in a long, long time. I didn’t think I could be more thrilled — until Tyler started stretching. Putting my well-sanitized hand through the porthole, I stroked the softest skin imaginable Being detached from authentic experience makes us feel less human. These two reeled me back into my humanity, a reminder of just how miraculous all of it is — this having a body, this having a heart beating non-stop for decades, lungs filling with air, this being alive. Bryce and Tyler will grow quickly, I trust. In the future, whenever I watch them running around, I’ll think of this day, this first moment The images burned in Since that day, I’ve spent a lot of time watching them run around, long-legged and lithe. Also bouncing on their trampoline; drawing and painting; transforming Play-Doh into “tasty” faux-food confections; building leprechaun traps out of cardboard; excavating sandboxes; navigating the Morton Arboretum maze; viewing Curious George, Paw Patrol and Harry Potter movies while cuddling on the couch; riding bikes on forested trails; selecting and decorating Christmas trees; creating Lego and magnetic-tile ontraptions; swinging, sliding and climbing on aygrounds; reading to them, then having them ead to me; wandering in the woods with walking sticks; conducting creative nversations in the car; hunting for treasures at Moore’s Toys & Gadgets in heaton, or Geppetto’s in Oak Park; eating dinner at restaurants where the ood is delivered by model trains or at Culver’s where they eagerly track the ice cream special of the day; taking the Metra train from Wheaton to Oak Park and back; riding the hand-crank train at Rehm Park; attacking stacks of maple-syrup-soaked pancakes at George’s in Oak Park or Mapleberry’s in Carol Stream, building towers with the jelly packets while we wait for our food; riding the carousel at Brookfield Zoo; and spectating sports from the sidelines.

I don’t know how they liked their first 10 years on Earth, but I loved it. It coincided with my best 10 years on Earth. They are beautiful in every sense of that word, and that word now has many more senses than it once did. They have reinforced for me the awesome responsibility of loving someone, especially the young someones who are so precious, so dear, yet so resilient and resourceful.

I cannot yet write the love letter that dearly wishes to escape my heart.

But this is a start.

Building a more inclusive community

For whatever reason, this past week I had more than one person mention to me that they were not happy about a new group of people moving into their neighborhood. One complained about homeless populations growing and encroaching on taxpaying house owners.

Another complained about how the neighbors are mad in her community about the fact that since Venezuelan migrants (who are not actually “migrants” in the true sense of the word) moved into their neighborhood, there is an increase of sex workers, and she and the people in her town were mad about their presence. This came from someone who is an immigrant themselves. This dialog comes at an existential time for me. I just became an empty-nester. So I have all the space in the world. I recently traveled to new communities I will be a part of and reminisced about old stomping grounds. I am also taking a class on sustainable building and SPRAWL. The class has forced me to observe the communities of Oak Park and River Forest from the perspective of a builder and city planner We are discussing these very aspects of building a community that is equitable, inclusive, and takes all groups of people and income brackets into consideration.

Our community is filled with immigrants, does not have a lot of sex workers on the streets, and though we have homeless, I think we do our best in the community to provide services while walking a fine balance: not letting the homeless situation get out of hand causing homeowners to flee the town.

But all transitions in community building are a jour ney of transformation, so we have to look at what

A helpful column on ageing

Marc Blesof f, I truly appreciated your column “My own ageism and ableism” [Viewpoints, Oct. 4]. I’ve made some of the same stumbles and ag ree that my fears of aging are at the root. Thanks much.

Alice Cottingham Oak Park

else we can do. What next? I remember when Oak Park and River Forest did not build a new building for the longest time and you could hear stories of contractors frustrated with the village regarding impossible-to-get building permits. Now we are building buildings all at once! I have never seen so much construction going on in the community. Even in River Forest which is even more residential and just as historical as Oak Park, many houses are being built from the ground up … and they go up quickly. In my SPRAWL class, we were asked to observe our community through SPRAWL eyes to see if there are areas in need of change. So “asking for a friend,” are we considerate enough of future growth of immigrant and homeless population growth as we are building like there is no tomorrow? We are becoming more densely populated and with new buildings comes more expense for the community via increased property values

It’s great to have our property values increase but if we don’t consider fairness and equity, we could price ourselves either out of the market, make living here less affordable for various income brackets, outpace our space in general to not feel like we are still in a quaint community as our population becomes denser. We need a balance.

Imagine if in a different scenario, migrants were brought to Oak Park or River Forest as a safe haven. Why? Because we are a safe haven. In general, we are an inclusive bunch. What would the villages do then? How would you feel? What would be your true attitude about building and expanding our quaint little community?

Asking for a friend …

EL Serumaga is a resident of River Forest.

How do you de ne social justice?

What’s the definition of social justice? I have never heard the answer. Have you? Distinguished American scholar Thomas Sowell states, “Fact-free moralizing is a common pattern among social justice advocates.” Sowell’s well documented book Social Justice Fallacies examines the facts. The book is 56% facts and 44% documentation. W.E.B. DuBois eloquently stated that education is knowing what the world is and was. This book educates with truths

Robert Sullivan Oak Park

WEDNESD AY JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Senior Repor ter Stacey Sheridan

Sta Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe, Tram Huynh

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, re 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 ling.

Please understand our veri cation 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 veri cation, 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 con rm 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 rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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■ 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

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ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-524-8300

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Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $2.00.

A one-year subscription costs $48 within Cook County and $60 outside of Cook County Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. 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. © 2023 Growing Community Media, NFP.

Why did Democrats re-elect Menendez?

Mr. DeCoursey, I am confused. Should Sen. Bob Menendez resign? [Viewpoints, Oct. 4] How about why was he re-elected in the first place by the citizens of New Jersey, a solid blue state?

If you recall, Sen. Menendez was indicted in 2015 in connection with a bribery scheme with a F lorida eye doctor. According to the alle gations, Menendez accepted close to a million dollars in gifts and campaign contributions from the eye doctor. The gifts included first class seats, use of private jets, use of the doctor’s Caribbean apar tment, and other monetary contributions. In exchange, Menendez alle gedly used his power in the senate office to influence contracts and Medicare billing disputes worth millions of dollars to the doctor. The jury was hung. If getting re-elected after that isn’t “support” what is?

Fast forward to 2023, Menendez is now reportedly accused of accepting bribes, again,

for using his office to benefit the Egyptian gover nment, stashing gold bars, hoarding $500K in cash in his closet and clothes, and receiving an expensive foreign automobile with no trace of where it came from. At his press conference the Senator claimed his actions were based on how, growing up in Cuba, his father would stash money in his house to hide from the Cuban gover nment. In this day and age, does Menendez really believe he needs to hide nearly a half million dollars in his house because the government is coming to get it? Treasury bills with a 3-month term are paying over 5%. Clearly a better return than the bedroom closet. Senate Democrats know full well the Gover nor of New Jersey can re place Menendez, as does Menendez himself, with one of their own if he resigns. What game do the Democrats need to lear n?

Jim Gotti Oak Park

Generation done

These things about Washington make me crazy:

■ “Win, above all, win!” mentality

■ Poor prioritization

■ Poor time management

■ Misaligned loyalties

Full disclosure: I’m a lifetime independent. I value the right to vote for the best candidate, not the best party. And I was a public servant for five years.

I’m embarrassed by our House of Re presentatives. They voted the speaker out without knowing what comes next. The fact that they didn’t prepare for what comes next is unforgivable, even immature. Despite our overweening pride in our constitution and three fabulous branches of government, we’ve proven ourselves “babies” on the civilization scale. We whine, we are stubborn to a fault, we speak the language of anger, we stopped thinking too long ago.

The desire to win above all other things is an addiction. Winning is not the same as governing, and we desperately need governing. Somehow our representatives have prioritized other things besides governing.

They do not practice time management.

Forget Hunter, what about Trump?

Last week’s Viewpoints section includes two letter submissions that give voice to how some view our current politics with rigid blinders on, while others operate in widescreen, with eyes-wideopen perc eptions of big-picture reality.

First, “Hunter’s g etting what he deserves,” by Jim Gotti, who is rebuking another letter to WJ that asks why Re publicans aren’t defending Hunter Biden’s 2nd Amendment gun rights T he letter alludes to Hunter alle gedly making f alse statements on a gun permit and “possessing a firearm by an addicted person.” Gotti then refers to Joe Biden as “daddy,” who will pardon him. But, says the writer, this is not a Re publican issue, as to give himself some make-believe cover as an objective observer. He seems to think Hunter Biden is an important target here. Jim’s blinders can’ t see who else might be deserving of his political vitriol. T he clear hypocrisy of how the manipulated 2nd Amendment has enabled the Right Wing to use it to protect their sociopathic and psychopathic brethren is laughable.

Connell, he who literally stole Barack Obama’s constitutional right to appoint a Supreme Court justice? Or Josh Hawley, who was supportive of the January 6 insur rection? How in the name of justice are these two villains of democra cy still holding of fice?

T he letter very keenly also reminds the reader that one-time senator Al Franken did resign when the “Me Too” movement targeted him for even jokingly posing in photos with a female cast member when he was a professional comedian. His own party hounded him out of the senate.

Right, Mr. DeCoursey, Al should had just stayed put. That is the bigger, alarming picture, which implicitly accuses the Democratic Party of being pushovers, and patsies compared to the extremist, power-corr upted GOP.

Their loyalties are misaligned, raising some pols to the height of king, even one with no agenda and few moral scruples, without a vision for the world, much less our country.

How disappointing.

What is wrong, America? Need another sip of dictator wine? What, you don’t think we’re inching closer to that? Guess what, we are. The time has come to vote with our heads, not our hearts. It’s time we, as a selfruling body, need to step up, do what must be done, and pray that millennials run for office so we can vote for a new generation. This generation is so done

Uncomfortable times are coming. Our changing climate will be flooding coastal cities. Immigration is a predictable, global, mass movement of peoples that will deepen the divide between rich and poor, and will require sharing of personal wealth and comfort We may need to raise taxes to ensure Ukraine’s survival; so be it.

Grow Up. Time to be uncomfortable. Time to get the right things done.

Karen Muriello Oak Park

T hen there’s “When should Bob Menendez resign?” by Tom DeCoursey (who may have been Gotti’s actual targ et). Tom alludes to New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez apparently having given into — wait for it — using his office for financial gain. Gasp!

Sure, Menendez deserves to be held to account, but as Mr. DeCoursey logically points out, before Democrats demand Bob’s resignation, what about Mitch Mc-

Until the biggest, most viciously dangerous threat to our democracy — a certain ex-president — is placed in longterm lock-up for his abundant criminal activities that sit on mountains of ir refutable evidence (he’s already been convicted, albeit in civil court, of sexual assault), justice is not only blind, but paralyzed too. Our clear and present danger is the smelliest head of the most rancid political fish.

Until he is held to le g al account, then we all live in a Twilight Zone e pisode that portends a nightmare vision of this country’s future.

Joe Harrington Oak Park

Republicans’ double standard

Mr. Gotti, you exemplify what is wrong with today’s Republican Party and the obvious projection its members choose to engage in [Hunter’s getting what he deserves, Viewpoints, Oct. 4]. You support a corrupt racist rapist like Trump and then accuse Biden of the same rampant corruption that characterizes today’s Republican Party.

If Hunter Biden is guilty of a crime, then he should be convicted. Why is it

that Re publicans like you can’t exercise the same de gree of honesty for your politicians? The frontrunner for y our party’s presidential nomination is a criminal, yet you choose to make silly comments about Hunter Biden.

Try some intellectual honesty for once and stop treating politics like a sport.

Cyrus Guzdar Oak Park

Playing in the park

Ilive just down the street from Rehm, and walk through the park almost every day. I wonder how old a child should be to play in the park all by themselves?

MARNIE ROURKE One View

A lovely little girl was dancing alone around the tennis court as I walked by. Then I saw two men get out of their car and go onto the tennis court, which she wisely left. Thankfully they left after picking up a container of tennis balls they had forgotten. I was still worried about her being alone in the park She started climbing trees, and I asked her where her mom or dad were.

She got shy, and I invited her to lead me to her mom. “Please go ahead. I will follow you, and it’s OK, I won’t touch you.” She went from skipping to sprinting. Following her to the very crowded playg round, I had to look around before I found her crying in her mother’s arms. It hurt, and I apologized.

“I didn’t mean to scare anyone,” I said, “but I was worried because she was alone.” The mom looked at me with understanding while nodding. That sweet little girl couldn’t have been more than 6 years old

I wouldn’t have been sure it was my child over in the tennis court if I was waiting in the crowded playground, which is a block and a half away. And I probably wouldn’t have noticed the men getting out of their car. You don’t have to be out in the woods somewhere in New York State for someone to kidnap your

child.

I am long retired, yet there are things you never forget. I am a pastor and family therapist, and for years my ministry was caring for children who had been sexually abused. God ke pt sending them to me for counseling, and I lear ned a lot of sad stuf f. One in five children will be molested before they turn 18. Pedophiles con kids into believing that whatever happened was completely the child’s fault, not theirs. And no one will believe them if they tell anyone.

Some child molesters will admit to abusing two or three kids — or even 30 or 40. And you and I may have never met, but — surprise — we look a lot like the people who molest our children.

Please stay close enough to your little ones so you can see and hear each other. When you can’t stay with them in the park, make sure they are not alone. I believe threesomes are better than buddies, because if someone gets hurt, one child can stay with their friend while the other child goes to find help. And, yes, four or five playmates is even better — after all, the more the mer rier!

Sorry if this made you anxious, but I always want every child to be happy and safe wherever they are. After all, I do have grandkids, whose parents grew up playing in Rehm Park, to wor ry about.

Marnie Rourke is a retired pastor and therapist who liv es in Oak Park

anks for bringing your bags to Farmers Market

A letter of appreciation to patrons of the Oak Park Far mers Market:

On Saturday, Sept. 30, I had an interesting observation spot at the Far mers Market. Sitting at one of the tables along Lake Street, I could watch and say “Hi” to all those coming to the market. You all get A++ for bringing your own bags for purchases. I’d say at least 90% of you were carrying bags, baskets or boxes. I said hello to someone I know who I saw a few Saturdays ago, bagless, and said, “So again,

where is your bag?” She surprised and delighted me when she unfurled her fist to show me a hidden reusable bag, rolled up in her hand. At the start of the market in May, there weren’ t as many patrons with reusable bags, so pat yourselves on the back for taking this easy step for the environment.

The Earth thanks you and so do we

Phyllis Rubin Go Plastic Free River Forest

George the parrot’s long, wonderful life

St. Francis of Assisi’s spirituality had a strong focus on the natural world. His Feast Day on Oct. 4 was an opportune time for me to reflect on my friend, George the parrot, in the wake of his passing.

George was quite the character and made for a wonderful addition to the Oak Park Conservatory, dwelling among tropical plants that would be the typical habitat of his kind.

He was quite an intelligent bird and a great conversationalist with Conservatory visitors, striking up a few words, including a friendly greeting of “Hello!”

T here’s definitely something impressive about a talking bird.

T he Conservatory certainly distinguished itself with his presence there, along with the other birds, among all the plants.

I started visiting him on a re gular basis over 20 years ago back when I was in elementary school since I grew up about two blocks away. He was essentially a

neighbor. As I got older, I never outg rew my re gular visits. Even when I recently transitioned to a new residence further away, I took great comfort in continuing to visit the Conservatory and talk with him. Our conversations may have been mostly saying “Hello” back and forth, yet it was a bonding experience between us.

While I miss him greatly, I am immensely grateful to consider him a friend, and he has already secured a special place de ep in my hear t. Fur thermore, George has surely distinguished himself and rightfully earned a place in the annals of Oak Park as one of its most storied characters, not soon to be too forgotten.

I also thank T he Wednesday Journal for its wonderful news article about him a few weeks ago, which celebrated his long and wonderful life [ Say it ain’ t so, George , News, Sept. 6]

Paul Rubio Oak Park

Tea leaves predict new life for Todd & Holland

Forest Park has many businesses that are owned by refugees from the corporate world. One of these is Todd & Holland Tea Merchants. The new owner, Laurie Jackson, left corporate consulting to buy the business from longtime owners, Bill and Janet Todd. They couldn’t have found a better person to carry on the tradition of selling tea at 7311 Madison St.

Laurie’s background makes her ideally suited for operating a retail business. She was introduced to retail as an inter n at Marshall Field’s. Her engaging personality helped her become a top salesperson at Field’s and other department stores.

The next phase of her “long and winding” career was becoming a consultant to small, struggling businesses. She turned around their fortunes and made re gular visits to keep them on track. Next she learned how to operate financial software by working for IBM. Her longest stint, though, was 20 years as a technical trainer at Nor thwestern Hospital.

Laurie’s dream, though, was to own a

business. She comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Her father, James Jackson, manufactured laundry detergent for Sears for 13 years. He and Anita have steadfastly supported their daughter along her non-traditional career path.

On the way, she acquired skills needed to operate a successful business. Laurie is well-versed in retail, finances and consulting. She just needed a business to buy. All the stars aligned, when Todd & Holland became available. Bill and Janet had to abruptly sell the business to travel out-of-state to help a family member. No family members were interested in the tea business, so they felt blessed to find Laurie.

Sponsored by Riverside Township

She took over the shop in July 2023 and, despite a few glitches, is of f to an encouraging start. Faithful to the practices that helped Todd & Holland survive the pandemic, when many tea shops closed,

Sponsored by Riverside Township

she plays classical music to preserve the Zen feeling of the shop and brews tea for customers to sample.

The serene atmosphere is very conducive for selling tea. The shop already had a solid customer base, selling tea online to customers across the nation. Plus, their many longterm local customers love the war m atmosphere of the shop.

Laurie sells much more than rich flavorful tea. The shop offers tea pots, electric kettles and infusing mugs. It also has a vast selection of colorful tea towels and sells jams, honey and scones to complement the tea. It is one of few shops on Madison that carries greeting cards.

Still learning about tea, Laurie says it is a never-ending process. So many varieties with so many dif ferent benefits. Matcha green tea from Japan supports immunity and helps digestion. Customers can buy a grinder for turning Matcha leaves into

powder. Chamomile tea contains lavender and is a sleep aid. Ajir is a strong black tea from Kenya that provides a great source of energy

Laurie loves her location and is becoming acclimated to Madison Street. She just held her Annual September Sale and is looking forward to Fall Flavor Fest, featuring autumnal flavors like pumpkin, apple spice and maple. She supplies the tea to Kribi Coffee and is looking forward to participating in the Holiday Walk.

She couldn’t run her business, without her right-hand person, Melissa Ortez, who was her colleague at Nor thwestern. She has nine employees, mostly students, who work there after school and on weekends. They still return after colle ge and love the flexibility of the work schedules.

But most of all she’s looking forward to hosting a much-deserved retirement party for Bill and Janet Todd.

John Rice grew up in Oak Park and li ves in Forest Park where he writes a weekly column for the Forest Park Re view, a Growing Community Media publication.

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am –Noon

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

Riverside Masonic Lodge parking lot 40 Forest Avenue, Riverside

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

This FREE event is only for Riverside Township residents and only for personal, confidential documents. No business shredding, magazines, or junk mail. Each household is restricted to no more than 3 boxes of paper.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; place the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

Your documents will be securely destroyed on site by American Mobile Shredding and Recycling.

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; place the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; place the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; p the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you.

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; p documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you.

As always, this will be a contactless, drive-up event. No need to get out of your car; p the documents in your trunk, follow the signs at the event and then simply pop the trunk. We will remove the documents from your vehicle and shred them for you.

For more event info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

For more event info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

For more event info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

For more event info, call Riverside Township at (708) 442-4400 or visit our website: www.riversidetownship.org

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

Please bring a non-perishable, unexpired food item to donate to the Riverside Township Food Pantry!

442-4400

Sponsored by Riverside Township

Pastor Walter Mitty received a text from his nephew Brian on Wednesday morning. The text read, “Uncle Walt, everybody is talking about strikes up here. Mom isn’t interested in politics much, so I thought I’d ask you if you would explain what’s going on.”

“Hey Brian,” he answered. “The way I understand it is that in the late 1800s our country went through what they call the Industrial Revolution when men with the capital, like Rockefeller and Carnegie, bought expensive machinery and built big factories which produced unimaginable wealth for the owners, but these rich guys paid low wages to the workers who were producing the wealth and the workers were creating that wealth for them in really bad conditions.”

“So the workers joined together and for med unions in order to get enough power to make the fat cats share the wealth, right?” Brian texted.

Mitty laughed and re plied, “You already have it down, Brian, so why are you asking me about it?”

“What I want to know is, are the industrial owners bad people and the workers good people, or is it more complicated than that?”

Uncle Walt didn’t text his nephew back right away because he decided to get some facts first. He Googled the earnings of the workers’ bosses and found:

Frosh curriculum is working

from page 19

similar to the honors grades in four previous years, and total honors credits earned were significantly improved for all demographics

Comments by board President Tom Cofsky, like D200’s two previous board presidents, reiterated that more access to honors and AP curriculum is not a “zero sum game” — that high-achieving students and OPRF standards are not harmed by equitydriven honors courses.

Still, the administration identified appropriate revisions for the program. Student perceptions of course academic rigor, personalism, and clarity were very similar to the previous three non-pandemic years. A fourth category on academic press was lower, possibly suggesting further development of differ-

It’s all relative, but is it fair?

GM CEO Mary Bara, $28.9 million per year

Ford CEO Jim Farley, $20.9 million per year

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, $24.8 million per year

He also learned that Tavares’ earnings were 365 times larger than that of an average worker employed in one his plants, and that GM workers’ salaries range from approximately $60,000 per year for Line Technician to $154,604 per year for Software Engineering Manager.

Five minutes after sending the information to Brian, his nephew texted back, “What are GM workers complaining about? Starting at $60,000! I’m making minimum wage at McDonald’s which is $7.25 per hour. I did the math. I’d have to work 8,275 hours at Micky Dee’s to get to $60,000!”

“Number one law in economics,” Mitty texted Brian, “supply and demand.”

“I get it, Uncle Walt, but what I want to know is, ‘Is it fair?’”

Pastor Mitty pondered his nephew’s statement implying that it isn’t fair and asked Michael what he thought about the UAW strike when they touched base with each other the next mor ning.

“I guess Yom Kippur is on my mind more

entiation or the presence of persisting social status issues within courses — needs teachers and students have shared previously.

In responding to developmental needs of the small number of students receiving D’s and F’s and students in the two lowest quintiles on the PSAT, the administration has asked for additional academic supports to be in place this year. These resources add to two existing reading classes for all honors students in need of literacy skill development and increased tutoring arranged during semester one last year. The administration also recommended an independent outside evaluation, another set of eyes, to assist in identifying areas of program revision the school may be overlooking.

Moving forward, CEEE encourages D200 to expand ef for ts in four important areas:

First, we urge the administration to ensure an equitable allocation of resources where needed for sophomore through junior years, especially in colle ge prep courses and in transition courses where

than the strike,” Michael began. “Let me see if I can connect the dots between the holiest day of the year and the strike.”

While Michael was gathering his thoughts, Mitty said, “It’s also called the Day of Atonement, right? I mean, it sounds kind of like what we do on Ash Wednesday.”

“Yeah, sort of,” Michael replied. “It’s a day for private introspection, but it’s not really a sad day because the focus is on the fact that we are facing our shortcomings more than feeling sorry for them. We don’t hang on to our sins We atone for them. We wipe the slate clean and start over.”

“Yeah, I get that, Michael, and to me it’s very powerful, but you said that you would try to connect the dots.”

“OK, let me see. I guess one way of looking at it is to start with the fact of the wealth gap in this country. Our latest temple newsletter pointed out that 69% of the wealth in this country is owned by the top 10%, and the lowest 50% own only 2.5% of the wealth.”

“But Michael, my nephew implied that workers who make $60,000 a year should stop whining and be thankful that they are citizens in a country where they can make that much rather than comparing themselves to

co-teaching showed very positive impact for freshmen last year

Second, with increasing understanding of how Black and other students perceive and experience the honors level curriculum and why many approach honors courses with trepidation and reluctance, we encourage D200 to revisit the findings on African American academic success in the landmark 2003 Learning Community Achievement Gap Re port. Of current relevance is the PhD dissertation of Tyrone Williams from the History Department who was recently honored as Illinois History Teacher of the Year. Williams explores these questions in de pth, offering valuable perspectives and avenues for chang e, based on what he learned from African American AP students at OPRF

Additionally, we highlight two evidence-based dimensions of teaching that are inte gral to progress around curriculum equity. Ongoing belief in, and support for, practices that see the potential of

those who make even more.”

Michael paused and said, “Walt, I thought of an analogy. Say you have the most powerful stock car in the race, but if you don’t have a great driver you won’t win.”

Mitty liked the analogy and said, “So the best drivers demand the highest remuneration. Like NFL quarterbacks!”

Michael laughed. “We won’t name names, right?”

“Right, so the owner of the car pays the hot-shot driver ten times as much as he pays the guys in the pit crew.”

Pastor Mitty felt like he understood capitalism better that evening, but Brian’s question still bothered him. Is it fair?

When he compared what UAW workers were making compared to what their CEOs were getting, he felt simmering moral outrage, but when he compared $60,000 a year to the $2,000 a worker in Afghanistan makes in a year, he felt like he was living in a land of abundance. Sure, millions of people here live in food deserts, but you hardly ever hear of someone dying of hunger.

The cool air coming through his open bedroom window made him glad to crawl under the covers that night, but he still had not answered his nephew’s question.

Tom Holmes writes regular column for the Forest Park Review, a Growing Community Media publication. He is also a regular contributor to Wednesday Journal.

all students and how to nur ture a growth mindset in each child remains vital.

Finally, D200 must continue to dedicate substantial resources to a collaborative professional culture based on a constant improvement of teachers’ skills and applying in a collegial manner the instructional strategies and features of a classroom climate that successfully eng ag e more students in high-status content, social, and civic lear ning

These are goals John Dewey sought for public education over 100 years ago when he said, “What the best and wisest parent wants for their own child, that must the community want for all children.” Providing restructured all honors freshman curriculum for the great majority of students moves OPRF closer to Dewey’s vision.

The Committee on Equity & Ex cellence in Education (CEEE) is a multiracial group of Oak Park and River Forest residents now advocating for racial equity at OPRF High School.

John Troelstrup, 84

Attorney, village trustee, volunteer

“Papa” John Frederick Troelstrup, 84, of Oak Park (formerly of Columbia, Missouri), died on Sept. 20, 2023 in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The outpouring of condolences, love, and stories continue to be shared, and we have appreciated every one of them. He always liked to be the last one standing at a party, and so it was with his family of origin that he was the last to go peacefully into that good night. He was predeceased by his parents, Ann and Arch Troelstrup; and his siblings, William, Glenn, and Susan L. Sumpter

Papa/John graduated with his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri in 1962, joining the U.S. Air Force that same year, and was part of the Strategic Air Command (and then as a reserve) until 1969. He received his J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law in 1968. He moved to Chicago in 1977, then Oak Park in 1979. His remarkable volunteerism included the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County Inc.; Fillmore Center for Human Services; CEDA Near West; Children’s Museum of Oak Park-River Forest; Pillars Community Services; Oak Park Area Arts Council; Oak Park-River Forest Gang and Drug Task Force; and chair of the Citizen Involvement Committee

OBITUARIES

He practiced law for over 40 years before retiring from his private practice in Oak Park, Troelstrup Law Office, in the late 2010s He was also an elected trustee of the village of Oak Park from 1993–1997, and was instrumental in the historic passage of the state’s first domestic partnership registry in Oak Park in 1997. Finally, in 2010 he was honored for his many successes by the Columbia Public Schools Foundation with an Outstanding Alumni Award.

His legal colleague, Lance Taylor, recalled, “From our Friday Cozy Corner lunches and his work for the village of Oak Park, I realized what a fine man and true friend John was. I will miss his wisdom, guidance and wonderful sense of humor.”

It’s no small feat to be a father to eight children, yielding oneself to the utter and complete chaos of that existence, while also maintaining a vigorous existence in his professional life, but he managed to do it with flair, joy, love, and sometimes not a little bit of firmness, annoyance, or avoidance — depending on which of us you ask. Each of us is grateful for the wonderful memories, pastimes, irreverent turns of phrase, completely inappropriate jokes at the most inopportune times, and moments of all-encompassing love and compassion that he was so very capable of when you most needed it. He truly knew how to demonstrate presence and how to validate your feelings and existence.

He always had a way with words, particularly quirky, lesser-known words, like floccinaucinihilipilification, and he would challenge us to pronounce or spell these words at the dinner table.

We all recall his famous “up-downs,” reciting the names of each president on each coin before we could claim our allowance for the week, his love of road trips and Mackinac Island, Michigan (complete with a daily family walk around the entire island), and endless comments on how something would be good for our “spizzerinctum” (which, by the way, is

an actual word, meaning “will to succeed”).

He was an incredible example of a good community member. He cared about his neighbors, picked up trash on his daily mileslong walks around town, took care of his body and the Earth with walks, water and fresh air, opting to travel by foot rather than car when he could). He loved to support local businesses, and he could talk for hours on just about any subject.

A voracious reader, it was always fun to learn which tomes he was diving into in any given week. His appreciation for the written word started very early: One of his childhood friends, Robert Taylor, shared with us a memory that by middle school, was completely unavailable on Sunday afternoons “as John would have the Chicago Sun spread out over the living room floor, reading to his heart’s content.”

John is survived by eight of his children, including Tate Troelstrup (Katie), Paige Dunmore (Geoffrey), Holms Troelstrup (Conan Calhoun), Roo Troelstrup, Sam Troelstrup, Toper Troelstrup (Danielle), Tilly Troelstrup, and Gunny Troelstrup (Hayley Kassel); his for mer spouse, Sandy Lowry; and 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, John F. Troelstrup Jr.

John expressly requested no funeral or memorial services, which frankly surprised us all a bit. Ever the coy one, he sure did enjoy being the center of a good party. So we are respecting his wishes — and plan to have a raucous party with just us siblings to honor the incredible human that Papa was to all of us at different points in our lives. We are sure he’d have it no other way.

If you feel so inclined, Papa/John would be overjoyed by donations made in his honor to any number of Oak Park institutions, particularly the Democratic Party of Oak Park, Oak Park Area Arts Council, and Pillars Community Health. We’re sure the Park District of Oak Park wouldn’t mind a donation to help with upkeep of the memorial statue

Our Town Oak Park...

“… is like nding love letters at the bottom of a sock drawer. They are familiar but new, old yet young. They cover life’s spectrum: the grand, the small, the joyful, the sad. He has put into words the collective thoughts of our better selves. This is a book you will read many times.”

(McLouis Robinet)

“… takes us into the lives of its residents, to the benches and pathways of its parks, and the challenges and inspiration of a town

at Scoville Park, which he regularly encouraged us as kids to climb as high as we could, much to the chagrin and (very verbal) dismay of onlookers. Of course, ordering a steak and eggs at George’s Restaurant on Oak Park Avenue is a perfect way to memorialize him. It was his favorite place to eat, socialize, catch up on the village goings-on, and his absolute favorite cup of coffee in town.

Mar y eresa Joyce, 79

Interior decorator, designer

Mary Theresa Joyce, 79, of La Grange Park, formerly of Oak Park and the West Side of Chicago, died on Oct. 4, 2023.

She was the mother of Bridget (Patrick Sheahan)

Fitzgerald and M. John (Heather)

Fitzgerald; daughter of the late John and Bridget Joyce (nee Heneghan of Tourmakeady, County Mayo, Ireland); grandmother of Declan Sheahan; sister of Michael (the late Patricia) Joyce, Thomas (Stephanie “Tep” Shea) Joyce, Martin Joyce, Patrick (Julianne) Joyce, the late John Myles (Virginia “Gina”) Joyce, James (Mary Rita) Joyce and Peter Joyce; cousin of Catherine Helgason and the late Mary Staunton; and aunt of many nieces and ne phews.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 from 2 p. m. till the time of servic e, 5 p. m ., at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513. I nterment is private.

working overtime to create COMMUNITY – not community as in a geographically de ned set of coordinates, but a sense of place that nurtures and sustains its residents.” (Rebekah Levin)

“… invites readers to celebrate a simple, low-tech stroll around his hometown, discovering the fascinating villagers who make this community the eccentric, unique, cantankerous, and inspirational place it is for so many of us.” (Frank Lipo)

“Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”, a new book by Wednesday Journal columnist Ken Trainor, an Oak Park native, is based on short essays, published over three decades in Wednesday Journal.

book is available at The Book Table, the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, or online via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

SPORTS

Huskies dominate in Crosstown soccer rival

With shutout over Fenwick, OPRF boys remain undefeated

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

The OPRF boys soccer team gave their home crowd a show in their annual crosstown rivalry against Fenwick.

The Huskies (18-0-2) defeated the Friars 6-0 Friday night at Oak Park and River Forest High School to claim the Prevail Cup. OPRF got the scoring going with a goal from the middle by junior midfielder Easton Bogard on a pass from senior defenseman Issac Felder with 15:14 to play in the first half. Bogard finished the evening with a hat trick, including two goals in the second half.

“[Felder] got me the ball and I knew I just had to flick it and keep it going on its way,” Bogard said of his first goal. “It got a good deflection, and they couldn’t do anything from there.”

The Huskies added to their score with 14 minutes remaining in the first half, on a goal from senior defenseman/midfielder Diego Zarate, and wrapped up their first half scoring with a goal from senior midfielder Nate Day with 12:10 to play in the half. Senior forward Carlo Lissuzzo also

notched a goal for the Huskies in the second half with 30:05 left to pl from the right side on a pass from Bo

“We really try to use our possession to try to suf focate the other team,” Bo said. “Early on in the game of forcing it, we usually do dump the ball in so much. But as the game went on, we took a breath and started just keeping it, and that’s how take down defenses by just picking them apar t with passes.”

Bogard was proud of the way his team performed given the intense atmosphere that comes with playing Fenwick.

“There’s always unexpected when you go up against your crosstown rival,” Bogard said. “We’ve spent our time preparing for the playoffs and we know the challenges we can overcome. We acknowledge all the fans but we still have to play our game at the highest level and that’s what we did tod ay.”

The Friars (7-7-2) kept their intensity up the whole game against a tough OPRF team.

“We never gave up,” said senior midfielder and captain James Zimmer. “We ke pt working and had a positive attitude.”

“It was a great environment. [OPRF] is a very good team and they showed that,” said Friars head coach Craig Blazer. “We just tried to remind the guys to play the way they train and keep working hard, but on the day, it was a lot.”

OPRF’s Easton Bogard (#14) charges up eld against Fenwick in a boys soccer match, Oct. 6, at Oak Park Stadium. Bogard notched a hat trick in the Huskies’ 6-0 v ictory over the Friars.

Overall this season, Blazer said the Friars have continued to improve throughout after playing many close games.

“We’ve made a lot of huge strides,” he said. “We’ve been in every game except this one, and we had a good run in the Catholic League.”

Zimmer and his team were still thrilled to be part of the big rivalry environment Friday night.

“We were pretty excited heading into the game,” Zimmer said. “It’s always fun to play in these games and the rivalry is obvi-

ously intense.”

Fenwick will soon turn their focus to the Catholic League tournament, starting Oct. 17 against Roosevelt.

“We’re going to focus on staying positive, staying in shape, and staying healthy,” Zimmer said. “We have to have a good mindset before we start the playoffs.”

“We have to get healthy and recover,” Blazer said. “We have to pass and trap, and defensively we have to work together. If we can do those things, I think we can make a good run in the playoffs.”

Fenwick girls tennis celebrates GCAC three-peat

Friars win conference for third consecutive season

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

For the third year, the Fenwick High School girls tennis team sits atop the Girls

Catholic Athletic Conference. The Friars won the league title at XS Tennis in Chicago on Oct. 6 with 31 points. St. Ignatius was second with 28 points, and Loyola Academy third with 26 points

Junior Lily Brecknock successfully defended her GCAC championship in #1 singles. After a bye in the quarterfinals, she defeated Kalia Angeles of DePaul Prep 6-0, 6-1 in the semifinals. In the final, Brec-

knock defeated Kate Gibble of St. Ignatius 6-1, 6-1.

At #2 singles, freshman Emma LouderSee TENNIS on pa ge 28

OPRF eld hockey is in rebuilding mode

Younger players gain experience heading into the post-season

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

Two years ago, the Oak Park and River Forest High School field hockey team reached the state finals. But the players responsible for that appearance have graduated, so while the Huskies are reloading this season, they have suffered more defeats than they’re accustomed to

OPRF is 4-10-1 after going winless at the Huskie Invitational last weekend

On Oct. 6, a late goal by junior Paulina Simkowski gave the Huskies an 1-1 draw with Louisville Collegiate.

The following day, in the opening match of the invitational, sophomore Ava Gallagher’s goal gave OPRF an early lead against Mary Institute and Country Day School of St. Louis (MO). But MICDS rallied for a 2-1 victory.

In the next match against Lake Forest, the Huskies allowed the first six goals. Sophomore Mazie Hoerster broke up the Scouts’ shutout bid with a second-half goal, but it wasn’t enough as OPRF fell 6-1 to end the tournament.

“I actually think we did some positive things,” said OPRF coach Kristin Wirtz. “Against MICDS, I thought we stepped up and played as a unit. We played much better possession hockey.

“Unfortunately, that broke down a bit in this match with Lake Forest,” she added. “It set us back, and we struggled defensive-

TENNIS

from page 27

back won the title, defeating Loyola’s Eve Swaim 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the final.

Fenwick’s #1 doubles team of senior Trinity Hardin and junior Me g an T rifilio won the doubles championship, rolling to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Katherine and Keira Lloyd of DePaul Prep. Seniors Marin Jancewicz and Mae Mae McDonnell finished third at #3 doubles, while juniors Caroline Gruber and Rachel Abraham were four th at #2 doubles

T he Friars, who won the IHSA Class 1A

ly in the first half. We did pick it up in the second half.”

Having only seven seniors on the roster means that the Huskies are going through some growing pains this fall, but Wirtz feels that’s part of the process.

championship last f all, make their 2A debut at the Hinsdale Central sectional, Oct. 13-14.

OPRF girls tennis

Oak Park and River Forest High School finished third in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division tournament, Oct. 5-7, at Hinsdale Central with 27 points.

Freshman Lucy Stein had a strong run at #1 singles for the Huskies, defeating Abby Sullivan of Lyons Township in the quarterfinals 6-3, 6-0, then Glenbard West’s Simone Annan 6-0, 6-0 in the semifinals. In the championship match, she fell to CJ Coan of York 4-6, 3-6.

“We’re definitely rebuilding,” she said. “We have more losses than we hoped for, but I think we’ve competed in every game, so that’s good.”

An example of OPRF’s competitiveness came earlier this season in a game at Evan-

Junior Maeve Marzec was runner-up at #2 singles, losing in the final to Hinsdale Central’s Asha Sarai 3-6, 1-6. Junior Baylee Piasecki was fourth at #3 singles

In doubles, juniors Alice Cadwell and Sophie Welch finished third at #2, as did junior Clara Lau and freshman Ava Lebovitz at #3. Senior Kathryn Meister and junior Anika Gupta were fourth at #1 doubles, as were sophomores Marin Chalmers and Sophia Lynn at #4.

OPRF returns to Hinsdale Central for the Class 2A sectional, Oct. 13-14.

IHSA state golf

Fenwick senior Clarke Bennett had a

ston Township, one of Chicagoland’s top teams. The Huskies beat the Wildkits 2-1, and Wirtz believes they saw glimpses of the team’s potential.

She was also encouraged by the Huskie Invitational, saying OPRF can use it as a building block for the rest of the season.

“This tournament was actually a good step in the right direction,” Wirtz said. “We entered with several losses in a row, so the fact that we got the tie [against Louisville Collegiate] tells me we’re playing much better hockey.”

Wirtz also liked playing in Oak Park Stadium, as the newly reconstructed Lake Street multi-purpose field has room for just one field hockey playing surface instead of two like the old field had.

“It was nice,” she said. “The turf [inside the stadium] is older, which is nicer for field hockey. We like flat turf. ”

With the postseason coming up soon, OPRF wants to be in the best possible position to make a r un. But there’s plenty to improve on before then.

“We need to work on cleaner marking (defensively) inside the circle, better possession on sideline balls, and finishing (offensively) inside the circle,” Wirtz said.

OPRF hosts Glenbard West on Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. on the Lake Street field.

strong outing at the IHSA Class 2A boys golf state tournament, held Oct. 6-7 at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, finishing in the top 10.

Bennett carded an opening round of 75 to qualify for the finals. He shot a 76 for a twoday total of 151 strokes, good enough for a ninth-place tie.

In the Class 3A tournament at The Den of Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington, Oct. 6-7, OPRF senior Will Neumann shot an 87, missing the cut.

In girls golf, Fenwick freshman Mairin Sweeney shot rounds of 86 and 89 for a score of 175 to tie for 70th in the Class 2A tournament, Oct. 6-7, held at Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth.

STEVE JOHNSTON

OPRF’s Ava Gallagher (19) stretches out to stop a pass by Mary Institute and Coun tr y Day School of Saint Louis dur ing the Huskie Invite, Oct. 7, in Oak Park

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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

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Mail Resume to our office at: 1040 North Blvd., Ste. 220, Oak Park, IL 60301

RENTALS

SUBURBAN RENTALS

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GARAGE/YARD SALES

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1004 N. OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

SUN, OCT 15

NOON-3PM

Power bench tools: router, 10’’ miter saw, 6’’ wheel bench grinder, drill press, 16’’ scroll saw, 10” table saw. Hand power tools: belt sander, rotary sander, jig saw, finishing sander, circular saw. Also, lots of hand tools, including antique tools.

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

FIREWOOD

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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: Y23011011 on September 20, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of GRATEFUL GOURMET TO GO with the business located at: 535 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARGARET A CVERCKO 535 S HARVEY AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal September 27, October 4, 11 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Riverside Open House Public Information Meeting Notice for Quincy Street Improvements

(Central Business District Streetscape Improvement Project)

The Village of Riverside invites you to attend the Open House Public Information Meeting for the Phase I Engineering and Environmental Study for the proposed streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. The proposed improvements consist of streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. Additional improvements include curb bumpouts, curb and gutter modifications, decorative lighting, and sidewalk modifications. The purpose of this meeting is to present the proposed improvement plans and provide an opportunity for public comment. The details of the Open House Public Meeting are as follows:

Date: October 17, 2023

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Riverside Parks & Recreation Facility 43 E. Quincy St. Riverside, IL 60546

The meeting will be conducted in an open house format, meaning interested persons can attend at any time between 4pm and 6pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits and submit comments. Village representatives and project consultants will be present to discuss the project and answer questions.

For additional information, please contact: Ashley Monroe Assistant Village Manager Village of Riverside 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 Phone: 708-447-2700

Published in RB Landmark October 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Illinois will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in Riverside Township Hall Room 4, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 on the Tentative Annual Budget for the

2024 fiscal year of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, commencing January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024.

Public comments on the Proposed Annual Budget are welcome at the public hearing. Emailed comments may be sent to Village Clerk Ethan Sowl at esowl@riverside.il.us. Written comments may be submitted to the attention of the Village Clerk at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois. Emailed or written comments should be submitted prior to 5:00 on October 19, 2023. While emailed or written comments are strongly encouraged, comments may also be made in person.

The Proposed Annual Budget will be available for public inspection on and after, October 20, 2023 at the Finance Department of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for any day being a legal holiday.

Disabled persons needing assistance to attend said hearing should contact the Office of the Village Clerk before the hearing by calling (708) 447-2700.

Said hearing may be continued without further notice except as required by the Illinois Open Meeting Act. The tentative annual budget may be further revised and passed without any further notice or hearing.

PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS

By: Ethan Sowl Village Clerk

Published in RB Landmark October 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

October 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday,

October 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from Li Dong for a Special Use Permit for a Massage Establishment use at 9211 Broadway Avenue (PIN 1534307024).

Legal Description: LOT B IN MRAZ SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 2 IN BLOCK 1 IN PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLATT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Please reference PZC Case 23-13. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required

under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark October 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission

October 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from The Windemere LLC for a special use permit for an adaptive reuse of a vacant existing building formerly used as a religious school at 8900 Windemere Avenue to become an attached multi-unit residential building; and an application for variances for number of parking spaces, 2-way circulation aisle width, and the bulk requirements of minimum green space and building coverage to maintain an existing building at 8900 Windemere Avenue (PINs 1803204032 and 1803204036).

Legal Description: LOTS 24,25,26, AND 27 IN BLOCK 1 IN RICKER’S ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE EAST ½ OF THE NORTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours.

Please reference PZC Case 23-14. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark October 11, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 19-23-Z

HEARING DATE: November 1, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a variance application filed by the Applicant, OP Office Partners, LLC, seeking a variance from Section 10.4 (A) (Table 10.2: Off-Street Parking Requirements) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance that requires 37 offstreet parking spaces located on a lot within 250 feet of the Subject Property, to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces from 37 spaces to zero (0) parking spaces at the premises commonly known as 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-120-064-0000 (“Subject

Property”) in the DT Downtown Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, October 11, 2023

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 for the following:

Village of Oak Park Stone & Sand Materials

Bid Number: 24-100

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 11, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 16-23-Z

HEARING DATE: November 1, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicants, Michael and Katherine McDonald, seeking a variance from Section 9.3 (N)(2)(a) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance where one detached garage is permitted per lot, and the property is grandfathered with two detached garages on the lot. The variance would permit the demolition of the south garage and replacement with a similarly sized garage at the premises commonly known as 329 S. Euclid Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-412-023-0000.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, October 11, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 18-23-Z

HEARING DATE: November 1, 2023

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by Children School of Oak Park (the “Applicant”), seeking a variance from Section 9.3 (A) (5)(b) of the Oak Park Zoning

Ordinance requiring that accessory structures must be located no closer to the front or corner side lot line than the front building façade line. The variance would allow outdoor classroom accessory structures (kids playground equipment) to encroach into the front yard between the building façade of the church and Oak Park Avenue at the premises commonly known as 820 Ontario Street,

Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-07-117-008-0000.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oakpark.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, October 11, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.RONALD CAILLOUET, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD

CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN

OCCUPANTS, UNKNOWN

HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SUSAN L. CAILLOUET, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SUSAN

L. CAILLOUET A/K/A SUSAN CAILLOUET (DECEASED)

Defendants

2022 CH 04542

31 LE MOYNE PKWY 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 July 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30

AM on October 25, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 31 LE MOYNE

PKWY, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-112-007-

0000

The real estate is improved with a 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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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) 236-

SALE

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. 14-22-09308

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 04542

TJSC#: 43-2890

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 # 2022 CH 04542

I3229738

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-

RP1

Plaintiff,

-v.-

ADRIENNA BELL-CADE, BANK OF AMERICA, NA, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ANDREW CADE, SR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, CHRISTOPHER BROWN, ANDREW CADE, JR., DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ANDREW CADE SR.

(DECEASED)

Defendants

2022 CH 05424

845 S. HARVEY OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 1, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 3, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 845 S. HARVEY, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-17-126-0360000

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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. 14-22-01405

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 05424

TJSC#: 43-3379

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 # 2022 CH 05424

I3230230

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.-

FELICIA DEGRAFFENREID, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, ILLINOIS HOUSING

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Defendants

20 CH 01174

1540 N. ROHDE AVE. BERKELEY, IL 60163

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 6, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 17, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1540 N. ROHDE AVE., BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-08-113-0500000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $130,373.67.

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, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 403024.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE