W E D N E S D A Y
OAK PARK TWP ELECTION BALLOT INSIDE October 21, 2026 Vol. 47, No. 17
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JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Members of the team Dead Last participate in the annual Forest Park Casket Races last year. TINA HARLE
14th Annual 2026
Casket Races Casket races
SPECIAL SECTION
Bike Walk Oak Park plans Roll to the Polls for early voting
Sugar Beet nears fundraising goal for store improvements SYDNEY LOVAN
From left to right: Katie Fountain, Johnny Mathias, Rey Rosa and Peter Ricci with the Refresh Campaign goal tracker inside Sugar Beet in Oak Park on Oct. 16
Contributions are a loan and will be paid back By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Sugar Beet Food Co-op turned 11 this year and the store is ready to shed its adolescence and grow into the next decade. A Refresh Campaign to raise money for store improvements went live in July with a goal to raise $500,000. More than
$466,000 has already been contributed. The fundraiser follows an owner lending model inviting the over 3,900 store owners to donate as a low-interest simple loan that will eventually be repaid. The See SUGAR BEET on page 17
Anyone is welcome to join the ride on Oct. 25 By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park residents can ride in style to cast an early ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election with Bike Walk Oak Park’s Roll to the Polls event this weekend. The ride will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Whittier Elementary. There will be subsequent school pickup stops at Holmes, Brooks, Lincoln, Irving and Longfellow before arriving at Oak Park’s Village Hall. The ride is expected to conclude around 2 p.m., and Village Hall is open until 4 p.m. for early voting. See ROLL TO THE POLLS on page 17
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Rush Oak Park parent looks to Endeavor Health merger Proposed hospital system would be among the largest in Illinois
By BILL DWYER Staff Reporter
Rush University System for Health, the corporate parent of Rush Oak Park Hospital, announced last week that it is planning to merge with Endeavor Health to form what would be a health-care powerhouse in Northern Illinois. If approved by federal and state regulators, the Rush-Endeavor combination would create one of the largest hospital groups in the state, with 12 hospitals and more than 400 healthcare sites, from the northern suburbs through Chicago and out to the western suburbs. “Together, Rush and Endeavor Health have an opportunity to create a stronger, more connected health system that sets a new standard for how care is delivered and experienced across our communities,” said Gerald “J.P.” Gallagher, president and CEO of Endeavor Health. Dr. Omar Lateef, president and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center said the proposed healthcare system “will embody and expand the foundational values for which both systems are known: excellence, access and health equity, backed by a leading university that drives research and trains our future healthcare leaders.” Lateef said the proposed system “will expand upon the work Rush has done on the West Side of Chicago to strengthen our impact in communities across the region to ensure more patients benefit from the expertise, innovation and compassion that define us.” The proposed healthcare system would operate under the Rush name, which both parties say reflects “the brand’s strong national reputation and position as a leading academic institution, and reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing excellence in health sciences education, quality care and innovation.” The merger would combine Rush’s widely respected academic medical training capability with Endeavor’s financial strength and broad geographic presence. It would also help assure what one professional observer said was a more seamless healthcare experi-
ence within the new healthcare group. Endeavor Health said it would provide $1 billion in incremental investment in the new hospital system. A “significant portion,” they say, “will be dedicated to community partnerships addressing social determinants of health and creating a sustainable infrastructure to support the underserved.” Elyse Cutler, an Oak Parker whose background includes work in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, gave the proposal a thumbs up, saying, “It makes a ton of business sense. It fills in the market geography.” Cutler said the merger would fill in Endeavor’s geographic gaps, including the absence of a presence of a teaching hospital in the city of Chicago. Endeavor has hospitals in eight municipalities, including Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Naperville and Chicago (Swedish Hospital), as well as Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital in Naperville. Besides Rush Oak Park, there are Rush hospitals in Chicago and Aurora. Rush University is comprised of Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing and the College of Health Sciences. It is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. “The community hospitals Endeavor brings to the table are really strong,” said Cutler. She praised Rush’s medical academics “for what they’ve done and what they’ve built. I think they do a good job.” Cutler said the merger has a potential to improve outcomes for people, “especially those who might divide their (health)care across the two institutions right now, to improve outcomes meaning make their care easier and more convenient.” “It would definitely make things easier for patients and improve access,” she said. She said that a system that made it easier for patients to access different but related medical services would also make it easier for the healthcare system “to ensure people get the preventative care that they need.” Nothing can happen, of course, until regulators approve the merger. Cutler said the merger process will generally play out in
two parts, official approval and then longterm integration. “You still need to go through an antitrust review,” she said. “So they can’t just merge. They need permission from the (Federal Trade Commission) and that’s called a HartScott-Rodino Review. I’d guess next summer is when they would close the merger.” The second part would be the likely the biggest challenge, said Cutler, who likened hospital groups to battleships, saying, “they’re big and complicated.” “The integration of the entities will take a long time, getting the IT systems to talk to one another, getting all of its administrative infrastructure to get integrated can take several years.” Regulatory approval for healthcare mergers isn’t guaranteed. Back in September 2014, Endeavor’s precursor, NorthShore University Health System, applied unsuccessfully to merge with Advocate Health Care. In December 2015 the FTC and the Illinois Attorney General filed a lawsuit to block the deal, arguing it would give the combined system control over 50 percent of general acute care inpatient hospital services in northern Cook and Lake counties. It would also, regulators argued, have enough market power to force insurance companies to accept price increases as high as 8%. After a federal judge granted an injunction in March 2017, Advocate and NorthShore abandoned their application. NorthShore eventually merged with Edward-Elmhurst Health to become Endeavor Health. And Advocate Health Care merged with Aurora Health Care in April 2018. Endeavor’s Gallagher said their intent with the proposed merger is to create the best healthcare system possible. “Our teams know how to keep people healthy,” he said, “and our vision for true community health expands access to quality care, reduces life expectancy gaps and achieves measurable progress in advancing health and well-being across the region. We take seriously our responsibility to every community, patient and team member who interacts with our system, and we are committed to doing our very best for everyone we serve.”
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W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Sydney Lovan, Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss Sports Reporters Melvin Tate, Bill Stone Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Contributing Editor Donna Greene Columnists Marc Blesoff, Nicole Chavas, Jack Crowe, Vincent Gay, Mary Kay O’Grady, John Stanger, Josh VanderBerg Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Visual Designers Susan McKelvey, Darby Godman Sports Photographer Steve Johnston Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley
H OW TO R E ACH US P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 ■ PHONE (708) 613-3300 ■ EMAIL dhaley@newswellchicago.org ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com
CIRCULATION Jill Wagner • jill@oakpark.com • (708) 613-3340 PRINT/DIGITAL ADVERTISING Lourdes Nicholls • lourdes@oakpark.com • Ext. 3329 Emma Cullnan • emma@oakpark.com • Ext. 3304 CALENDAR EVENTS calendar@wjinc.com Wednesday Journal is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No. 10138). Wednesday Journal NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301. The newspaper is available at newsstands for $2. Annual subscription rate in Cook County is $65 and $105 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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SATURDAY PROTEST IN BROADVIEW
Enjoy The Moments: A Lifetime of sunday Valuable Lessons October 25th sunday sunday SUNDAY 25th @October 3:00pm October 25th
OCTOBER 25TH brating and @ 3:00pm An event celebrating and @3:00PM @ 3:00pm honoring our beloved beloved Registration required. An event celebrating and Registration required. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. please USe this qr code: member solomon's An eventHai celebrating PLEASE USE THIS QT CODE honoring our beloved please USe this qr code: required. olomon's living legacy and and honoring ourhis book Registration 'Enjoy Moments', beloved member Hai please USe this qr code: Hai solomon's y andmember his The book solomon’s living legacy presented by his co-author living legacy and anddaughter his book ‘Enjoy Thehis book and Be Solomon. oments', Moments’, presented 'Enjoy The Moments', by his co-author and his co-author Be his Solomon will talk about Hai's life, Dan Haley interviews Tom Florek outside the Broadview ICE Dentention Facility on presented by co-author daughter Be Solomon. discussing how to find our own path Oct. 18. and daughter Be Solomon. to enjoy the moments, and Presenting Be Solomon.
SYDNEY LOVAN
the steps to share our own legacy with our loved ones.
A priest at the detention center door
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DAN HALEY
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Saturday was the first time Florek had come to Broadview on a weekend. He’s always been admitted on weekdays, he says. Florek was just back from the Carolinas where he worked with farmworkers, a key target of the Trump crackdown on Brown people. Florek has spent his Jesuit career working with farmworkers across America. This current crisis is different though. He told me about what happens when he is inside the center. He described a large room with plastic chairs, cells housing multiple people. Mainly he said the center houses men though there is a growing percentage of women being detained. Recently he met a mother and her pregnant daughter. “These are mostly dads, spouses, work-
ICE, the Department of Justice and the Trump administration to allow those detained inside this bleak place to see lawyers, to see clergy.
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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SATURDAY PROTEST IN BROADVIEW
No Kings: Vote Early brings people together nationwide
Local protests take place at Broadview ICE facility and in Forest Park By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
The No Kings movement hosted another day of nationwide protests on Saturday, Oct. 17, focusing on early voting and election education. “It’s a day of nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options and is ready to make their voice count,” according to the No Kings website. Although there was not an official protest planned in Oak Park, residents were invited to join the protest in Forest Park, and a flyer for a protest at the Broadview ICE detention facility was shared through social media. The protest in Broadview at 1930 Beach St. took place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the Forest Park rally at 7510 Roosevelt Rd went from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. While hundreds turned out to line both sides of a portion of Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, demonstrators only trickled into the street outside of the Broadview facility. Many of those present join there every Saturday to ing people,” he said. While they are given a phone call, usually to a family member to tell them they’ve been picked up and where they are at that moment, Florek said ICE staff “strongly encourage them to self-deport.” But, he said, after 18 months of these tactics more people detained know they have other options even though there is great uncertainty. He says clergy is normally let in about 1 p.m. Transports arrive to move the men
SYDNEY LOVAN
Warren Antman holds a banner during a No Kings demonstration at the Broadview ICE facility on Oct. 17.
protest immigration enforcement tactics and the detention facility itself. Oak Park resident Terrence Keleher attended both rallies on Saturday where he brought a guitar and sang protest folk songs. “Folk music has a long tradition in the history of our nation. It’s inspired people and unified people and helped bring about change, and we want to be part of that tradition,” said Keleher. “Today is a perfect time to be unifying people and inspiring people to take action and to help make this world a bet-
ter place.” Keleher also said “we need to save our democracy” and getting out to vote, especially early, is critical. The demonstration in Broadview remained relatively small and calm as people talked, held signs and wrote messages on the ground in chalk. Tensions were briefly heightened as a counter protester named John, who did not share his last name for safety concerns, paced along the sidewalk sharing his support for law enforcement and other protesters began confronting him. Although John and other protesters disagreed on various political topics brought up, the right to free speech was common ground amongst all.
There were dozens of other demonstrations planned in nearby municipalities and individual neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The No Kings website also shared voting resources. Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election begins Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. and goes until Nov. 2 at 5 p.m at Village Hall in Oak Park at 123 Madison St. Monday through Saturday Village Hall will remain open for voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Sunday Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 it will only be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who are unregistered but still wish to vote early must bring two pieces of identification, one listing their current address. More information can be found on the village website.
out, usually to somewhere near Indianapolis, around2 p.m. They are in leg chains, a waist chain and handcuffs as they are moved out. I asked Florek if he spent his time offering practical advice or a spiritual message. “I don’t separate the spiritual,” he said. “I’m not a lawyer but we do have information we share.” The spiritual message, he said, is “that they know they are not abandoned. It’s listening. They value that. They value that.”
As we push toward two years of this assault on American values, I asked Florek how he has come to see this moment. It is, he said, “a legal issue, a political issue, more and more a moral issue.” But now he sees it increasingly as an economic issue. “There is a lot of money in this. It’s clear someone is making a lot of money on this,’ he said pointing to ICE jobs, mainly for younger white men, to the private concerns running the facilities. “And we still have a president who
invokes God. Whose God? There is still a strong enough base of Christians backing this. But what theology is being shared?” asked Florek. He cited lots of chatter about “chosen people” and worries over the talk of “end times.” Florek takes solace in the united message of U.S. Catholic bishops, of popes, both Francis and Leo, with the singular warning against the “dehumanization of people.”
SYDNEY LOVAN
An upside down American flag flies outside of the Broadview ICE facility.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Dozens give public comment at plan commission hearing on Shape Oak Park recommendations Continued public comment and cross examination to come at November meeting By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
SYDNEY LOVAN
Public commenters raise their right hands to be sworn in at the plan commission meeting on Oct. 15, at at the OPRF High School Auditorium.
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The Oak Park’s Plan Commission reconvened at OPRF on Oct. 15 for the second hearing for the proposed Shape Oak Park zoning changes. The meeting included the first public presentation of a village commissioned feasibility study and the beginning of public comment. There were 41 community members that spoke at the hearing, with more public comment still to come at the next hearing in November. There was a wide range of opinions expressed ranging from adamant opposition to complete support, but the majority fell somewhere in the middle. There were 27 speakers against the proposal and 14 in support. Of the 27, many expressed they are in support of afford-
able housing solutions and making some sort of changes to address zoning issues, but feel the process is moving too quickly with insufficient information on impacts or want some aspects as it is currently written to change. “Please do not recommend this villagewide package as drafted,” said Mike Gift, the first to give public comment. “Instead, recommend a focused approach around genuinely walkable transit in commercial areas, supported by Oak Park’s specific analysis of affordability, parking, traffic, schools, and infrastructure, and with meaningful residential input. Oak Park can grow.” The crowd remained relatively calm giving occasional applause and cheers except for a substantial round of booing during David Teeghman’s statements in support
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Mike Gift gives public comment at the plan commission meeting on Oct. 15, at the OPRF auditorium. of the proposal. Teeghman is the executive committee chair for Sierra Club’s Chicago group and spoke to the organization’s support in regards to the plans potentially positive impact on the environment and commented on the racially motivated background of the zoning code. “Single-family-only zoning is a tool of segregation that intentionally raises housing costs to decrease the racial and economic diversity of our communities as we face an affordable housing crisis. We cannot let a relic of Jim Crow like single-family only zoning hold Oak Park back from living up to its inclusive values,” said Teeghman. Those comments sparked the disapproving reaction from attendees. He concluded his statement with a bow and blew kisses back into the crowd. Multiple speakers highlighted the 2014 Envision Oak Park: A Comprehensive Plan for the Oak Park Community. It was adopted to “be used to guide decisions related to development regulations, capital improvement expenditures, and other local policies and actions,” and provide “context for how village government may use its resources and collaborate with other partners to accomplish objectives beyond the scope of any one proposed improvement or investment,” according to the Comprehensive Plan document. The Land Use and Built Environment section addresses transit-oriented development to address availability and affordability concerns placing emphasis on downtown Oak Park, Madison Street Corridor
and commercial districts. “If the board believes Oak Park’s vision has changed, the honest path is the one we took in 2014: Update Envision Oak Park first in public with every neighborhood at the table, and then write the zoning to match,” said Chris Popa during public comment. “Until then, the plan commission should send this proposal back to the board. Let’s honor the plan we already made and fix it to what we already have before we rezone the whole village.” Another speaker, Sanjay Shivpuri, said he was “disappointed” in the commissioners and it was a “dereliction of your duties” for not asking questions related to the Comprehensive Plan during consultant presentations. The next plan commission meeting will take place in Village Hall, to allow for livestreaming of the hearing, on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The public comment will resume, and any speakers that requested public comment at either of the previous meetings but was not present or did not get called yet will have an opportunity to present. There are already 14 filings for cross examination which allows for 15 minutes instead of the three minutes allotted for public comment. Cross examination is directed at village staff and consultants, not the commissioners, who will then continue to deliberate before making a recommendation to the full village board. If a decision is not reached at the November meeting, which could be likely said Commission Chair Michael Sturino the hearing will continue in December.
SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO BOYCOTT Why Vote YES on the Referendum? Since 2015, Illinois law bans state pension fund investment in businesses that choose to boycott or divest from the State of Israel. • FREE SPEECH: Politically motivated bans on boycotts violate •
First Amendment rights to speech, assembly, and petition. Based on a unanimous 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the ACLU supports repealing the state pension law. As attacks on these rights increase nationally, Illinois should strengthen its commitment to free speech.
• HUMAN RIGHTS: Israel is committing ongoing human rights
violations in Gaza and the West Bank. Yet, current Illinois law protects Israel in state pensions funds by publishing a list of prohibited companies and by divesting in those companies that boycott Israel. For example, when Ben & Jerry’s stopped selling ice cream in the occupied West Bank for ethical reasons, Illinois pension funds divested from its parent company, Unilever.
• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Illinois should remove anti-boycott investment restrictions so that state pension fund managers can pursue the strongest financial returns. Doing so will help maximize taxpayer dollars, strengthen underfunded pension funds, and ensure investment decisions are guided by fiduciary duty and financial performance.
REFERENDUM QUESTION
Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?
TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN, REQUEST A SIGN, OR DONATE: For more information: www.opfreespeech.org Paid for by Oak Parkers for Free Speech
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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What is online accessibility and how can small businesses be affected?
Candycopia settlement opens dialogue for larger discussion on accessibility and Progress Center for Independent Living speaks to lived experiences By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Candycopia co-owner Alycia Mason shared on social media in early October that the Lake Street candy retailer faced a five-figure legal settlement over website ADA compliance. Mason said in the video she trusted the website developers and the thirdparty Shopify apps being used as they are a small business and have not heavily invested in their online presence. What she didn’t realize was that the website was only about 92% ADA compliant, opening the store up to a lawsuit. “I just want to share our experience that there are people that are preying on small businesses that don’t have the money to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into development to make sure the site is right, and you get caught and you get a lawsuit and there’s nothing you can do,” said Mason in the video. “Let me save you the trouble and only pay engineering fees, so you do right by all the consumers.” Website accessibility means that online information, tools and technology are not just available to everyone, but actually usable for everyone. There are a diverse range of online tools such as screen readers, alternative text for images, closed captioning, and speech-based decision-making using Siri that are only effective when websites are developed to work in tandem. Design elements of a website can also create barriers such as low contrast and specialized fonts that are not compatible with screen readers. UsableNet published a 2026 Midyear Report in which researchers tracked digital accessibility lawsuits and analyzed trends. The report projects over 6,000 cases to be filed in 2026, a record, and Illinois is on the rise citing Equal Access Law Group PLLC as a driving force in the state. ECommerce remains at the top of the
industries targeted by these lawsuits at about 79% with the next sector, food industry, at only 14%. Businesses with revenue under $50 million make up about 68% of case fillings. “eCommerce and food service dominate filings because that’s where commercial necessity meets everyday life online,” said the UsableNet report. “For a shopper who is blind or has low vision, an inaccessible checkout or ordering page isn’t an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to buying at all.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform called out “Abusive ADA Lawsuits” in 2022 stating “It is evident that in many ADA cases, plaintiffs’ lawyers are prioritizing monetary benefits over ADA compliance.” However, behind the lawsuits and industry numbers are real people with real accessibility issues. Over a quarter of people in the United States, an estimated 70 million, reported living with a functional disability according to the CDC. Wednesday Journal sat down with Progress Center for Independent Living in Forest Park to learn more. “I believe that accessibility is not a case of, well, you have special needs, so we need to help you,” said Community Organizer Clark Craig. “No, we are people first, but we have to struggle with the limitations society places on how people can live in the community.” Executive Director Horacio Esparza shared personal lived experience with online barriers buying airline tickets which can take him hours to navigate. Katie O’Neill, who works on community reintegration, shared her experience with websites that focus on “aesthetics more than functionality,” such as flashing lights that prevent her from accessing them at all. The internet can help break down physical barriers when accessibility is appropriately addressed, and the tools
are not just there for those with a disability but make online experiences better for everyone. “Why wouldn’t you want to make that easier for all your consumers in there for your business,” said O’Neill. O’Neill also highlighted that anyone can develop a disability at any time and “if we are privileged to grow old, we will become disabled most likely in some capacity, so it’s really something that is around us all the time, and I don’t think people realize that.” Program Director Eric Peebles said the internet has expanded access to many things for him such as online grocery shopping and signing documents. “I was a small business owner for a while, and every small business owner wants to increase their footprint, draw in more customers,” said Peebles. “As I always say, people with disabilities are the greatest untapped resources for talent, and we want to engage in commerce, just like everybody else.” Craig called out the misconceptions people have around the financial impact people with disabilities can have and businesses can lose out on. “Sometimes people forget that people with disabilities is a huge market, and particularly people think people with disabilities are often poor people, but that’s not true. People with disabilities have money to contribute to the business environment,” said Craig. The Progress Center team spoke to the importance of including people with disabilities in the conversations, decisions, and “all aspects of planning.” “It’s huge because people without disabilities don’t have the lived experience and may miss some very obvious things,” said Craig. The Illinois Assistive Technology Program offers resources to all who need them. More information on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines can be found on the Web Accessibility Initiative website.
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Oak Park will crack down on nuisance and vacant properties with ordinance update Village staff says communication and compliance are the goals By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park residents may drive past the abandoned IHOP on North Avenue, the Mohr Concrete facility or hear about health and safety violations at Heritage House and wonder why it takes so long for them to be fixed. IHOP, at 6501 W. North Ave., has been vacant since it closed in 2016 and remained partly demolished. The Mohr property at 915 S Maple Ave., permanently closed in 2018 and has undergone ownership legal battles while dealing with repeated issues of vandalization. Heritage House, at 201 Lake St., most recently appeared in adjudication court this July for 10 total citations. To help address those questions and similar concerns, the village board on Oct. 13 unanimously approved amendments recommended by village staff to the ordinance for nuisance and vacant buildings. Trustee Chibuike Enyia was not present at the meeting to vote. The new ordinance amended the “Nuisances” chapter of the building code to repeal and replace the existing “Vacant Buildings” and combine both into one with updated enforcement processes. It aims to give village staff more tools and financial incentives for properties to come into compliance quicker as well as reduce the expense of repeatedly sending out staff to the continually violating properties. Jonathan Burch, director of Neighborhood Services, said at the meeting “compliance is the goal.” He recognized some property owners may have extenuating circumstances preventing them from remediating violations, something the village is willing to assist with to find solutions. “That said, we also have property owners who are not necessarily engaging as earnestly in the process,” said Burch. Under the code, the village can issue notice of violations to properties considered a “nuisance” mainly focusing on concerns of
health, safety and security. If the violation is not corrected and the property owner has not communicated with the village, a citation can be issued. Originally, the amendment stated properties could be designated a nuisance if a violation went uncorrected for 45 days. However, the board requested it be changed to 45 days from the citation to allow for more time. Trustee Cory Wesley, with agreement from other board members, also requested that “weeds or other plant growth” be struck from “unsanitary conditions” that could be cause for violation calling it “excessive.” A property in which more than two notices of violation concerning the same condition within a six month period, or four such notices within one year, “regardless of whether the condition was corrected or an extension of time to correct the condition was approved” can also be designated a nuisance property, according to the draft ordinance. This is to address properties which “solve” the issue, but have repeated reports of the same problem seeming to point to a larger unresolved root cause. A property determined to be a “nuisance property” can be subject to maximum end of financial penalties of $750 and expected registration fees to be set at $200 with an inspection fee of $500. The owner of such property will have to submit a remediation plan, and the village will continue to follow up with the progress of the plan. Burch explained communication between property owners and village staff is the key to this process, and the code is not meant to target owners “if you’re maintaining your property to a good standard and you’re working with us diligently towards moving forward.” “Again, we’re not focused on inherently every property that runs afoul of these standards registering them immediately,” said Burch. “It is simply an additional tool for property owners that are not attempting to work with us.” Burch also said the village wants to be more “aggressive” with finding properties they believe to be vacant. Currently, property owners come to them voluntarily to report vacancy; However, village staff can use water billing See NUISANCE on page 17
A Special Conversation with Wright Stewards
Photos: James Caulfield
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home? Join the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust for a special evening with author Kristine Hansen (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Illinois), in conversation with homeowners about their stewardship of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and Highland Park, IL. Hear fascinating stories from the homeowners about their experiences living in a historic Wright home, and how they care for and preserve them. This event is free for Trust Members; $10 general public Tuesday, October 27 Reception at 6 pm; Program: 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm Nineteenth Century Club 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 flwright.org
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Derek Eder to run for a full term on the Oak Park board First official campaign after being appointed last year
By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park Trustee Derek Eder has his sights set on one main priority to focus his election
campaign on: climate change. This is not new for Eder, as his interest in local politics began with a passion for sustainability and for taking action to fight the climate crisis. He said he wants to show his
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children that he is actively working to make the planet a better place for them to grow up, and that the local level is one of the best places for it to be addressed. “Climate change, it affects all of us, and we can’t escape the responsibility of doing something about it,” said Eder. “It’s what sort of motivated me to want to join the board when I was appointed last year to be that voice for climate change action on the village board, so I feel like I’ve done a good job of being that voice and advocating for more local action, more local policies. Eder was appointed to the board in 2025 after Susan Buchanan resigned, so this is his first official campaign for the position. His seat is one of three up for election on April 6. There are currently six candidates who have announced their candidacy. Eder, a long-time climate activist, was initially involved with Oak Park Climate Action Network where he helped create the Climate Coaches program. This helped inspire the village’s Oak Park Energy Navigator program recently launched to assist g residents in understanding sustainable options for their homes. Although multiple initiatives, policies and goals have been successfully pushed forward since Eder took office, the work is not over, he said. He said funding still remains a “huge barrier” for residents to make changes, and it is something he hopes to address in the next term with a potential loan program and giving added focus to renters in multi-unit buildings. “Making that funding available for folks to actually make those changes is a critical way to actually accelerate the transition we’re already undergoing,” said Eder. Eder adopts his philosophy of taking action now to many different areas of responsibility as a trustee and current decisions presented to the village board such as long-term capital improvement projects, funding plans and the Shape Oak Park’s initiative to address housing issues. “The cost of doing nothing is you pay for it later,” said Eder. “I think there’s some folks who see the big ticket items, and they are concerned about spending. And I totally understand that concern, but we have to look at
JOE KREML, VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
Derek Eder long-term, look at the data, and it shows that if we do nothing, the cost for doing nothing is actually more expensive.” Although the proposed changes to singlefamily zoning is not a position he is campaigning on, it is a contentious topic that intersects with many other areas of work and something residents deeply care about. Eder said he supports the recommendations currently being discussed, but is “open to the finer details and revising and shaping things as we hear more feedback.” “People are scared and worried about what these changes could mean. I refuse to do nothing about it, though,” said Eder. “It is something we can set the rules, and if we set them right, and we make sure that we’re protecting what we love and cherish about Oak Park and the character of the neighborhood, we can get it right.” He is also a strong advocate for creating a more comprehensive inclusionary housing ordinance in tandem with the zoning changes. Currently the ordinance only requires buildings with 25 or more units in specific areas of the village to reserve units for affordable housing, but he wants to lower the requirement to buildings with seven or more units throughout all of Oak Park. Eder said he thinks his collaborative skills and data-driven mind are some of his biggest strengths for the role. Data is incredibly important to him, as a programmer by trade, and a driving factor in all of his decisions. He said he wants to work with the village to make more data readily available to residents in an effort for trust and transparency, “We only really, oftentimes, engage with government when something’s gone wrong,” said Eder. “So more transparency, more data is something that I think that actually can help boost confidence in government in a time where, frankly, confidence in government is low.”
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST, MEET YOUR 2026 HONOREES You nominated them, and on October 13 we celebrated them at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. Twenty-four finalists were recognized across six categories, with one honoree named in each. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer them on.
New & Notable Award
Excellent Eats Award
Health & Wellness Award
Joy Tea
Cafe Cubano
Dynamic Lynks
FINALISTS
FINALISTS
FINALISTS
EcoWilde
Maya del Sol
HEAL Wellness + Longevity
Oak Park Red Dragon
Rustico
Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society
Peace & Joy Within Yoga
Khyber Pass
FFC Oak Park
Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Non-Profit of the Year Award
presented by Matthew W. Johnston, Fulton Grace
presented by Dominican Univserity Brennan School of Business
Cliff Osborn
Collaboration for Early Childhood
FINALISTS
FINALISTS
Brian Dubina
Oak Leyden
Nicole Nodi
Styles 4 kids, NFP
Mary Elworth
Sarah’s Inn
THE OPRF CHOICE AWARD presented by Grachan Agency 2026 WINNER
Whirlwind Coffee chosen by a vote of everyone in the room FINALISTS
Get to know the Chamber behind the awards
The Spotlight Awards come around once a year, but ribbon cuttings, networking nights, and community events keep going all year. See what’s next and how to get involved at oprfchamber.org.
Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce 708.613.0550 info@oprfchamber.com
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Trip to Italy canceled for local Jewish preschool educators
Group required to sign statement distancing them from situation in Gaza By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter
When Claudine Guralnick heard the news that she would not be traveling to Italy this week to learn more about the Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education, she had a simple reaction. “I cried as if someone had passed away,” said Guralnick, preschool director at Temple Har Zion in River Forest. “I couldn’t believe it.” Guralnick and Naomi Garvitt, Glasser Preschool director at Oak Park Temple, were among 60 educators nationwide that had been slated to travel to the EmiliaRomagna region of northern Italy to learn more about the Reggio Emilia Approach and bring those learnings home to their respective preschools. The trip had been coordinated by The Paradigm Project, an organization focused on “unlocking the incredible potential of the early childhood years.” But as reported by the Times of Israel, the teachers were required to sign a special statement prior to traveling. That statement, according to the Times of Israel: “I distance myself from the occupation of Gaza and the violation of children’s and human beings’ rights in the occupied territories as well as in every place (sic) in the world.” Garvitt’s reaction to the news was similar to Guralnick’s. Like her counterpart, she has never been to Italy, but that’s not the point. “I was hoping to get a hands-on, broader sense of how they ran their preschool,” she said. “It’s always nice to learn other cultures and what they do in their classrooms. I was hoping to bring new concepts, new ways of learning for the children and new ways for teachers to implement in their classroom.
“It was saddening. We were a Jewish group going there, just to learn the preschool program. We were asked to feel some way as a religious organization.”
Security concerns The Times of Israel noted that “the statement was the result of a protest by some parents associated with the local organization that was set to host the Jewish educators, who objected to their participation over alleged support for Israel and the Israel Defense Forces.” Garvitt said the U.S. group was scheduled to leave for Italy Oct. 10 and the onsite learning program would have been held from Oct. 11 to Saturday. The Paradigm Project made the call to cancel the trip out of an abundance of caution for participants. But ahead of that decision, Guralnick said there were strict rules about moving about in Reggio Emilia. “Do not go out,” she said security personnel told the group on a virtual meeting in the days before leaving. “We were supposed to study until three or four o’clock and then we were going to explore the city. “They told us, ‘If you decide to go out, stay in groups. Don’t pay attention if someone is screaming at you.’” But Guralnick said she was still willing to take the trip to Italy. “I wanted to make a point that you won’t keep us from there,” she said. “The statement pretty much says it all. You know we weren’t going to sign it.” She and Garvitt have been using the Reggio Emilia Approach for some time and will continue to use it. The rub is that any new learnings from Italy won’t be applied locally. “I think the sad part for me is I have such a strong belief in this philosophy,” Guralnick said. “You can see it working with the children, it’s an exciting way of teaching. It’s rewarding for the children, it’s rewarding for the educator.” Garvitt agreed. “We’re currently doing it in the class-
SYDNEY LOVAN
Claudine Guralnick, left, and Naomi Garvitt at Oak Park Temple on Oct. 16. room (and) my plan is to continue it,” she said. “I don’t want something like this to say we don’t want to do this anymore, because then they win. We’ll continue to implement it because it’s what’s best for our children.”
Rabbis see connection to referendum vote The Reggio Amilia situation hits home for Rabbi Max Weiss of Oak Park Temple, who said he was “disappointed that the leader of our school wouldn’t have that experience to learn.” But there was a deeper issue, he said, directly tied to the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. “I was angry that the BDS movement resulted in harming children at our preschool,” he said. “Both of our schools have reputations of being schools focused on children. The BDS program caused folks in Italy to act in a way that barred educators coming to learn, and that can have an impact on our community as well, when you don’t respect others’ viewpoints.” In Weiss’s mind, there is a link between the situation and a Nov. 3 Oak Park referendum question, “Should the state of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the state
of Israel?” “The anti-boycott referendum comes directly out of the BDS movement,” he said. “I would say it is tied together in that the pro-referendum movement is a symptom of a broader issue that is ultimately harmful to us because it is bifurcating our community. “It has created an atmosphere of, if you don’t agree with a different point of view, folks won’t be in community with you.” Mark Segal is spokesman for Oak Park Neighbors United, a group offering arguments why Oak Park community members should vote no on the referendum. “When early childhood educators from our own local Jewish preschools must disavow Israel simply to attend an international professional conference, we see clearly how Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions-inspired boycotts of Israel are discriminatory in practice and don’t stop at Israel or Israelis,” he said. “They hit us here in Oak Park and River Forest. “This is why we oppose this referendum, which is supportive of BDS in intent and effect, and which leads to neighbors being singled out because of their Jewish identity or connection to Israel. Whatever our differences over international conflicts, our community should oppose this divisive referendum.”
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
OPRF wants new arts wing but timing of any vote is in question Next April at the earliest By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter
To have a referendum in 2027 or not? That’s the question the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education will likely decide at its Oct. 22 meeting. The school board will decide whether to ask voters at the April 6 local election to authorize borrowing $84.6 million to go forward with the third stage, called Act 3, of the Imagine plan to redo OPRF. Act 3 would focus on the performing arts, especially music, and demolish and rebuild portions of the southwest portion of the building to construct new music spaces including new band, choir and orchestra rooms. The school administration is not making a recommendation as to whether the school board should place a referendum on the ballot next spring or wait one year. D200 Superintendent Greg Johnson said he is torn and outlined a number of concerns with putting a referendum on the ballot in 2027. “I would say that a spring referendum this school year is challenging for a number of reasons,” Johnson told the school board at its Oct 8 meeting. Johnson said he was concerned about the delay in completing Project 2, the new physical education wing in the southeast corner of the building that is not expected to be fully open until December, nearly four months behind schedule. That delay gives the community less time to see what the improvement to the school looks like and does. Johnson is concerned about construction fatigue. “There is a question about the appetite and the ability for the community to say yes this is the right time,” Johnson said. “Had Project 2 been done in August is kind of a different conversation.” Johnson also said he is not sure there is enough time before the April 6 election for proponents of the Act 3 project to make their case to voters. But Johnson also said that the need for new music spaces is great and that he wants students to have new, better spaces as soon as possible. Johnson, who is expected to retire when his current contract expires in 2030, also noted that he personally would like to see Act 3 completed while he is superintendent which wouldn’t happen if a referendum is delayed until 2028. If a referendum is not held at the local elections on April 6, 2027, the next opportunity for a referendum would be the primary election in the spring of 2028 or the November 2028 general election. Johnson said if the school board wants to hold a referendum next spring, they have to decide as soon as possible to let the school and supporters do what is necessary to prepare for the referendum. Anthony Arbogast, the district’s top finance official, said the current climate might not be the best time to ask voters to vote to increase their taxes but also noted that a delay
would mean that students would have at least one year longer in less than ideal spaces. “This is a tough economic climate and I’m sure it’s one our families are feeling as well, but it is never lost on me that delaying one year is one more year with our students living with what we have,” Arbogast said. Costs of the project are expected to increase if the school board decides to delay for a year. At least three school board members, Jonathan Livingston, Graham Brisben, and Josh Gertz, said at the Oct 8 meeting that they do not favor holding a referendum in 2027. Board member Kathleen Odell also seemed inclined to wait a year. “My intuition is that spring 2027 is too soon,” Odell said. Tim Brandhorst spoke strongly in favor of holding a referendum next spring while Fred Arkin said that he was undecided and wavering and school board president Audrey Williams-Lee did not tip her hand. Depending on the length of the bond issue, a successful referendum next spring would cost the owner of a home worth $500,000 an additional $290 to $333 in property taxes annually to pay off the bonds. The cost to the owner of home worth $700,000 would range from $414 to $475 annually. Livingston argued strongly in favor of waiting a year. He said the fact that the administration was not making any recommendation and had concerns about having a referendum in 2027 was telling. “We got an I’m on the fence recommendation from the administration,” Livingston said. Livingston said this is not the right time to hold a referendum saying the school needed more time to educate voters about the project and the need. Livingston said he favored the project and didn’t doubt the need but was concerned that a 2027 referendum would be defeated. “I think it would folly to rush to a referendum in the spring of 2027,” Livingston said. “I think the risk is too great. I prefer to delay a year to spring of 2028.”. Livingston noted that Oak Park voters decisively defeated a Park District of Oak Park referendum last spring. “I think we should pay attention to that,” Livingston said. “I’m not saying it’s the same thing but I think it is something that we should consider.” Livingston said he wants more time for the school and advocates of Act 3 to make their case. “I think we need to be really, really very strategic, very thoughtful about what we’re getting into, about how we proceed,” Livingston said. “I want to engage in the community.” Livingston said he wants to make sure that the referendum passes when it comes to a vote. Gertz, who has expressed doubts about the scope of Act 3, said he prefers holding a referendum in November 2028 because that is the election that will have the highest turnout.
Brisben said delays in the completion of Project 2 have caused him to have doubts about the ability of the district’s architectural firm and general contractor to execute and he would like to see a “time out” on construction. But Brandhorst said he saw no value in waiting until 2028. He said current spaces are sub-standard and even dangerous, and he wants new spaces for students and teachers as soon as possible. “I believe the band room, in particular, is unsafe and that we send employees into that space every day,” Brandhorst said. “I think it’s unsafe for our students, I think it’s unsafe for our employees and I’m not interested in delaying a year or two in remedying that.” Brandhorst said he recently saw renderings of the new spaces and was very impressed. He said that he thinks community members will also be impressed and will want to go forward. “These are going to be learning spaces that our students deserve and they will be learning spaces that our faculty are going to be able to thrive in,” Brandhorst said. Brandhorst said the community is well aware of the need and the stages of the Imagine plan so he questioned whether a delay of a year would really make much of a difference in the chance of a referendum passing. “We’re going to have to trust our taxpayers, trust our voters, we just are, whether we go to referendum in April, or a year from April or a year and a half from April,” Brandhorst said. “We’re going to have trust the community and I do. … I trust our voters to do the right thing.”
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
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OPRF focuses on key groups as discipline issues rose last year
Racial disparity in discipline persists By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter
Oak Park and River Forest High School continues to address student discipline issues, including the chronic racial disparity in how Black students turn up in the discipline system at numbers greater than the percentage of Black enrollment. The school has also identified students transferring into OPRF as a group where added early focus might reduce discipline incidents. Overall, disciplinary incidents rose by 7.5% last year and out of school suspensions increased from 19 to 29 at OPRF according to a report delivered to the school board at its Sept. 24 meeting. In total, 382 separate students, up from 342 students last year, were involved in disciplinary incidents during the 2025-26 school year. There continues to be a significant racial disparity in which OPRF students are involved in disciplinary incidents. While Black students make up 17% of the OPRF student population 38% of the students involved in disciplinary incidents at OPRF during the 2025-26 school year were Black. White students, who account for just over 52% of the student body, accounted for 29% of disciplinary incidents. Hispanic students, who make up just over 16% of the student population were involved in 20% of the disciplinary incidents. Black students were also disproportionally represented among the 29 students who received out of school suspensions last year. Sixteen Black students received out of school suspensions last year while 3 white students and 6 Hispanic students received out of school suspensions last year. “The disproportionate participation of our African American students in disciplinary incidents continues to be an area of concern,” states the report that was presented to the school board by Assistant Principal for Operations David Narain and Principal Lynda Parker. Because of the racial disproportionality of its out of school suspensions OPRF is required to submit a discipline improvement
plan to the state of Illinois under the state’s Exclusionary Discipline Plan. OPRF, like other schools in Illinois, have been trying to reduce out of school suspensions in response to a law enacted a little more than 10 years ago intended to limit the number of out of school suspensions and expulsions. The OPRF administration has been trying to reduce the racial disproportionality of its suspensions to satisfy the state’s requirements. “We made it our mission to reduce the number of incidents that would lead to suspension in the hopes that that would improve our disparity rate,” Narain told the school board. OPRF has been making progress on reducing the number of out of school suspensions and the percentage of Black students who are suspended. In the 2022-23 school year 66 OPRF students received out of school suspensions and 86% of those were Black compared to the 29 suspensions, 55% of whom were Black, last year. The report presented a chart that showed that OPRF had fewer, most often significantly fewer, out of school suspensions than at what was presented as demographically similar high schools. While less than 1% of OPRF students received an out of school suspension last year the out of school suspension rate at Evanston Township High School was 4.72%. The low number of out of school suspensions at OPRF led to an incisive question by one of the student delegates to the school board. “Is that just because we’re putting more kids in school reflection or is it because we’re actually having less incidents that are leading to that action,” sophomore Jackson Carroll asked Narain. Narain didn’t directly answer but said that OPRF doesn’t suspend students for vaping. Instead it tries to educate them. “If we were to, let’s say, use out of school suspension for something like vaping, our out of school numbers would be like more like other districts, but would that be equitable and would that be just,” said Narain in response to Carroll’s question explaining that OPRF uses a restorative justice approach. “Putting a student out of school is damaging to them academically and not beneficial to them in terms of learning.” The number of incidents of physical violence at OPRF last year was essentially un-
changed from the 2024-25 school year with 72 incidents last year compared to 71 in the 2024-25 school year. There were 25 one on one fights last year, 37 incidents of what is referred to “physical force against another student” four incidents of physical force against staff, which were all described as students pushing against staff who were trying to restrict their movement or actions of emotional distress, and there were six incidents of multiple students fighting, down from 10 the previous year. “The number of one-on-one mutual fights remains a metric that we hope to improve upon, however the number and impact of these incidents remains minor in comparison to similar schools,” the report states. Students involved in fights or the use of physical force are referred to a social worker who gives the student a behavioral and emotional screening. Depending on the results of the screening the student might be referred to a social work intervention group. OPRF emphasizes working with students to change behavior. Narain said that a student’s sense of belonging at the school has a big impact on their behavior and the school is actively working to increase that sense of belonging with students who have gotten in trouble in the past. Students are encouraged to become part of school activities. Narain pointed to a few success stories saying that there were some students who last year caused lots of problems but this year are engaged in school activities such as playing on the football team or being involved in other activities. He said that their behavior has markedly improved. “We are trying to prevent minor discipline from becoming serious and we are already seeing the results of that four weeks into this school year,” Narain said. OPRF employs a student support specialist who works closely with students who might be problematic or have issues. Narain said that her work is having an impact. “She’s a very popular person,” Narain said. “She has a very small office but it is always full of students.” The school is also taking steps to engage with transfer students after discovering that students who don’t come from, or did not spend the majority of their pre-high school education, in OPRF’s feeder districts seem to be more likely to get in trouble.
Parker said that there already has been three events for transfer students including a separate book pick up and get your class schedule time and a separate parent night in an effort to build rapport. “We made a concentrated effort so that we are working with those students intentionally from the start of school,” Parker said. Younger students are more likely to be involved in a disciplinary incidents with freshmen accounting for 30% of incidents, sophomores 31%, juniors 23% and seniors just 16%. Boys accounted for 65% of the disciplinary incidents. Narain pointed that the overwhelming majority of students at OPRF were not involved in any incidents that required discipline. “We’re really proud of the fact that 89% of our approximately 3,300 students were not involved in any incidents at all,” Narain said adding that number would increase to 95% if you take out minor one time infractions. Vaping continues to be a problem with 93 students referred for discipline last year for the use THC vapes, nicotine or alcohol compared to 81 the year before. Students are caught vaping or engaged in other addictive behaviors are referred to the Way Back Inn treatment center and must attend two group sessions. Parker said that last year’s changes to the bathrooms, removing the bathrooms’ exterior doors, has resulted in increased access to the bathrooms. “It’s not groups and clusters of kids anymore,” Parker said. Six incidents led to expulsion review for 10 students last year. According to the report five of those incidents involved an object used or attempted to be used as a weapon while the sixth incident was a group fight. There were no incidents involving guns or look-alike weapons at OPRF last year. Two students were recommended for expulsion while two others were recommended for a more appropriate setting based on their Individual Education Plans (IEP’s). “The remaining six students were not expelled and were permitted to return to school with appropriate supports in place,” the report states. School board members seemed pleased with the report. “It does sound like we’re heading in the right direction,” said Josh Gertz.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Trade Oak Park looks for silver lining after break-in as investigation continues Store owner estimates $30,000 in inventory lost By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Early the morning of Oct. 13 Matthew Greenwell, the owner of Trade Oak Park, a trading and sports card store and lounge, got the news every business fears: there was a burglary at his store. Around 4 a.m. that morning, an Oak Park police officer arrived at Greenwell’s home to notify him of the incident, and he quickly went to the business at 163 S. Oak Park Ave., and prepared himself for the worst. When he saw the damage, he said it was not as bad as it could have been, but it was still devastating. The front door was pried open with a crowbar, and the front two display cases had been smashed with
the cards inside stolen worth an estimated $30,000. The crowbar was left inside, there was blood from what is assumed to be an injury sustained when the glass was broken. Police were able to obtain fingerprints, according to Greenwell. “There’s hope that these people will be caught,” said Greenwell. “Whether or not we get any inventory back, it’s probably a very long shot, but no one was hurt and none of the exterior windows were broken, so these are all really positive things.” Similar thefts have occurred at multiple card shops around the Chicago and west suburban area including Heroes Sports Cards in North Riverside, Bridgeport Hobby in South Chicago, and Elite Sports Cards and Comics on North Harlem Avenue. Greenwell said the increase in participation around the hobby and awareness of how valuable items can be mixed with the current state of the economy can “bring
out bad actors” and make card shops a “natural target.” “I think card shops and collectors, we have to reconcile with that and understand that and protect ourselves from that while at the same time knowing that it’s inevitable,” said Greenwell. Trade Oak Park opened less than two years ago quickly becoming a staple in the community for all ages. However, the store has faced added difficulties with the ongoing construction on Oak Park Avenue. “It’s very difficult to operate a business where it is a destination business where people do travel from outside of the city limits, Oak Park, the village limits, to come to the shop, where they cannot park or drive to the shop,” said Greenwell. Through it all it is the people and interactions that keep him motivated, and the strength of the community he has built became apparent with the break-in. Greenwell shared a post on Instagram about the
incident which quickly spread to Facebook, and he said the amount of support was almost overwhelming. “It’s blown us away with how immediate the traction was from just the one Instagram post,” said Greenwell. “It was a really emotional day because I’m so devastated that it happened, just the violation of trust and security, but then the silver lining is just how much support that we got right away.” Greenwell started a GoFundMe which will be shared on social media and through emails they have on file, something he said he was “hesitant” to do as he feels so supported already. He said coming into the store or leaving a google review are also really valuable for those who want to support but can’t do so financially. The burglary is not stopping the store’s momentum as they try to recover, and multiple events are still taking place throughout October and November which can be found on their Trade Collectors app.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
SUGAR BEET from page 1 store has fully repaid contributors for the $700,000 loaned to open the store and is currently debt free. Sugar Beet board members Rey Rosa, Johnny Mathias and Peter Ricci credited General Manager Katie Fountain’s hard work and leadership for the store’s and fundraiser’s recent success. “We’re made up of people that love the community, love the food, committed to local healthier foods, and so it’s important for us to grow and change. We haven’t done a ton of that in the last 10 years, and the competitive market changes,” said Fountain. The new Pete’s Fresh Market location just down the street at 640-728 Madison St., had the potential of causing a “huge impact on sales,” with other co-ops in similar situations reporting up to 30% declines in sales. Fountain said there has been a softer reduction due to “huge amount of support from our community.” “We’re not them, they’re not us. We’re not trying to be like each other,” said Rosa. “The immediate response [to the campaign] told us everything we needed to know. That regardless of them coming in there, people wanted us here. They need us to be here, and we need them, so that proved it to us that we were doing the right thing.” Planned upgrades include three belted check-out lanes, matching shelves with increased height, moving office space to where the closed cafe currently is, a more profes-
NUISANCE from page 9 data to see which properties have ceased usage with an associated building. If a property is non-responsive to the village and meets the state requirements for abandoned property, the village can work with law enforcement to file an abandonment petition to take the property which “we could make use of for a variety of different affordable housings that we’ve already talked about,” said Burch. Trustee Derek Eder asked about the possibility of publishing data to the public on nuisance and vacant properties, something he worked to do in Chicago previously. Village staff and the board discussed sharing data on the most “egregious” cases such as Heritage House, where residents have re-
sional prepared soup setup, locked liquor cabinets, new fixtures for the produce section, a new bread wall, refreshing bathrooms, and paint. Fountain said updating the sign and window wraps are also being considered in light of the fundraising success. The improvements aim to better serve customers, allow for more space to bring in potential new local producers and help employees with their duties. “Being a co-op allows us to be very missiondriven, and our mission at Sugar Beet is to build community through food, and pretty much every decision we make is around that, and being good to our team members,” said Fountain. She highlighted the store’s Food For All and Beet Buck programs as reflections of the store’s values. The Food For All Program offers 20% off for qualifying shoppers including those on SNAP, Medicaid, student school breakfast and lunch programs, and veteran disability. The Beet Buck program allows shoppers to donate tokens to various local non-profits representing 5 cents saved from each reusable bag or container used. The capital campaign will be accepting contributions for at least the next month, but people are encouraged to make a pledge sooner rather than later. Pledges can be made online on the Sugar Beet website or directly contact Mathias at johnny@sugarbeet.coop. Store improvements are expected to begin early next year, ideally in January, but the timeline is largely conditional on equipment delivery times. Fountain and the board members said they hope to do all of the work in just one week, and the store may have to briefly close to complete the work.
ported multiple extreme health and safety violations. “If people are working with us and fixing issues, I don’t want to name and shame those folks,” said Eder. “I want to name the ones that are delinquent and fall into that state category of abandoned that people have walked away from.” The data discussion will continue between the board and village staff as it was not included in the amended ordinance and is something to be worked on separately. An official decision on how or when that information would be shared was not given at the meeting. With the vote of approval noting the requested changes, the board waived a second reading of the amendment for it to go into effect immediately. The village will be able begin addressing nuisance and vacant properties using the outlined definitions and enforcement process moving forward.
ROLL T0 THE POLLS Cycling advocacy from page 1 “We’re going to try and sort of ramp up early voting,” said Michael Eriksen, one of the event organizers. “I know that’s an important way to participate in democracy.” This ride follows the same route taken on a previous advocacy ride for bike safety and the village’s Vision Zero plan where children were able to come out and help make their voices heard. Eriksen said he feels new road infrastructure like flashing beacons have made a noticeable impact on the safety of biking through the village, and there is still more to be done for all ages and abilities to feel confident on the streets. The event encourages anyone to join in the ride, including children and people not planning on voting. Eriksen said biking is a valuable way for him to connect with people in the community, and this event expands that connection to everyone. “I think part of the throughline of this
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ride is we’re going to ride infrastructure that, in some ways, has been made possible by all these kids coming out and participating in the decision-making process in our village,” said Eriksen. “Also thinking about my vote as a way of building a community and a world that I want my daughters to be able to participate in.” People are also encouraged to decorate their bikes to help the ride feel like a “festive parade” and add to the overarching goal of bringing joy to civic engagement processes. Eriksen said people have attached balloons and brought bubbles to previous events, and “the sky is the limit” when it comes to ideas for this one. “We are allowed to have joy and connection as we start to advocate for this change in our community, in our nation, in our world,” said Eriksen. There will be ride “marshals” at the front and back of the group to make sure everyone stays together, and people can join from whichever stop is closest to them. Zemi Coffee, a bike powered coffee cart, will also meet riders at Village Hall around 2 p.m. More information and a link to RSVP, although it is not needed to join, can be found on the event website.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Legal Notice
H H H cookcountyclerk.com
H H H
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF ELECTION, SPECIMEN BALLOTS, REFERENDA/QUESTIONS OF PUBLIC POLICY & POLLING PLACES Aviso oficial de elección, balota de muestra, referéndums / preguntas de política pública y lugares de votación
OFFICIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by
Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk that the General Election will be held in Suburban Cook County on: que la elección general se llevará acabo en los suburbios de Cook County en:
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Martes, 3 de Noviembre 2026
The General Election will be held in election precincts under the jurisdiction of the Election Division of the Cook County Clerk's Office. La eleccion general tomara acabo en precintos de eleccion bajo la jurisdicción de la división de eleccion del Cook County Clerk's Office.
The Polls for said General Election will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations are subject to change as necessity requires. Las urnas para tal eleccion general estarán abiertas de las 6 a.m. hasta las 7 p.m. Localidades están sujetas a cambio por necesidad.
At the General Election the voters will vote on the following contests and referenda questions. Referenda/Questions of Public Policy will be voted upon in those precincts of Cook County under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Clerk in which a Unit of Local Government has requested the County Clerk’s Office to place said referenda/questions of public policy on the ballot. En la eleccion general los votantes votaran por los siguientes puestos y cuestiones de referendo. Referendos/Cuestiones de Política Pública serán votadas en aquellos precintos de Cook County bajo la jurisdicción del Cook County Clerk en la cual una unidad de gobierno local le ha pedido a la oficina del County Clerk que provea dicho referendo/cuestión de política pública en la boleta.
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OFFICIAL NOTICE OF REFERENDA/QUESTIONS OF PUBLIC POLICY
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF POLLING PLACES
The voting will be conducted at the following polling places for each of the aforesaid election precincts selected by the Cook County Clerk. Las votaciones tomaran lugar en cada de los antedichos precintos de elección seleccionados por el Cook County Clerk. TWP 8500001 8500002 8500003 8500004 8500005 8500006 8500007 8500008 8500009 8500010 8500011 8500012 8500013 8500014 8500015 8500016 8500017 8500018 8500019 8500020 8500021
PollingPlaceName HATCH SCHOOL HATCH SCHOOL LONGFELLOW SCHOOL HORACE MANN SCHOOL HORACE MANN SCHOOL OAK PARK ARMS OAK PARK ARMS DOLE LEARNING CENTER AMERICAN HOUSE WHITTIER SCHOOL DOLE LEARNING CENTER PERCY JULIAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL LONGFELLOW SCHOOL HORACE MANN SCHOOL OAK PARK VILLAGE HALL ADELE H. MAZE LIBRARY LINCOLN SCHOOL HOLMES SCHOOL GWENDOLYN BROOKS MIDDLE SCHOOL 19TH CENTURY CLUB PERCY JULIAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
TownshipName OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK
Address 1000 N RIDGELAND AVE 1000 N RIDGELAND AVE 715 HIGHLAND AVE 921 N KENILWORTH AVE 921 N KENILWORTH AVE 408 S OAK PARK AVE 408 S OAK PARK AVE 255 AUGUSTA ST 703 MADISON ST 715 N HARVEY AVE 255 AUGUSTA ST 416 S RIDGELAND AVE 715 HIGHLAND AVE 921 N KENILWORTH AVE 123 MADISON ST 845 GUNDERSON AVE 1111 S GROVE AVE 508 N KENILWORTH AVE 325 S KENILWORTH AVE 178 FOREST AVE 416 S RIDGELAND AVE
City OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK
ZipCode 60301 60301 60304 60302 60302 60302 60302 60302 60302 60302 60302 60302 60304 60302 60302 60304 60304 60302 60302 60301 60302
Active Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
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OAKPARK.COM continued from previous page 8500022 8500023 8500024 8500025 8500026 8500027 8500028 8500029 8500030 8500031 8500032
OAK PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY OAK PARK OAK PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY OAK PARK OAK PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY OAK PARK WASHINGTON IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OAK PARK BEYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OAK PARK AMERICAN HOUSE OAK PARK GWENDOLYN BROOKS MIDDLE SCHOOL OAK PARK WEST CENTRAL CHURCH OAK PARK WASHINGTON IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OAK PARK OAK PARK CONSERVATORY OAK PARK BEYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OAK PARK
834 LAKE ST 834 LAKE ST 834 LAKE ST 1125 S CUYLER AVE 230 N CUYLER AVE 703 MADISON ST 325 S KENILWORTH AVE 1154 WISCONSIN AVE 1125 S CUYLER AVE 615 GARFIELD ST 230 N CUYLER AVE
OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK OAK PARK
60301 60301 60301 60302 60302 60302 60302 60304 60302 60304 60302
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
NOTE: The letter (N) following the polling place address denotes that the polling place itself is not accessible to the handicapped although other parts of the facility may be accessible. An exemption has been granted by the State Board of Elections and signs are posted indicating if the whole building is accessible or if there is a special entrance. NOTA: La letra (N) después de la dirección de un lugar de votación indica que el lugar de votación en sí mismo no es accesible para personas discapacitadas, aunque otras partes del edificio pueden ser accesibles. La Junta Electoral del Estado ha concedido una exención y hay carteles publicados que indican si todo el edificio es accesible o si hay una entrada especial.
Dated at Chicago, Illinois this 21st day of October 2026
Monica Gordon
Cook County Clerk cookcountyclerk.com
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
P R O P E R T Y
T R A N S F E R S
OAKPARK.COM
Oak Park home sells for $1,000,000
The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from July 2026. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
1212 Woodbine Ave 317 N Cuyler Ave 1101 S Oak Park Ave 840 W Augusta Blvd 325 S Scoville Ave 511 N Grove Ave 530 N East Ave 1119 Woodbine Ave 534 N Marion St 1103 Holley Ct 415 S Maple Ave 938 Ontario St 415 Wesley Ave 36 W Harrison St 500 Washington Blvd 327 Wisconsin Ave 1113 Holley Ct 1113 Holley Ct 206 N Kenilworth Ave 417 Wisconsin Ave 301 W Chicago Ave 219 W Chicago Ave 201 S Maple Ave 854 Washington Blvd 417 Wisconsin Ave 219 N Oak Park Ave 811 Erie St 800 Washington Blvd 938 North Blvd 240 S Maple Ave 125 Pleasant St 201 S Maple Ave 1111 N Harlem Ave 333 S East Ave 619 W Washington Blvd 111 S Grove Ave 805 N Cuyler Ave 426 S Maple Ave
$1,000,000 $1,075,000 $1,125,000 $1,195,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000 $1,400,000 $1,875,000 $125,000 $143,000 $146,500 $153,500 $157,000 $157,500 $159,000 $162,000 $165,000 $165,000 $165,000 $167,000 $175,000 $184,500 $185,000 $185,000 $205,000 $207,500 $21,500 $232,000 $250,000 $265,000 $267,000 $277,000 $280,000 $280,000 $287,000 $345,000 $355,000
Kakos Steven Meyer William J Tr Three Musketeers Prop Llc Reid Alexandra Tr Raidl Paul R Okeefe Michael P Shepley Emily Martinez Jeanne M Tr Nayar Narayan Madhavan Hampshire Equity Grp Llc De Albani Prop Llc Meier Marilyn Ann Mahoney Michael J King Dennis Szostak Mark Zhang Xiuli Fort Cheryl A Rogman Emily Patel Sangeeta R Vesole Michael Gonzalez Elizabeth Du Yiheng Bernacchi Jr Richard Swiatek Katherine E Day David H Maravelias Jonathan Paddock Virginia L Est Mccormack Robert Molina Samantha Hoganson George M Gies Maureen Raisor Anna Raisbeck Robert B T&J Clark Enterprises Llc Gasso Joseph Lemke Lizbeth J Brill Carol Ann Deforrest Amy
Walker Lucas A Tolisano Jr Richard F Garwood-Martin Lara L Davies Paul Doyle John F Saucier Zachary Lloyd Leal Jennifer Obrien Bethany G Teriba Thelma Garner Carol Sue Cassell Leslie Morelli Alexandra Lopez Rebecka Schipitsch Michael Reed Justin R Johnson Ontario Andrews Susan Phelan John M Tr Ojeda Victor Nieves Jessica A Acevedo Gerardo Eslamian Trust Seiler Cheryl Massie Jr Anthony Dahl Jill C Paradiang Alexander Dadula Janock Harry Kendall Partners Ltd Crespo Michael Richards Abigail Mccoy Andrea B Sanchez Maria Ahmad Talha Garland Meghan Kilponen Lila J Gonzalez Alexander Second City Renewal Llc Nash Katherine A
1212 Woodbine Ave, Oak Park
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
805 N Cuyler Ave 425 S Oak Park Ave 204 S Maple Ave 617 South Blvd 512 N Ridgeland Ave 1004 Mapleton Ave 848 Carpenter Ave 1124 Lake St 706 S Oak Park Ave 1038 Susan Collin Ln 300 N Maple Ave 841 N Lombard Ave 943 N Oak Park Ave 170 N Marion St 1159 S East Ave 132 Wright Ln 715 N Taylor Ave 704 Clarence Ave 1141 S Highland Ave 131 N Harvey Ave 140 N Euclid Ave 904 Hayes Ave
$360,000 $397,000 $400,000 $410,000 $415,000 $420,000 $425,000 $430,000 $443,000 $446,000 $450,000 $460,000 $465,000 $465,000 $495,000 $520,000 $530,000 $545,000 $565,000 $580,000 $580,000 $585,000
Second City Reneval Llc Pande Mihir Schulte Georgiann Palazzolo Antonella Tr Kugelard Tracey Rubino Deborah A Extr Dunn Julieann Land Trust Co Tr Johnson Mahala S Marbini Hamed Hatami Lemberger Earl S Tr Revest Enterprize Llc Magliocco Nichole J Mitchell Sarah Pipke Robert Matthew Bloomberg Mark J Tr Heyes Jill Dumpys Trust Barclay Iv Edward A Tr Brauckman Heather Rysgaard Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Rogalla William
Blueprint Partners Llc Nuredini Maribel Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Popper Jeffrey Suh Youngjoon Sarpong Philip Black Kimberly Gil Gustavo Hilgendorf Kyle Mcintosh Daniel B Milling Melanie M Tr White Wind Investments Llc Rynne Timothy Ragone Alexander B Gasso Joseph Kilty Sean Grbic George Thomas Jesse Capobianco Benjamin P Haynes Bennett Hartwell-Ivins Vicky Rose Oconnor John Paul
P R O P E R T Y
OAKPARK.COM
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
511 S Lyman Ave 1104 Clarence Ave 101 N Euclid Ave 413 S Kenilworth Ave 920 N Lombard Ave 101 N Euclid Ave 733 Garfield St 806 S Scoville Ave 919 Belleforte Ave 1220 N Oak Park Ave 608 S Grove Ave 845 Mapleton Ave 713 S Humphrey Ave 222 N Lombard Ave 627 S East Ave 807 S Taylor Ave 426 N Scoville Ave 713 N Marion St 622 N Ridgeland Ave 734 Gunderson Ave 742 S Highland Ave 818 N Euclid Ave 1228 Linden Ave 320 N Scoville Ave 811 Clarence Ave 135 S Cuyler Ave 801 N Harvey Ave
$585,000 $586,000 $640,000 $650,000 $652,000 $660,000 $675,000 $680,000 $707,000 $715,000 $716,000 $716,000 $740,000 $750,000 $765,000 $765,000 $780,000 $805,000 $875,000 $876,000 $900,000 $918,000 $925,000 $925,000 $980,000 $985,000 $995,000
Stampley Malkia Hostetler Laura E Sherwin Scott David Tr Leal Gilbert Mavrelis Peter Anthony Ettedgui Jose A Tr Kasimatis Dimitri Fullam Spencer J Flamm Laura J Ozemek Cemal Baltmanis Vesma V Major Jim Weber Rachel Pelaprat Etienne Kodama Richard H Javor Kenneth Humowiecki Trust Corno Emily Kathryn Staggs Mitchell Bernstein Doris A Mjs Inv Grp Llc Rao Anita Jones Katherine A Robyn G Dalba Trust Omara Kevin J Tr Marcellino Peter J Jerry Ellen Steele Trust
Caceres Jhon Ciavarella Sara B Yamazaki Kyosuke Desire Tchedly Eiermann Erich Miyata Sarah C 733 Garfield Llc Hobler Matthew L Vogt Charles Hein Lisa Baldauf James T Colliander Angela Maltby-Abbott Jill Martin Samuel A Liversedge Mary Ann Bakkar Jesse Shepley Iii Joseph J Gorsanova Laura Whitney Emily Rosenblatt Carmen Fitzsimmons Shrivastava Anushi Krueger Bryan Krusiewicz Peter Hoey Elissa Clarke Gabriela Bessa Kyle Kim Jeehye
$1,075,000.00 $1,100,000.00 $1,199,000.00 $1,685,000.00 $280,000.00 $285,000.00 $339,000.00 $360,000.00 $435,000.00 $465,000.00 $555,000.00 $589,000.00 $750,000.00 $850,000.00 $850,000.00 $925,000.00 $926,500.00 $965,000.00
Mcnulty Maggie L Trust Ameer Nelson Siler Joe Daly Brendan T Ruggio Jilda N Tr Faulkner Gayle Dmyterko Mary Catherine Tr Mcdonnell John Land Trust Co Tr Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Green Margaret Tr Belanger Steven M Sulkowski Stella Machina Joseph J Marsico Frank V Tr Sorce Joseph P Webster Scott F Tr Reith Jonathan M
Dysard Jeffrey Michael Tr Johnson Kirk Mcintosh Amy C Tr Rees Bryan Hussain Qamar Tr Caymaz Selim Sung Elizabeth Y Tr Webster Scott F Hardin Sheila M 110 Franklin Llc Choe U-Jung Li Fan Keller Kara Gabbert Pasternak Daniel K Kuhl Corey Niemczura Alexander W Lucchese Alisa Louise Mayers Ii Carlton T
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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RIVER FOREST 619 Jackson Ave 815 Franklin Ave 923 Park Ave 1030 Forest Ave 411 Ashland Ave 7911 North Ave 407 Franklin Ave 1020 N Harlem Ave 435 Williams St 110 Franklin Ave 11 Forest Ave 43 Forest Ave 604 Lathrop Ave 1342 Park Ave 935 Monroe Ave 410 Franklin Ave 831 William St 139 Thatcher Ave
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
Homes
OAKPARK.COM
P.M. WALSH & CO
LACEY SIKORA
530 Edgewood Place, River Forest
After 54 years, Wright’s Chauncey Williams home hits the market Built in 1895, River Forest house is priced at $2.4 million
By LACEY SIKORA Real Estate Reporter
In the mid-to-late 1890’s shortly after Frank Lloyd Wright left the architecture firm of Adler and Sullivan to go out on his own, some of his first solo designs were a handful of homes on River Forest’s western edge. The William Winslow House was built between 1894-95 on Auvergne Place. Across the street, Wright remodeled the Edward C. Waller House in 1899 (demolished in 1939,) and on the block behind
them, Wright designed the Chauncey Williams House in 1895 at 530 Edgewood Place. The Chauncey Williams House recently hit the market for $2.4 million, and the home is a unique example of Wright’s early work. The home has several Arts & Crafts Style motifs -- the most striking of which might be the large river boulders surrounding the entire base of the home. The stones were pulled from the Desplaines River, and legend has it that the Wrights, the Wallers and the Williams pulled the rocks from the river themselves.
Real estate agent Tagger O’Brien of P.M. Walsh & Co., who is listing the house, says that the property was originally part of the Waller estate, and the Winslow and Williams Houses were built after Waller subdivided his property. Like Wright, Williams attended the University of Wisconsin, but it is not clear if the two met there or in Chicago. Williams’ father owned a manufacturing company, and he passed away when Williams was six years old. The inheritance left him a wealthy young man. He lived in London for
LACEY SIKORA
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM a time with his stepmother before returning to the Midwest for school and moving to Chicago in 1893. In the 1890’s Williams and his neighbor Winslow formed the Auvergne Press, and the duo published limited edition books from a printing press on Winslow’s property. O’Brien points out the many remaining, original Wright touches throughout the home. A quatrefoil window at the front of the home, an arched carving over the front door and a wooden screen attached to the door are all remarkably intact. Inside, a fireplace inglenook is signature Wright. Arched doors, wooden ceiling beams and woodwork throughout the house are also original. An octagonal library has a fireplace of Roman brick and built-in bookshelves. On the opposite side of the home, the dining room has an octagonal bay and a third fireplace. O’Brien says the family believes the dining room chandelier is original to the home. Her clients have called the Chauncey
Williams House their home for 54 years, and O’Brien notes that the house lived well for the family with four children. The second floor is flooded with light from an art glass skylight on the landing. A primary suite contains two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The second bedroom in the suite area, which could be used as an office or nursery, boasts an original fireplace with built-in cabinets on either side. Continuing the nature motif, the built-ins are decorated with floral embellishments. A third bedroom has another fireplace and a fourth bedroom, currently used as an office, boasts an original window seat with built-in storage. An updated hall bathroom rounds out CREDIT: P.M. WALSH & CO the second floor. On the third floor, another two bedrooms and a half bath offer more living space, and there is a cedar closet for storage. The basement includes a laundry room, a half bathroom, a wine cellar area and a finished family room with room for a pool table. O’Brien says that when it came time to
CREDIT: P.M. WALSH & CO
25
CREDIT: P.M. WALSH & CO
530 Edgewood Place, River Forest market the house, she does think it commands more of a premium due to its history and connection to Wright. That said, she also understands that a special person will be the buyer. “People might be okay with the price point but want a traditional colonial or a Victorian. The buyer of this house has got to be the next steward.” The Williams House is currently the
only Wright-designed house on the public real estate market in Oak Park and River Forest. Wright’s Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck House at 515 Fair Oaks in Oak Park sold for $1.8 million in July 2025; the Hills-DeCaro House at 313 Forest Ave. in Oak Park sold for $2.3 million in March 2023 and the Winslow House at 515 Auvergne Place in River Forest sold for $2.2 million in November 2024.
CREDIT: P.M. WALSH & CO
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT Village Of River Forest • Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2026
SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITION General Fund
Special Revenue
Debt Service
Capital Project
Enterprise Fund
Trust & Agency
Balance
14,964,471
599,216
272,655
10,443,381
16,003,875
51,019,027
Revenues/Trans In
21,617,444
568,161
607,816
4,752,819
5,868,608
15,386,894
Expenditures/Trans Out
(20,605,134)
(524,878)
(603,085)
(2,717,697)
(5,553,328)
(6,104,870)
Ending Balance
15,976,781
642,499
277,386
12,478,503
16,319,155
60,301,051
Beginning
REVENUES BY SOURCE Property Taxes 9,962,077, Utility Tax 697,500, Local Motor Fuel Tax 62,162, Non Home Rule Sales Tax 1,484,139, Other Taxes 518,379, State Income Tax 2,148,401, State Sales Tax 3,073,461, Motor Fuel Tax Allotments 537,451, Personal Property Replacement Tax 206,296, Cannabis Tax 18,055, Use Tax 111,245, Intergovernmental, Grants and Contributions 417,746, Licenses and Permits 1,341,430, Fines and Forfeits 587,199, Water Sales 3,530,968, Sewer Sales 2,057,590, Refuse 1,292,495, Parking Fees 153,649, Other Charges for Services 2,098,765, Investment Income 12,126,759, Miscellaneous 1,206,798, Transfers In 708,192, Bond Proceeds 600,000, Sale of Property 49,815, Contributions 123,307, Employer Contributions 3,687,863, Total Revenue 48,801,742
VILLAGE VENDOR PAYMENTS 415 Park Condominium Association: 5687.50, 4Imprint Inc: 3684.58, Absolute Software, Inc.: 4572.20, AEP Energy: 34179.89, Air One Equipment Inc: 60504.07, Al Warren Oil Co Inc: 12891.02, Allegra Marketing Print and Mail: 3280.78, AlphaGraphics 375: 4514.40, Alternative Energy Solutions Ltd: 4689.30, Altorfer Industries Inc: 3638.89, Amalgamated Bank of Chicago: 395025.00, Ambitec, Inc: 7000.00, American Legal Publishing: 3498.77, American Traffic Solutions Inc: 85193.50, Andy Frain Services Inc: 170150.92, Animal Care League: 3000.00, Armored Floors: 9585.52, Artistic Engraving: 6718.40, AT&T: 5940.94, AT&T: 2939.89, AT&T Mobility II, LLC: 10047.41, ATC Ventures LLC, Owner: 7500.00, Avalon Petroleum Company: 74948.14, AXA Equitable Retirement: 128678.86, Axon Enterprise Inc: 110124.14, B&F Construction Code Services Inc: 75582.08, Bahena’s Landscaping Inc: 16405.00, Battery Service Corporation: 3583.15, Bestco HARTFORD: 123576.44, Bound Tree Medical LLC: 3873.78, Bradford Systems Corporation: 31899.40, Builders Asphalt, LLC: 4686.00, Bulat, Leonard M: 4625.00, Burke Engineering Ltd, Christopher B.: 120063.34, Burke, LLC: 629516.50, CAMZ Communications Inc: 19635.00, Cano, Yanin: 2832.00, Cassidy Tire & Service LLC: 3063.46, CDS Office Technologies Inc: 6718.78, Checkpoint Press Inc: 3216.00, City of Chicago: 1844678.30, City of Chicago: 143009.67, CJC Auto Parts & Tires: 2956.19, Clark Baird Smith LLP: 10286.25, Clesens: 5197.00, Coleman, Virginia: 7500.00, Collias, George J: 7500.00, Collins, Justin: 2500.00, Comcast Business: 7468.84, ComEd: 10519.93, ComEd: 54912.02, Conrad, Marshon: 3500.00, Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy: 25025.00, Core & Main LP: 127909.55, Cox, Leslie: 7500.00, Cronin Enterprises LLC: 14988.82, Currie Motors: 85918.00, DACRA Adjudication Systems LLC: 24897.00, Datasource, Ink: 8905.63, Davila, Sarah: 2500.00, Davis Tree Care Inc: 26660.00, Deitch, Cody: 7500.00, DeKind Computer
Consultants: 251381.20, Denler Inc: 47455.88, Diaz Landscaping Inc: 24290.00, Director of IL State Police: 2824.21, Dixon Engineering Inc: 15600.00, Doerner, Erika: 7500.00, Eden Brothers LLC: 6505.56, Edward Hospital: 5575.00, Eggerding, Mark: 5250.00, Elan City Inc: 14800.00, Elevator Inspection Services Co Inc: 3872.00, Elmhurst Occupational Health: 14029.00, Envirosafe: 16055.00, Equipment Management Company: 68371.00, Faust, Inc: 21685.74, Federal Signal Corporation-SSG: 5650.00, Fifth Third Bank: 185583.16, Fire Service, Inc.: 87070.79, Fleet Safety Supply: 54729.90, Flynn, Matthew: 2500.00, Forest Park National Bank: 310350.00, Forest Preserves of Cook County: 12000.00, Forest Printing Company: 7514.90, Franzen Plumbing, Inc: 4755.14, Fredriksen Fire Equipment Co.: 7848.38, Frontline Public Safety Solutions: 15000.00, Futurity19 Inc: 136140.10, Gas Plus Corporation: 4398.22, Genuine Parts Co Inc: 2609.93, Gewalt Hamilton Assoc Inc: 53398.00, Goodmark Nurseries LLC: 10512.50, Grandpre, Erin: 7500.00, Greiner, Andrew: 2500.00, Griffon Systems Inc: 66315.00, Growing Community Media NFP: 4495.50, Halper, Matthew: 7814.00, Hancock, Linard & Lynn: 7500.00, Hansen, Matt: 7500.00, Harker, Randall: 117893.10, Hawkins Inc: 4071.11, Henry Schein, Inc: 16459.00, HFS Bureau of Fiscal Operations-GEMT: 589639.76, Holguin, Adriana: 9534.00, Holle, Kurtis: 7500.00, Homer Tree Care Inc: 41798.00, Hoover, Steven: 7500.00, Houseal Lavigne Associates: 11909.45, HRE, LLC: 5103.00, ICMA Retirement Corporation - 302614: 179191.17, IL State Disbusement Unit: 9000.00, Illinois Alarm Service, Inc: 4425.36, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: 917145.80, Illinois EPA: 5000.00, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council: 17550.00, Illinois Municipal League: 4250.00, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund: 517704.44, ImageTrend: 5942.98, Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative: 1754813.34, International Union of Operating Engineers: 15332.24, International Union of Operating Engineers: 2862.00, IRMA: 749080.67, Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications: 59085.41, JG Uniforms Inc: 12360.20, Kankakee Nursery Co: 14675.00, Kelty Lawn Care: 4303.50, Klein Thorpe and Jenkins Ltd: 149586.35, Koeller, Megan: 9140.00, Kreider, Kent: 2500.00, Kroll, Dr. Robin: 6515.00, Latinovich, Gina: 7500.00, Lauterbach & Amen LLP: 2810.00, Leads Online LLC: 3396.00, Lee Mechanical, Inc: 27650.84, Leotek Electronics USA LLC: 2889.74, Lexipol LLC: 37842.62, Leyden Lawn Sprinklers Inc: 18846.25, Locality Media Inc: 32680.50, Lochner Inc, H.W.: 59877.06, Lyons & Pinner Electric Companies: 131295.44, M & M Landscaping LLC: 40365.70, MABAS Division XI: 10500.00, Maddox, Steven & Brittany: 4000.00, Madock, Courtland: 7500.00, Marseille, Stephen B: 7500.00, Massey, Kameron: 4000.00, Mattucci, Lindsey & Alex: 7500.00, Mauro Sewer Construction, Inc: 376256.67, McGillen, Edward J: 7500.00, Menard Consulting, Inc.: 2800.00, Menards: 6446.79, Meta-Security Technologies:
walk t ’ n o d , N RU or f m o c . k r to OakPa news than l more loca handle! you can
36000.00, Michael’s Uniform: 4650.69, Midwest Operating Eng-Pension Trust Fund: 22016.00, Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone PLC: 7314.00, MIP V Onion Parent LLC: 1305490.57, MIP V Onion Parent LLC: 120120.71, MOE Funds: 65332.00, Monahan, Mary: 6875.00, Monroe Truck Equipment Inc: 228816.00, Morton Salt Inc: 49631.17, Motorola Solutions Starcom21 Network: 2707.80, Motorola Solutions Inc: 47041.75, Mulka, Jadwiga: 7500.00, Municipal GIS Partners, Inc: 48588.78, Napper, Nicole: 4000.00, Neely, James: 7500.00, NFPA: 3292.50, NG Plumbing Inc: 32500.00, North East MultiRegional Training Inc: 5280.00, Novick Orthodontics: 5000.00, Oak Park River Forest: 3000.00, O’Herron Co. Inc, Ray: 74078.54, Old World Brick Paving: 62393.53, On Time Embroidery Inc: 13447.00, Osage Inc: 4124.90, Osco Incorporated: 27755.88, Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete Inc: 18212.71, Pantos, John: 7500.00, Paramedic Billing Services Inc: 9027.08, Pederson, Renee: 7500.00, Peerless Network: 14797.95, Perfection Auto Inc: 10598.88, Pete’s Automotive Service Inc: 78722.91, Petrich, Alex & Eileen: 7500.00, Ponzio, Olivia: 7500.00, Potter, Julia & Daniel: 7500.00, Prescott Group LLC: 29737.50, Primera Engineers, LTD: 89005.06, Printing Store Inc, The: 4912.00, Promos 911 Inc: 2996.05, Psychological Dimensions LLC: 3600.00, Quadbridge Inc.: 10877.76, Rane, Aniket: 7500.00, Ransom Jr, David L: 3048.00, Regional Truck Equipment Co: 3694.00, Resource Management Associates Inc: 20092.67, River Forest Elementary School District 90: 6499.84, River Forest Public Library: 20480.19, Robert R. Andreas & Sons, Inc.: 4985.00, Ruggie, Diane: 2500.00, Russo Power Equipment Inc: 3596.20, Ryan, Kevin: 2500.00, Ryan, Timothy: 2770.00, Ryan. LLC: 34708.75, SAFEbuilt LLC Lockbox #88135: 137744.97, Sanfilippo, Joseph: 7500.00, SBRK Finance Holdings Inc: 44366.15, Schroeder & Schroeder Inc: 231139.00, Schroeder Asphalt Services Inc: 728687.68, Sebis Direct (Postage): 8101.56, Shaker Recruitment Marketing: 3287.45, Sicalco Ltd: 3163.50, Sikich, LLP: 37410.00, Simon, Eric: 7500.00, Skolnik, Caroline: 7500.00, Smartsheet Inc.: 2520.00, South West Industries, Inc.: 5433.50, Spinutech: 17645.00, Standard Equipment Company: 130476.16, StarChase LLC: 41200.00, State of Illinois-Organized Retail Crime Fund: 3157.37, State Treasurer: 455133.48, Sternberg Lanterns Inc: 12708.00, Streicher’s Inc: 5015.00, Stryker Sales LLC: 6768.12, Suburban General Construction Inc: 66052.78, Suburban Laboratories Inc: 9194.60, Sullivan, Andrew: 7500.00, Superior Road Striping Inc: 27301.54, Swallow Construction Corp: 31458.00, Swanson Jr, Alfred M: 6000.00, Szynal, Joseph: 7500.00, Tan, Boonlye: 2500.00, Technics & Production: 9775.00, Third Millennium Associates, Inc: 21843.00, Thomas Dodge: 86872.00, Thomas Engineering: 3800.00, Thomson ReutersWest: 4705.80, Thrive Counseling Center: 100000.00, TKB Associates Inc: 7544.75, Toohey, Mary: 7500.00, TPX Communications: 8716.26, Turk Thomas/Best Barbara: 7500.00, U.S. Geological Survey: 6200.00, Unique Products & Service Corp: 6110.70, United States Treasury: 1913873.88, US Gas: 3865.36, V3 Companies, Ltd: 55344.06, Vari Sales Corporation: 10655.99, Veazie, Jeff: 4000.00, Verizon Wireless: 2592.72, VertexOne Software LLC: 11255.09, Vicarious Productions Inc: 73500.00, Village of Elmwood Park: 4136.05, Village of Forest Park: 3008.00, Village of Oak Park: 4470.94, Village of Rosemont: 66900.00, Visit Oak Park: 5000.00, Vitale, Stephanie: 10000.00, Vulcan Construction Materials LLC: 14731.35, W.S. Darley & Co: 10013.29, Warehouse Direct Inc: 9515.77, Wells Fargo Vendor Financial Services, LLC: 12173.33, Wensco Sign Supply Co.: 7744.50, West Central Municipal Conference: 20230.92, West Cook County Solid Waste Agency: 5500.00, West Suburban Consolidated: 611754.36, West Suburban Major Crimes Task
Force: 2750.00, WEX Health, Inc: 330881.02, Wigit’s Truck Center: 26328.32, Wildeman, Mallory: 2500.00, Windfree Wind & Solar Design Co: 58519.52, Winter Equipment Co: 2717.34, Wolf, Thomas: 7500.00, YOUNUS, MOHAMMED: 2852.69, Zoll Medical Corporation: 21768.72, Zurowski, Thomas: 2500.00, VENDORS PAID UNDER $2,500: 188866.78, TOTAL: 20647811.59
POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS PENSION FUND VENDOR PAYMENTS Chicago Ridge Police Pension Fund: 67395.32, Cook Castle: 15012.00, Glenview Police Pension Fund: 131361.56, IFPIF: 46436.14, IPOPIF: 28993.58, IRS: 581776.85, Lauterbach & Amen: 71290.00, Lockport Police Pension Fund: 358285.16, Puchalski Goodloe, LLC: 14533.90, State Street Bank and Trust: 2090000.00, The Northern Trust Company: 1840000.00, VENDORS PAID UNDER $2,500: 3712.99 TOTAL: 5248797.50
VILLAGE PAYROLL Under 25,000: Botello, Diorio, Dosen, LockettHart, Montrov, O’Shea, Pisciotto, Raddatz; 25,00049,999.99: Expose, Hutchinson, Krall, Lambert, Landini, Morris; 50,000-74,999.99; Acevedo, Bus, Cano, Cassin, Domeier, Gonzalez J, Hernandez J, Holguin, Kane, Kasprzyk, Koeller, Lenz, Petrillo, Thomas, Trejo, Wiley; 75,000-99,999.99: Abuzineh, Bajak, Cepak, Collum, Luis, Masella, Palm, Radatz, Schwarz; 100,000.00-124,999.99: Barcenas, Bourdeau, Casarez, Casey, Decosola, Gonzalez O, Jansen, Juarez, Koclanis, Kyles, Reilly, Richter, Saldana, Thomasino, Zermeno; 125,000.00 and over: Basa, Bencik, Bielak, Bochenek, Boyd, Boyer, Buchholz, Cassidy, Catalano, Coleman, Cortes, Czernik, Doran, Ercoli, Finfrock, Fischer, Fries, Gaertner, Greenwood, Grill, Howe A, Howe E, Humphreys, Ivansek, Labriola, Largen, McAdams, McKenna, Mika, Niemann, Ransom, Rouse, Seablom, Skoczek, Smith, Spencer, Swierczynski, Tagle, Viera, Walsh, Zipperich
POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS PENSION FUND PAYROLLS Under 25,000: Barth, Bauer, Daudelin, Ildefonso, Loeza, Marrocco, Montiel, Petrulis, Powell C, Smithberg, Spears, Williams; 25,000-49,999: Anstrand, Blasco V, Blasco W, Bowman, Casey, Dosen, Fahy, Hlavaty, Neault, O’Brien, O’Loughlin, Samuel, Schejbal, Shustar; 50,000-74,999: Bernahl, Diebold, Fields, Gerard P, Katsantones, Lahey, Law D, Law M, Lombardi, Rausch, Schauer, Victor M, Weiglein; 75,000-99,999: Bentel L, Bentel R, Blesy, Carroll, Ford, Gray, Linden, Maher, Newberry, Powell R, Rann, Smith, Sullivan, Victor R, Warnock; 100,000-124,999: Barstatis, Carter, Daugherty, Dhooghe, Finnegan, Higgins, Jandrisits, Lidinsky, Ludvik, Nortier, Rose, Rutz, Schoff, Stamm, Telkamp, Vondracek, Witken, Zawacki; 125,000.00 and over: Bohlmann, Nummer, O’Shea, Weiss
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 Email: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org
F
VIEWPOINTS
Be kind, please rewind
or those of us who remember the days of Blockbuster Video, we also remember the slogan: “Be Kind, Please Rewind.” It was a gentle reminder that when you returned your VHS rental, you should rewind it to the beginning as a courtesy to the next person. I think our local Blockbuster even charged you a dollar if you didn’t! As we head into another election season, with many of our neighbors gathering signatures to get on the April ballot, maybe it’s time to bring that slogan back. Be kind. An overwhelming majority of elected positions in our village are unpaid volunteer roles. Members of our community raise their hands to serve their neighbors to the best of their abilities with the time they have. Somewhere along the way, though, I think we’ve started to miss the mark when it comes to civic engagement. Maybe our national political tensions have infected us, and we’ve decided the best way to make our point is to demonize or expose the flaws of those with differing views, who by the way are also our neighbors. Facebook groups can be great places for candidates to communicate with the community. But we should remember those conversations aren’t representative of the entire village. I’ve also seen firsthand how quickly those forums can require candidates to defend themselves against veiled attacks or get pulled into futile debates. I wish we entered more of these conversations with the spirit of my favorite Ted Lasso line: “Be curious, not judgmental.” Curiosity requires patience and grace. Judgment is quick and efficient. Unless a candidate is your spouse, you probably shouldn’t expect to agree with them on everything. Someone may run for office because they’re passionate about zoning but not be up to date on the latest sustainability initiative. Or they want to contribute their deep expertise in accounting or public health but are unfamiliar with conflict resolution. We’d be better served by asking how they would approach that new-to-them issue rather than condemning them for not already knowing everything. Remember, these are our neighbors, not full-time politicians with staff. There’s also a role for the rest of us. When we see someone unfairly tearing down a candidate, we can say something. Calling out poor behavior is an act of bravery that doesn’t have an age limit. And if someone really does have all the answers (spoiler alert: no one does), we should encourage them to grab a petition and run themselves. We need more people engaged civically, not fewer. In the 2025 election, only about 27% of registered Oak Park voters cast a ballot. If we don’t treat candidates and elected officials better, eventually people may stop raising their hands to serve because the juice simply won’t be worth the squeeze. So, as election season begins, let’s channel the Blockbuster spirit: Be kind, please rewind. Vince Gay has over 20 years of experience in education, ranging from classroom teacher to building administrator. He is currently a member of the D97 school board.
VINCENT GAY
T
27
Shrubtown
p. 29
Voting and not voting
he good news is that, in multiple states, political parties and other organizations are waging voter registration campaigns and have signed up many new voters. We can hope they’re reaching those 71 million eligible citizens who aren’t even registered, getting them registered, and once they are registered, continuing to encourage, even help them, to vote. We also need to keep after those 37 million registered voters who don’t bother to vote. Here in Illinois we have legions of postcard writers sending cheery reminders to registered voters all over the country. Those postcard-writing efforts are most often highly supported and supplied by local political parties. During election seasons, parties are manning phone banks, with volunteers calling party-affiliated voters to urge them to vote. They’re sending volunteers to other states to knock on doors of party-registered voters to get them energized. These activities need to continue with urgency. I believe that, over time, face-to-face encounters by “get out the vote” volunteers can encourage the discouraged, enchant the disenchanted, give back hope to the disappointed, dispel malignant skepticism, and show people how to vote despite not having the perfect candidate, and how to choose between perceived “bad” candidates. In other words, vote, no matter your doubts about this or that candidate or an abiding sense that your vote doesn’t make any difference. Too many elections prove how wrong that can be. Too many low-vote elections yield terrible results, electing poor candidates who would have lost with greater participation. I contend that if 10 million registered voters who failed to vote in the 2024 presidential
election had actually voted, we’d have a sane and functional federal administration now, particularly if a large contingent of those votes came from swing states. Nationally, according to Ballotpedia, “The overall turnout of eligible voters in the 2024 general election was 63.7%. This was lower than the 2020 record of 66.6% but higher than every other election year since at least 2004.” None of those numbers should make us proud. In swing states, Wisconsin rang up 78% and Michigan saw 75%, among the highADOBE STOCK IMAGE est participation states. Arizona saw 64%, North Carolina 70%, Pennsylvania 71%. The current occupant did not achieve a majority of the national popular vote, and in most of those swing states his margins were quite low and usually not a majority of the votes. Had Kamala Harris had time for full organization and campaigning in five of the swing states where the margin of victory was 5.5% (Arizona) down to 1.4% (Michigan), she would have won those states. All of the “get out the vote” energy and effort make a difference. Yes, it takes time and persistence. But it’s all worth it. Here in the midst of the midterm election of 2026, getting the vote out is crucial, and getting people who don’t vote to just do it can make a major difference, especially since a huge majority of citizens right now are very unhappy with the status quo and will vote for good candidates, of which there are many in this cycle. So the key question every time you speak to someone is “Are you registered to vote?” If not, the key word in the conversation is “Register!” If the person is registered, the key word is Vote! Edmund J. McDevitt is a longtime political blogger who lives in River Forest.
ED MCDEVITT One View
28
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
Deportations are hitting record levels
I
n a recent conversation about our work for the Migrant Ministry, a young woman overhearing us responded, “What?! People are still being deported?! There is nothing about that in the news!” Her friends were equally shocked. The sad truth is that, according to the Deportation Data Project, deportations by ICE are soaring, averaging about 1,200 deportations per day in August. Almost 51,000 arrests occurred that month, with a goal of 3,000 arrests/day. Unlike last fall, the arrests are now targeted, taking place at worksites, courthouses, traffic stops, and airports. More than 70% of those arrested have no criminal record. While in detention, migrants are pressured to voluntarily self-deport to escape inhumane and unhealthy conditions. Last summer’s One Big Beautiful Bill provided billions of dollars for immigration enforcement and detention, leading to more agents and the expansion of detention facilities. Immigrants under Temporary Protective Status or Humanitarian Parole lost their status when the Trump Administration terminated the programs. The result has created widespread fear among migrant and mixed-status communities. When we began the Migrant Ministry in the fall of 2022, the atmosphere was positive and life-giving as we welcomed the migrants. We took great joy in helping them with what they needed to start their new lives in America. They were exceedingly grateful, and hopeful. Now we are accompanying migrants as they prepare to shut down those dreams in case they are deported to the countries they were forced to flee. They are encouraged to secure their children’s health and school records, and proof of their employment and consistent payment of their rent. One of the most difficult tasks is filling out the forms necessary to assign temporary custody of their children to a trusted person in case they are detained. While they do not want to be separated from their children, they also do not want them languishing in a prison. One of us is the assigned temporary custody of five children from two different families, both of which are thriving here. All four parents are employed and their children are doing well in school, playing on local soccer teams, excited about Halloween. But the families are at risk because of the color of their skin and ICE’s determination to meet deportation goals. We know that young people get their news from different sources than older people, primarily from social media. And if they read something of interest, they will go deeper to trusted sources to learn more. If you have such a person in your household, you might suggest they look for more information in ProPublica or National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC). We continue to hold all detainees and deportees in our prayers. We ask that you do the same. Celine Woznica and Margie Rudnik are members of the leadership team of the interfaith Migrant Ministry sponsored by the Catholic Communities of Oak Park. For more information, email immigrantministry@gmail.com.
CELINE WOZNICA & MARGIE RUDNIK One View
V I E W P O I N T S
I
Why I vote
’ve never not voted. As a citizen, I believe it’s the least I can do. It’s what I owe and what I’m owed. Voting is easy to do. If you want to, you can vote in a single race and leave the rest of the ballot blank, though I don’t recommend that. Being an informed voter is more work, but a lot more gratifying. It’s also easy to register to vote, although the party that doesn’t want people to vote is always trying to make it harder. You don’t have to be a hero to vote. You just have to be a citizen, and I like being a citizen. I like thinking about ways our society could work better. One of those ways is convincing more people to vote. Voting makes us better citizens. When I vote, I feel like an integral part of an enormous, interconnected family. I don’t mind that my vote is just one of many. Our country’s motto, after all, is “Out of many, one.” My single vote never feels inconsequential. Thankfully, now, there are multiple ways to vote — early voting, mail-in voting, but I still like the old-fashioned way: on Election Day, in-person, at my polling place. I walk to my precinct, check in with the election workers, state my name, feel some relief that I’m still on the list. I ask for a paper ballot, find an open booth, take as long as I want to fill it out using whatever notes I’ve accumulated, feed the completed ballot into the tally machine, and get my “I Voted” sticker, which I wear prominently for the rest of the day. I didn’t always believe in the integrity of our voting system, but I do now, ever since 2020, in spite of the Republicans’ efforts to undermine it. When I walk outside after voting, things look different. I allow myself a tiny virtue rush. I don’t need a pat on the back or a participation medal. It’s personal and private. I only wear my “I Voted” sticker as a reminder to others. I hope it might jog someone’s memory and get them in to vote. I vote because, as a lifelong member of “We the People,” voting is our collective superpower. If enough of my fellow citizens vote with me, we can become the change we’ve been waiting for. We can — and have on occasion — outvoted the Big Money and the forces in favor of taking this country backward. We might even elect a few visionaries who will help this nation reach its full potential.
We can, and have, voted out the corrupt and criminal elements who take pride in, and profit from, holding us back. Those forces prevail too often, but I keep voting anyway, out of stubborn insistence — an act of resistance, as Anne White put it in these pages recently. I vote to feel briefly powerful. It may be just a micro-burst, but voting is the fastest avenue to self-esteem, the best way to feel like you belong. If you don’t vote, you should try it. It will make you feel better about yourself. I vote because it feels far more patriotic than singing at some sporting event with cap in hand and hand over heart. I vote to keep hope alive, to keep democracy alive. I vote because not voting would be admitting defeat. I may lose when I vote, but I never feel defeated. Voting is the opposite of cynicism. In fact, it feels like an antidote. On the day I vote, I am a believer — idealistic but not naïve. I feel like a fellow American, not a fallow American. On Election Day, I feel like part of the ADOBE STOCK IMAGE vast cast in a painting by Norman Rockwell where what is important about America is captured and preserved. I vote in a country that still changes its clocks twice a year for reasons everyone has forgotten, forward for eight months, backward for four. We are a backward/forward country. It’s no coincidence that when we turn our clocks back, we plunge into darkness. I want this country to move forward, not backward. We’re backward enough as it is. I vote in the dark, but I vote for the light. Voting in this country is like herding cats. They say we get the leadership we deserve, which at the moment is irrational and inexcusable. I vote with the hope that someday we’ll wise up. I vote because I want a Congress that has a clue and in two years I want a president who isn’t a criminal. I vote for the same reason people stood in line for hours after the polls closed in 2008 to vote for the guy who had already won, the guy who talked about hope and Yes, we can. I vote because I want to be counted and because I do count. Will it matter? It has in the past and I believe it will in the future. And it might matter just two weeks from now. Care to join me?
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
by Marc Stopeck
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Viewpoints Guidelines
A quarter-century of LemonAid impact
Thank you to the Oak Park and River Forest communities for your support of last month’s 25th annual 9-11 LemonAid charity fundraising event on the 700 block of Bonnie Brae in River Forest. Thousands of neighbors, two dozen local charities serving kids, sponsors, and more than a hundred volunteers came together in the spirit of service. Together, we raised more than $47,000 to support kids in our community. I would also like to thank my neighbors who founded the event 25 years ago and served as the backbone of this incredible grassroots effort for more than two decades, including the Birminghams, Coes, Dressels, Heneks, Hauris, Flannerys, McNichols/Westers, Olsons, Stearns, Strands, and Sturgeons. What started as a LemonAid stand in 2001 has raised more than $750,000 for local charities. With the funds, the charities have done important things in our community. For example, the OP-RF Infant Welfare Society provided health care to kids in need, Wonderworks gave more kids access to a safe place to play, the Collaboration for Early Childhood helped connect parents
to resources for their babies and toddlers, and there are many more amazing stories of impact. For many of us kids on the block, our first exposure to 9-11 was watching our neighbors volunteering their time to organize LemonAid, and we grew up knowing one day we would do the same. In that way, these committed volunteers served as a model for the type of work we need in this world, helping all of us internalize the value of service. A small group of volunteers are working in collaboration with River Forest Township and the Kiwanis Club of River Forest-Oak Park to plan LemonAid 2027, which will be a smaller event that continues our tradition of honoring the lives lost and supporting local charities. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at www.9-11lemonaid.com.
Connor Chien
Youth co-chair for LemonAid, OPRF High School senior River Forest
The goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have sufficient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it often is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it. We reserve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than superficial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as specific as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful. All submissions must include your first and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for verification only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are. If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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Everyone deserves to feel like they belong
ost of us chose Oak Park for the same reason: everyone can feel like they belong here. In 1968, Oak Park was among the first communities in the country to adopt a Human Rights Ordinance. In 2017, we built on it with our Welcoming Village Ordinance, which commits us to equal treatment of all people regardless of national origin. We also know Oak Park is strongest when we meet disagreement with care and make room for every neighbor’s opinion. That is why we ask Oak Parkers to vote No on the advisory referendum on your Nov. 3 ballot. We understand why supporters see this referendum as a way to support Palestinian rights and to voice opposition to the current Israeli government. We share these political goals, but not using an advisory referendum for this purpose. The referendum question asks whether Illinois should repeal its 2015 law, Public Act 99-128, governing state pension investments, and excludes many categories of investment including companies that boycott Israel. Of the 500+ banned investments, only 27 are banned for this reason. Supporters say the anti-boycott law violates free speech and is unconstitutional. We
disagree. In fact Palestine Legal said the law “does not affect your constitutionally-protected right to engage in human rights boycotts or to advocate for boycotts of Israel.” The proponents also claim the ACLU opposes the law. But the ACLU of Illinois has never sued to have the law thrown out, nor has anyone else, and repeal is not among the ACLU’s legislative priorities. Of course, criticism of the Israeli government is not, by definition, antisemitic. Many of us have deep concerns about Israel’s current government, too, as do many Israelis. However, boycotting an entire nation and its people runs counter to Oak Park’s values. The boycott movement, often called BDS, says in its own guidelines that every Israeli university is subject to boycott. Israeli scholars, artists and businesses are presumed complicit because of where they are from, even those who oppose Netanyahu. Now this boycott demand extends to American Jews in our community. This month, the preschool directors at Oak Park Temple and Temple Har Zion had a study
trip to Italy cancelled after they were told to sign a statement criticizing Israel. Only Jewish participants were asked to sign. No one should have to pass a political litmus test to take part in civic or professional life. Perhaps the worst part of this being on our ballot is that it turns the world’s most complex conflict into a binary choice that divides neighbors. Oak Park Temple’s Rabbi Max Weiss told Wednesday Journal this week that this referendum “has created an atmosphere of, if you don’t agree with a different point of view, folks won’t be in community with you.” For our community, and our values, vote No on Nov. 3. Everyone in Oak Park deserves to feel like they belong. Sources: Village of Oak Park, “Welcoming Village” (includes history of the 1968 Human Rights Ordinance). https://oak-park.us/Community/Oak-Park-Cares/New-to-the-Village/ Welcoming-Village Village of Oak Park, Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 (“Human Rights”) of the Oak Park Village Code by Adding Article
OAK PARK NEIGHBORS UNITED One View
7 (“Welcoming Village”), adopted Feb. 6, 2017. https://www.icma.org/sites/default/ files/308997_2017-02-06-oak-park-welcomingvillage-ordinance.pdf U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “National Origin Discrimination.” https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origindiscrimination Illinois General Assembly, Public Act 099-0128 (2015). https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=099-0128 Palestine Legal, “Illinois Governor Signs Anti-BDS Bill into Law,” July 24, 2015. https://palestinelegal.org/news/2015/7/24/ illinois-governor-signs-anti-bds-bill-into-law ACLU of Illinois, “Legislation.” https:// www.aclu-il.org/legislation/ BDS Movement, “PACBI Guidelines for the International Academic Boycott of Israel.” https://bdsmovement.net/pacbi/ academic-boycott-guidelines Gregg Voss, “Local Jewish preschool educators unable to make Italian trip,” Wednesday Journal, Oct. 18, 2026. https:// www.oakpark.com/2026/10/18/local-jewishpreschool-educators-italy-trip Ibid. This letter was submitted by the Oak Park Neighbors United Steering Committee.
Zoning belongs on ballot, pension policy does not This summer I fought to give Oak Park voters an advisory referendum on the proposed abolishment of single-family zoning in Oak Park, a decision that could have a profound impact on our community for generations.[1] More than 400 residents emailed the village board on this issue, and over 95% asked for that vote. Unfortunately the village board decided against allowing this referendum, though it is exactly the kind of question that belongs before Oak Park voters. There is however, a different referendum question on the November ballot — about state pension policy. Voters will be asked whether Illinois should repeal its law barring state pension investment in companies that boycott Israel. I urge Oak Park residents to vote No. Supporters (vote Yes side) argue the current Illinois law is fiscally irresponsible and claim it has cost Illinois pensions $149 million.[2] As a CPA, the numbers do not add up. No Illinois pension system has reported a loss from this law. A $149 million loss that no one can show or validate should not be used to persuade voters;
it reads like propaganda. If this campaign were truly about fiscal responsibility, it would be more appropriately focused closer to home. Oak Park’s own tax levy deserves close scrutiny, and I have spent years pushing for exactly that. Instead, this energy is going to a state pension question our village has no say over. Oak Park has spent decades building a community that welcomes everyone. Yet many of my Jewish friends, neighbors, and constituents have told me of growing antisemitism in the village because of this referendum question. This is on top of years of growing antisemitic incidents that have forced our own synagogues to employ armed security.[3] That is not who we are supposed to be, and I find some of the behavior around this referendum question to be shameful and reprehensible. Everyone in Oak Park should be able to express their opinions and advocacy without being harassed, threatened, or intimidated. All this referendum ques-
tion is doing is pitting people against each other on an issue these same people have zero control over. It is not productive, and it is causing harm. Residents deserve a direct voice on the decisions that shape Oak Park, and our ballots should be used for these topics. I encourage you to vote No on this referendum. I also encourage you to stay engaged as the zoning proposal moves through the Plan Commission. Attend the hearings, offer public comment, and make sure your voice is part of the record. Notes [1] Jim Taglia, “Your voice still matters,” Wednesday Journal, July 28, 2026. https:// www.oakpark.com/2026/07/28/your-voice-stillmatters [2] https://www.opfreespeech.org/faqs [3] ADL, 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, May 6, 2026. https://www.adl.org/resources/ press-release/adl-records-historic-high-antisemitic-assaults-and-attacks-deadly-weapons Jim Taglia is an Oak Park village trustee.
JIM TAGLIA One View
Send letters Ken Trainor, Wednesday Journal ktrainor@ newswellchicago.org Fax: 708-524-0047 Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
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Oak Park abhors injustice
Over 10 years ago, the Illinois General Assembly unanimously voted to ban our state pension systems from investing in any company that boycotts Israel. This law is morally incoherent. Illinois separately bans pension investment in Sudan over genocide, Russia and Belarus for their war of aggression in Ukraine, and companies that profit from the detention of migrant children here in the U.S. The rare times we have banned investment, it is because the targets are breaking the law or committing atrocities. We ban investments in genocides and wars of aggression. We ban investment in the senseless cruelty to children whose only crime is being born on the wrong side of a dotted line. And in the same breath, Illinois punishes those who don’t want to fund Israel as it carries out the same crimes against humanity. What is happening in Palestine is a genocide. Even if you cannot bring yourself to use the word, there is no one among us who can look at 74,000 dead in Gaza in the past three years without horror. Imagine someone killing every single man, woman, and child in Oak Park. And the same in Riv-
er Forest. They would have to kill 10,000 more to match the scale of the death. But our laws demand that a company that protests this death with its dollars be treated like Putin’s oligarchs. This ban is inconsistent with Oak Park values. I am from Oak Park. Oak Park cherishes life. Oak Park abhors injustice. Oak Park respects speech, including the right to disagree. The current Illinois ban does none of these. Next month, Oak Park has a chance to vote to call on Illinois to repeal these laws. Oak Parkers know the answer to the question: “Should the state of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the state of Israel?” Yes. Sources: Pension investment prohibitions: 40 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/1-110.16 (available here: https://www.ilga. gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/ documents/004000050K1-110.16.htm) AP casualty figure: https://apnews. com/article/israel-gaza-iran-israelyemen-september-27-2026-96b10017855 7a28f51e2ad4f74539699
Reed Showalter Oak Park
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
Vote Yes without fear or favor
I am a local Jewish community member who supports voting Yes on the November referendum on the Illinois anti-boycott law. I have read the story about the canceling of an Italy trip by Oak Park preschool teachers. That incident stands on its own as a report on the situation of local teachers trying to attend a conference in Italy. It is regrettable that this incident is being used to support the narrative that the November referendum question discriminates against Jewish Oak Parkers. These two situations are totally unrelated. This anti-referendum claim is a deliberate distraction. The referendum has nothing to do with that trip. The November ballot question is whether Illinois should continue enforcing a law that shields Israel from boycotts by restricting how public pension funds are invested. It is about an Illinois anti-boycott law. Throughout history, opponents of boycott movements have tried to change the subject rather than address the issue itself. Supporters of segregation sought to discredit the Montgomery bus boycott, and defenders of apartheid attempted to undermine the movement to boycott South Africa. Unfortunately, similar tactics are now being used to confuse Oak Park voters about what this referendum is actually asking. A diverse group of Jewish and non-Jewish leaders across Illinois support repealing the
Voting Yes for the children of Palestine
I am voting Yes because the children of Palestine have heard too many No’s. No drinking water. No food. No medicine. No playgrounds. No, your best friend is not coming back. No, we don’t know why they’ve detained your cousin. No, your grandmother’s house and olive trees are gone. No, we’re not allowed to walk that road. No, we don’t know when they’ll rebuild your school. No, we don’t know how long we’ll be sleeping here. No, we can’t make those scary sounds and sirens stop. When visiting the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem in early October 2023, I met with an art therapist who showed children’s drawings, depicting missiles, violence, and armed soldiers. One drawing showed a small girl speaking to a huge room filled with hundreds of empty chairs. The caption read, “Me telling the United Nations what it is like to live in my village.” Generations of children in Palestine have lived through forced displacement, discrimination, segregation, occupation, disappeared family members, and unspeakable violence. Over 20,000 Palestinian children have been killed in the last three years.
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anti-boycott law. Among them is former supporter Daniel Biss, a leading Chicago-area Jewish politician, who opposes boycotting Israel but has spoken about the harms and unintended consequences of the current Illinois law. Biss has written: “The past few years have laid bare the consequences of government using its economic power to bully private entities. All of us have watched as the Trump administration has attacked free speech, often under the guise of combatting antisemitism. They often do so using economic pressure (for instance through the withholding of grants to universities and the leveraging of regulatory power against media companies) rather than outright bans or prosecution, so as to be able to claim that they’re not violating the First Amendment.” https://danielbiss.substack.com/p/a-noteon-illinois-anti-bds-law-repeal A “Yes” vote on the Nov. 3 referendum would send a simple message: Oak Park voters believe in fairness and equal treatment under the law. No country, including Israel, should receive special protection from boycotts, and the right to engage in peaceful political advocacy should be upheld without fear or favor.
Caren Van Slyke
Oak Parkers for Free Speech oakparkfreespeech.org
West Sub’s adaptive reuse?
This letter is not easy to write. I recognize the referendum has generated fear, sadness, and anger for friends and neighbors, some saying it has strained their sense of belonging in Oak Park. There is nothing I can do to alleviate that pain; I can only acknowledge it. I am voting Yes on the referendum because boycotting is a non-violent and powerful tool to pressure systemic change. I am voting Yes for the children of Palestine, to counter all the No’s that have eroded their trust in humanity and their hope for the future. Sources: United Nations, Independent International Commission of Inquiry, https://www.un.org/unispal/document/coireport-23jun26/ Unicef, https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/more-50000children-killed-or-injured-gaza World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/ publications/m/item/public-health-situation-analysisoccupied-palestinian-territory-September.
We were driving slowly up Austin Boulevard today in a slow line of traffic. As a result, we found ourselves sitting in front of the former West Suburban Hospital. We had the epiphany that this physical plant could offer an interesting option for affordable housing residences: The property is already possessed of plumbing and electricity. The property already has an available parking garage. The property is located close to public transportation. The façade could be preserved by both a functional exterior and respect for the value of true architecture. If nothing else, the concept is worth discussion and a fiscally prudent feasibility survey.
Oak Park
Oak Park
Tara Meyer Dull
Joe Smith
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No one is being ‘singled out’
Illinois law currently prohibits our state pension funds from investing in companies that boycott the state of Israel. Following a petition drive that collected over 3,500 signatures, all Oak Park ballots for the Nov. 3 election include an advisory resolution asking for our vote to repeal or retain this pension law. We are Jewish Oak Parkers, and we will support the resolution by voting “Yes” to repeal the pension law. Some companies believe that actions of the Israeli government and West Bank settlers have wrongfully harmed Palestinians, Gazans, and others in the Middle East. In our opinion, companies that oppose those actions should be able to express their views through a boycott, free from pension law penalties. Some Jewish Oak Parkers believe the resolution “singles out” Israel. They think this “singling out” is discriminatory and threatening toward them and makes them feel unwelcome. However, we urge them to consider that the resolution focuses on Israel because Israel is the only country covered by the anti-boycott provisions of the pension law (40 ILCS 5/1-110.16).
On the November ballot, you will be asked to vote on a referendum question, “Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?” The law in question – part of the Illinois Pension Code – governs investments by Illinois Pension Funds. Proponents are pitching this as a free speech initiative. That is disingenuous and manipulative. It does not concern your free speech, or the free speech rights of anyone. It governs pension investments. If free speech were the issue, the proponents would be advocating against the many other, non-Israel focused restrictions in this pension code provision. Instead, this referendum is a political statement. It is part of the BDS movement, (Boycott, Disinvest and Sanction), which seeks to use economic sanctions to influence Israelis to change their views. According to Brookings, Israel’s economy is too strong for economic sanctions to have any impact on its actions or policies. The lack of investment by Illinois pension funds into companies that boycott Israel would have to result
Also, please know that Oak Park is home to non-Jewish Palestinians, Gazans, Arabs, and others whose families and friends have been harmed by actions of the state of Israel and West Bank settlers, and who thus view the anti-boycott pension law as unwelcoming and discriminating against them. Focusing only on the views of some Jewish Oak Parkers, while ignoring the views of other Oak Parkers, is itself discriminatory and egregiously self-centered. Most Oak Parkers are not antisemitic and, of course, want to avoid doing anything that their Jewish friends and neighbors perceive as antisemitic. Voting Yes for the resolution might dismay some of your Jewish friends and neighbors. But, in the opinion of many other Jewish Oak Parkers including us, a Yes vote is not antisemitic and does not mean that Jews are not welcome in Oak Park. A Yes vote simply means you agree that companies should be able to express their opinions through boycotts, free from Illinois pension fund penalties.
Susan Messer & Jim Poznak Oak Park
From legislative stalemate to the ballot box
On Nov. 3, your ballot will ask: “Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?” Here’s why many others and I have worked so hard to make that happen. In 2015, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a law making Illinois the first state to require its pensions to divest from companies that boycott Israel. A state board maintains a list of those companies, and Illinois pension systems are prohibited from investing. Rauner called the law “an important first step” and hoped other states would “move quickly to follow our lead.” They did: 37 other states have since adopted similar measures. No state has yet repealed one. Illinois HB 2723 and SB 2462 would change that. Nearly 40 legislators have signed on as sponsors, advocates submitted over 15,000 witness slips for a House hearing, and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who voted for the original law as a state senator, now supports repeal. Yet neither bill has come up for a vote in nearly two years.
Antisemitism is shameful
in a material impact on the Israeli economy such that Israelis would change their views or actions. From this perspective, the BDS movement fails to achieve its ends. International impact = nothing. Instead, this referendum is a local political statement. It is asking Oak Parkers to divide our community into an “us” and a “them.” It comes on the heels of increasing levels of antisemitism in Oak Park. In recent years, Oak Park has seen swastikas, slurs and threatening messages scrawled on the walls at the high school, and Pilgrim Church, a creepy sign made out of sticks that spelled out “No Jew” laid out on the grass at 327 S. Home. A Jewish OPRF teacher resigned citing a hostile climate for Jewish teachers and students. Another high school teacher expressed antisemitism loudly and often. Jewish congressional candidate Jason Friedman was allegedly heckled and shouted down at a Democratic Party of Oak Park meeting by about 20 attendees. And a Jewish candidate for school board,
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was the subject of flyers calling him a Zionist fanatic. We have Oak Parkers posting social media comments that repeat time-worn tropes suggesting that “the Jews” exercise a secret or disproportionate amount of power. Others wrongly minimize legitimate complaints of antisemitism by describing them as “the weaponization of antisemitism.” Our temples are guarded with armed security and locked doors. The increase in antisemitism in Oak Park is shameful. Jewish community members feel threatened, harmed and unwelcome. We cannot allow any group of residents to feel this way. We owe our vote to those most impacted by this referendum. Oak Park is defined by its commitment to diversity and inclusion. If this passes, it will be the first time Oak Park has singled out a group of people to let them know their safety, their concerns and their feelings of being hated, blamed and discriminated against do not matter. Local impact = Harm Vote No.
When local advocates met with Oak Park’s four powerful legislators early this year, more than one acknowledged that the law was bad policy and should be repealed. They encouraged us to educate the public and raise the issue’s visibility. That’s why this question is on our ballot. Advisory referenda let voters speak. After an April township meeting rejected a general question of the right to boycott Israel, more than 3,500 Oak Parkers signed petitions to ensure every voter could weigh in on a targeted issue: repealing the 2015 law. Voters in DuPage, Peoria, Normal, Urbana, and other communities will have similar questions on their ballots. This isn’t a vote on the Middle East. It’s a vote on whether Illinois should use public pension funds to penalize companies for participating in boycotts, a peaceful form of protest. Illinois led the way into these laws. We can lead the way out. Vote Yes on Nov. 3.
Jesse Bauer Oak Park
Sources: https://www.oakpark.com/2026/06/15/ police-investigating-antisemitic-vandalismhome-ave https://www.oakpark.com/2022/05/06/ racist-anti-semitic-graffiti-found-in-bathroom-at-oprf-2 https://www.oakpark.com/2018/11/02/ oak-park-police-investigating-racist-graffitiat-oprf https://www.oakpark.com/2024/02/13/ oprf-tensions-israel-hamas-war https://www.oakpark.com/2024/07/12/ complaint-claims-oprf-fosters-a-hostile-antisemitic-environment https://www.oakpark.com/2024/08/02/ oprf-set-to-release-plan-addressing-antisemitism-accusations https://www.oakpark.com/2025/04/04/ shocking-election-day-flyer-targets-d200candidate https://www.oakpark.com/2017/08/24/ pilgrim-church-vandalized-with-swastikasracial-slurs
Simone Boutet Oak Park
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Referendum inconsistent with welcoming village
I urge Oak Parkers to vote No on the November boycott referendum. I serve on the steering committee of Oak Park Neighbors United but write as an individual. This referendum distracts from issues where Oak Parkers can make a difference, such as zoning changes and closure of West Suburban Hospital. It is a non-binding advisory vote that is needlessly divisive and discriminatory and makes neighbors feel unwelcome. Referendum supporters assert that it is not about Israel or the Middle East but, unconvincingly in my view, primarily about free speech and fiscal responsibility. Read their materials, however, their opinions in the Journal, and on Facebook. The focus is Israel (and its supporters) and a discriminatory boycott that seeks its destruction. And it did not take long for the “genocide” charge to make its way into Facebook and Journal letters.
Referendum proponents, some of whom identify as Jewish, argue against “conflating” Jews with Israel. But Jews are a people with a religion – Judaism – and not simply another religion. Israel is home to half the world’s Jews. Our Jewish community is deeply entwined with Israel, most supporting its existence as a democratic Jewish state, often in vocal opposition to its government and policies (as I love America while abhorring our administration), and yes, occasionally against Israel as a Jewish state. Aiming a genocide-support charge at Jewish community members because of their identification with Israel is abhorrent: it deliberately tars local Jews with the crime that led to the murder of six million, and it stops dialogue. Cold. The referendum is inconsistent with our Welcoming Village ordinance. Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), which the referendum enables, discriminates against
Voting Yes sends the right message
The majority of Oak Park residents are probably unaware of the drama surrounding the right to boycott vote and prior efforts to keep this issue off the ballot. It has been argued in these pages that a vote to allow Illinois pension funds to invest in businesses that boycott or divest from the state of Israel is an attempt to destroy the state of Israel. While there are no doubt a few among the BDS movement who seek an end to Israel, they do not represent all of those who find the ethnic cleansing carried out by the Israeli government to be morally abhorrent and who seek means to end it. Highlighting these individuals is a classic straw-man argument. Yes, you can go to Portland, Oregon and find someone who uses a litter box as toilet, but that individual does not represent all liberals. The same logic applies here. An eye for an eye leaves the world blind. The Netanyahu government seems to believe a head for an eye is a workaround. Illinois voters cannot
physically stop the ethnic cleansing presently taking place in Gaza; we cannot personally deliver food to the starving or medicine to the sick because the IDF would stop us. We can use financial levers to send a clear signal to the perpetrators that the world does not endorse and will not tolerate this. It is the absolute least we could do. The energy put into preventing this issue from coming to a vote and arguing against this measure would be much better spent trying to stop Israel from destroying Gaza and in so doing, destroying global goodwill toward Israel. The best method to protect the state of Israel is to vote Yes on the right to boycott so that we may use financial measures to weaken its current extremist administration and strengthen the position of reasonable members of its government. A “No” vote affords unique protection of Israel’s actions at the cost of American’s freedom of speech.
Brett Williams Oak Park
Israelis, at home and abroad, based on national origin. And the referendum makes many Jewish neighbors feel unwelcome, also discriminating on national origin as defined in U.S. civil rights protections. The pro-boycott referendum, inflaming community feelings, harms many neighbors in service of a performative, symbolic and advisory outcome that will help no one in Palestine or Israel. Please vote No and send a positive message about Oak Park and where our public debates should focus. Sources: “Opponents claim the referendum is about Middle East policy. It is not.” https://www. oakpark.com/2026/08/18/israel-boycottreferendum-objections-hearing https://www.opfreespeech.org/faq https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/13/ referendum-is-discriminatory https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/13/ what-this-referendum-is-about; Posts on
the Activate Oak Park Facebook group the week of October 11. https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/06/ two-strategies-one-purpose; https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/06/ discrimination-charges-wrong-again/ https://rabbisacks.org/quotes/jews-andjudaism/?shem=aimgspe https://www.jta.org/2026/02/04/ideas/thezionism-gap-what-data-really-shows-aboutjews-israel-and-zionism-today: https://www.jewishdatabank.org/api/dow nload/?studyId=1277&mediaId=bjdb%5cJF NA_Survey_4_IsraelZionismInsights.pdf; https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-909078 https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/forindividuals/special-topics/shared-ancestryor-ethnic-characteristics-discrimination/ index.html
Mark Segal Oak Park
Fight antisemitism through solidarity
On Nov. 3, Oak Park residents will consider a ballot measure asking whether Illinois should repeal its law banning state pensions from investing in companies that boycott Israel. I count myself among the growing number of Jews who support boycotting Israel in response to its genocidal annihilation of Gaza, illegal occupation, and mounting human rights violations against Palestinians. As an expert on antisemitism, I strongly reject the claim, voiced by opponents of the measure, that boycotts discriminate against Israelis as a nationality or feed antisemitism by making Jews feel unwelcome in Oak Park. Boycotts are time-honored forms of political pressure and democratic participation. This one targets the policy and ideology of a state, not Jews as a people or Israelis as a group. I understand why some Jews who support Israel may find such campaigns upsetting. But political disagreement, however personal or deeply felt, is not the same as bigotry or discrimination. Many Jews, including myself, welcome calls to boycott Israel as an expression of inclusivity, equality, and justice. Others are free to disagree. But they should debate Israeli policies on their own terms, rather than smothering that vital conversation with heavy-handed accusations of
antisemitism. Unfortunately, such tactics are all too common these days. The Trump administration and allied anti-democratic actors have used them as a cudgel against freedom of speech and political dissent in universities, government, and civil society. Illinois’ anti-boycott law belongs to this legacy of repression. Americans concerned about democracy — regardless of their views on Israel and Palestine — should work to repeal such measures. Some critics say Oak Park has no business addressing conflicts halfway around the world. I disagree. As Americans, our tax dollars support Israel’s genocide. But this is also a local issue. The right to boycott is vital for our constitutional freedoms, and our democracy. In my book Safety through Solidarity, I propose a different strategy to fight antisemitism. By building coalitions between Jews and all marginalized groups, we can fight for a truly just and vibrant multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive. As Jews, we have little to fear from this ballot measure. Those who would convince us otherwise — and divide us from our neighbors in the process — pose a greater threat.
Ben Lorber
Chicago, Portage Park
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
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The boycott question we aren’t being asked
Thanks to Gregg Voss for his evenhanded Wednesday Journal article on this difficult issue. [Oak Park Neighbors United, Wednesday Journal, Oct. 1]. Voters will soon be asked whether Illinois should repeal its 2015 law (1) restricting state pension fund investment in companies that boycott Israel. For many Oak Park Jews, seeing this question on our ballot is isolating and frightening. Supporters frame this as free speech. But the real question is: should taxpayers fund companies participating in a movement that rejects the existence of a Jewish state? As Voss noted, Oak Park Neighbors United believes that the boycott is “part and parcel with the Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) Movement.” (2) The Journal cites BDS’s misleading self-description as a movement for “freedom, justice and equality.” However, the goal of BDS is not a change in Israeli policies, it is elimination of the Jewish state.
It is not an objection to a government but to a people. BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti admits this goal, stating: “Definitely, most definitely we oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian … will ever accept a Jewish state in Palestine.” (3) The issue in supporting a boycott is not merely changing Israeli policies; the logic of BDS would eliminate Israel’s future as a Jewish state. During debate on Illinois’ pension restriction, state Rep. David Harris explained the law’s rationale: Illinois should not support entities that call for “the destruction, the elimination of Israel.” (4) The free-speech argument advanced by referendum proponents is also inconsistent. At Sonoma State, Rutgers, and The New School, protesters pushed universities to sever ties with Israeli schools simply for being Israeli. (5) Free speech cannot mean protection for me, but not for thee.
There are 16 million Jews, 0.2% of humanity; nearly half in Israel. Opposition to the continued existence of the one Jewish state — for a people this small and concentrated — is both terrifying and existential. I am no apologist for Israel’s government or policies, and the suffering in Gaza is real. But neither BDS nor this advisory resolution will help a single Palestinian and this discriminatory referendum, like BDS, does real harm to our local Jewish community. Our sense of safety and belonging is the true question on the ballot. Please vote No and send a message of inclusion to your Jewish neighbors. Sources: 1. 40 ILCS 5/1-110.16; see also Cook County Board of Commissioners, Resolution 15-4701 (approved July 29, 2015) (describing Illinois as the first state to fight the BDS movement). 2. Gregg Voss, “Oak Park Neighbors United,” Wednesday Journal, Oct. 1, 2026.
Pension beneficiaries, vote Yes on the referendum
As an Oak Park voter, taxpayer, and state pension beneficiary, I support repealing the 2015 anti-boycott law that affects state pensioners in TRS, SURS, SERS, GARS, and JRS. I hope that pension recipients and taxpayers realize the impact of this law. Our pension funds are severely underfunded, and the deficit is made up for by taxpayers. Since 2015, Illinois law has prohibited pension fund investments in businesses that boycott or divest from the state of Israel. The law singles out Israel and only Israel for protection from boycott. The law even exempts the funds from fiduciary duties to beneficiaries like me whenever those duties conflict with it. This is shocking, The case of Ben & Jerry’s is a good example of why this is a problem. In July 2021, Ben & Jerry’s decided to stop selling its products in Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, citing its core values and human rights commitments. This decision was made about selling ice cream in the West Bank and East Jerusalem – not in Israel itself. In response, the Illinois Investment Policy Board put Ben & Jerry’s then-parent company, Unilever, on its prohibited list, forcing
our pension funds to sell Unilever stock immediately, when its value was comparatively low. In 2022, Unilever sold its Israeli Ben & Jerry’s business to a local licensee, and the ice cream stayed on sale in the West Bank. Yet Unilever remained on Illinois’ list until this year. Meanwhile, its stock climbed, and our pension funds were barred from owning it. Our state government is working to close the funding gap for our state pension funds. By repealing the 2015 anti-boycott law, our state legislators can remove one obstacle to that process, and at the same time put our state on the right side of our state’s commitment to free speech and human rights. Vote Yes to repeal the anti-boycott law. Sources: Ben and Jerry’s and Unilever’s behavior, https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/mediacenter/opt-statement To establish that the pension fund divested from Unilever, https://www.reuters.com/ markets/europe/illinois-bars-state-pensionsowning-unilever-over-israel-2021-12-23
Anne Koerber Oak Park
3. Omar Barghouti, “Strategies for Change,” Oslo, Sept. 2013, video excerpt, YouTube, uploaded May 26, 2014, at 1:08, https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYvpsGd8K4Y; see also H.R. Res. 246, 116th Cong. (2019); see also statements by BDS advocate Ahmed Moore, “Does BDS Mean the End of the Jewish State?,” HuffPost, Apr. 22, 2010. 4. Illinois House of Representatives, Transcript of Debate, March 26, 2015, p. 55. 5. Praveena Somasundaram, “Sonoma State President Retires After Announcing Agreement with Protesters,” Washington Post, May 17, 2024; CBS New York, “Rutgers University and Pro-Palestinian Protesters Reach Agreement,” May 2, 2024; and Rowan Cahill, “New School Students for Justice in Palestine Calls for an Immediate ‘Strike for Divestment,’” New School Free Press, May 5, 2024
Josh Grossman Oak Park
Say ‘No’ to the boycottrelated referendum
Earlier this year, Oak Park residents attended the Oak Park Township meeting to vote on whether to place a boycott referendum on the ballot. The majority voted No. Despite this outcome, the organization Oak Parkers for Free Speech (OPFS) forced this back onto the ballot. This is not what we call democracy where we citizens come out to voice an opinion only to find out that OPFS decided to suppress the will of citizens. This was an action designed deliberately to divide the community of Oak Park. We in Oak Park need to unite against terror in our community. This includes ICE which has been terrorizing those of color in Oak Park. Oak Parkers for Free Speech refuses to address and ameliorate issues related to safety and security from violence and discrimination due to our diversity, and continues to foment division and discord by forcing us to choose sides on an
issue that is happening on a global scale rather than assisting us with issues happening inside of Oak Park in terms of hatred toward certain groups. We in Oak Park, of all religions, colors, nationalities, are diverse and pride ourselves in being diverse. We in Oak Park refuse to allow OPFS to suppress us and turn us against each other by using this referendum that should have never been on the ballot in the first place. Neighborly care built this community and needs to stay that way. This community was built on people looking out for one another, not on people hating each other just for the way they look and think and feel. Let’s keep that tradition going. Vote No on the referendum to show Oak Park that we are more interested in being a united, diverse community of care and kindness.
Laurel Miller Oak Park
OAKPARK.COM
Bill Brauneis, 96 Endlessly curious
William Clarence “Bill” Brauneis, 96, of Oak Park, died peacefully at home on Oct. 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Chicago on July 7, 1930, he grew up during the Great Depression and endured several hardships, including the early loss of two brothers to hemophilia. He trained as a pattern maker and served in the Army in Germany. In 1959, he married Geraldine “Gerri” Riddell, and they raised their family in Maywood and Oak Park. Fascinated by new technology, Bill moved from traditional pattern making into plastics manufacturing. He co-founded Basic Plastic Products, a successful business for more than 30 years that produced specialized plastic components, including the housing for Motorola’s first handheld cellphone. Bill and Gerri raised four children — Bob, Jim, Steve and Laura — while mourning two sons, John and Paul, who died in infancy. Bill enthusiastically supported Gerri’s decision to attend law school and pursue a career in family law. They also traveled the world together. Endlessly curious, Bill embraced personal computers and electric cars early. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, racquetball and golf, which he played into his 90s. His compassion found expression through volunteering with the Animal Care League and Housing Forward. He cared for Gerri through her illness until her death in 2016, and continued to give care to friends as they faced health challenges. After suffering a debilitating stroke in 2023, he persevered over three difficult years with characteristic determination, supported by his family and dedicated caregivers. Bill is survived by his children, Robert (Ulrike), James (Laurie), Steven (Masako), and Laura (William Rentz); his grandchildren, Kate (Cameron Gillespie), Elizabeth, William, Kai, Sophia and Sho; and his great-granddaughter, Samantha. He was predeceased by Gerri; his parents, Frank and Pauline; his brothers, Frank and Robert; and his sons, John and Paul. A wake will be held on Friday, Oct. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Salerno’s Galewood Chapel, 1857 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045
O B I T U A R I E S Columbian Ave., Oak Park (which will be livestreamed). Immediately following Mass, he will be laid to rest at Memorial Park in Skokie. Friends and family are invited to attend. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Housing Forward or Animal Care League.
Diane Merkle, 64 Taught high school for 3 decades
Diane Mary Merkle, 64, died on Oct. 11, 2026, in Oak Park after a courageous struggle with cancer. Born on Aug. 11, 1962, in Chicago, she earned a master’s degree in Education, leading to a career as a high school teacher for more than 30 years. In the classroom, she was an instructor, guide, advocate, and steady hand. She taught from books and from her own experience. Her work extended beyond the classroom, to coaching tennis and driver’s education. Students learned from her the value of practice, responsibility, and perseverance. Her faith guided her life, showing through in her kindness. She found joy in simple and everyday things. She loved lattes, a good movie, pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis. She delighted in travel, and always had a list of where to go to next. She cheered for the Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bulls as well. Any hurdle or hardship Diane was faced and she pushed others to do the same. She met the world with strength and gentleness. She wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl. Though her earthly voyage has reached its close, her memory lives on in the students she taught, the family she cherished, and the friends she uplifted. Diane was the wife of Tim Merkle; the mother of Sarah Merkle and Joseph Merkle; sister of Ida Ortega, Aurora “Georgie” Vendrell, Mildred Ortiz and Eliseo Ortiz. Sisterin-law of Suzanne Herbst, Joyce Merkle, Marla Merkle, Frank Ortega, James Herbst, David Merkle, and John Merkle, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nephews and nieces. Diane Mary Merkle was a blessing among us, and her life shall be spoken of with gratitude, affection, and reverence. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. A memorial visitation will be held at
Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home in Forest Park on Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. when a service will be held.
Ted Foss, 75
OP public library trustee Theodore Nicholas Foss, 75, of Oak Park, died on Oct. 4, 2026 in the ICU of Rush University Medical Center after an eightday hospitalization, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born in Juneau, Alaska in 1950, when it was a territory, not yet a state, a fact he wore proudly. His parents, both Norwegian-Americans from Washington State, are Harold Byron Foss and Helen Johansen Hunsbedt. The family moved to Palo Alto, California when he was 6. He attended his mother’s alma mater for high school, the Principia Upper School in Missouri and completed his Bachelor of Arts at Pomona College and his MA and PhD at the University of Chicago. His career was in academics, and his field of interest was the history of China, specifically the interactions of China and Europe in the 18th century. This included study of the Jesuit missions to China. He took many trips to China and other nations in East Asia. Early on, he had served as a historian to the Archdiocese of Chicago, contributing to books on the history of its parishes and institutions. Short teaching positions at Loyola and UIC were followed by an appointment to the University of San Francisco, where he co-founded the Ricci Institute. He then joined Stanford University’s Center for East Asian Studies as associate director, and later held that same position at the University of Chicago until his retirement. He organized many international conferences and publications to advance the field. He served 10 years as an elected trustee of the Oak Park Public Library, which he loved dearly. Ted is survived by his husband, Kent Smith Dymak. They were together for 51 years. Who would have thought 51 years could be so short a time? They applied for and received a domestic partnership certificate from Oak Park on Oct. 27, 1997, the first year such partnerships became available after the referendum. Ted is also survived
Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
35
by his brother, Lachlan, and his sister, Judy; many nieces and grandnieces, and nephews and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Angus. Two remembrances are planned. A reception at the University Club of Chicago on Monday, Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. (he was a 45-year member of the club and a former board member). A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m., Rev. Michael Maher SJ of Marquette University presiding. If you wish to honor Ted, please direct gifts to the Oak Park Public Library (https:// www.oppl.org/about/give/) or to WFMT Classical Radio (https://secure.wfmt.com/ pledge/form).
Mark Frank, 95 Teacher and camp director
Mark Frank, 95, died peacefully on Oct. 11, 2026 in River Forest. Born on Feb. 2, 1931 in Chicago to the late Jean and Bert Frank, he attended Austin High School, Chicago Teachers College, and earned a Master of Education degree from Loyola University Chicago, graduating in 1955. He worked in the Chicago Public School system and retired as the principal of the Brown School. He was also a real estate broker and developer in Oak Park. An avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1947, he served as director at Camp Blackhawk on the Owasippe Scout Reservation, as well as director of the Avery-Coonley summer camps in Downers Grove in the 1960s and early 1970s. Mark was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Irene Anne Kelly Frank with whom he raised his family. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Irene Loomis Kelly Frank. Mark will be deeply missed by his children, Lawrence (Annette), Christine (Gregory), Mark (Constance), Kelly (Michelle) and Natalie (William), 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7600 W. Lake St., River Forest, on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. with a celebration of his life to follow.
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
SPORTS OPRF football readies for the playoffs Huskies head to East Aurora Friday night
By MELVIN TATE Staff Reporter
Having clinched its first IHSA state playoff berth since 2018, the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team was hoping to cap off the regular season with a home victory against Hinsdale Central, Oct. 16. The Huskies fought the Red Devils down to the wire and pulled within two points with 27 seconds remaining on a 3-yard touchdown run by Liam Smith (22 carries, 141 yards, 2 TDs). But Liam Brown’s twopoint conversion pass to Tevion Coleman in the end zone was broken up, and Hinsdale Central recovered the ensuing onside kick to hand OPRF (4-5, 2-4 in West Suburban Silver) a 21-19 defeat. “The kids played their tails off,” said OPRF coach John Hoerster. “They fought hard, they never gave up, they stayed in the fight for 48 minutes, and we were right there at the end. Couldn’t be more proud of them.” While disappointed by the loss, OPRF knew the season would keep going. So the next evening, the players, coaches, and staff gathered at the school to work out, watch tape of the Hinsdale Central game, and eat pizza as they awaited the football playoff pairings show on WCIU. The Class 8A bracket was revealed just before 10 p.m., and the players reacted with excitement seeing OPRF listed on the first page. The Huskies, seeded 33rd, drew 32ndseeded East Aurora. “It feels really good, I’m super-excited,” said Smith of the playoff berth. “When I came to Oak Park a few years ago, I knew it was a program that hadn’t made the playoffs in a long time, and my goal since I came here was to make the playoffs. We’ve accomplished it.”
Two of Smith’s teammates, senior defensive linemen Connor Krumrei and Ben Lambe, also expressed excitement. “After the (Hinsdale Central) loss, we felt bad that we don’t have any more (scheduled) home games,” Lambe said, “but it’s another opportunity to show the team we are.” “We’re a hard-working team. We’ve been working hard all summer and we deserve this,” Krumrei said. “We’ve got a lot of energy coming into the playoffs and I think we’re going to play really well.” This will be OPRF’s 19th appearance in the state playoffs, and the eighth of Hoerster’s 16-year tenure. He’s thankful the
CAROL DUNNING
OPRF running back Liam Smith (#3) runs through a hole against Hinsdale Central, Oct. 16. Smith had 141 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in the Huskies’ 21-19 defeat.
CAROL DUNNING
OPRF wide receiver Cameron Minish-Murray (#8) heads upfield during a 21-19 loss to Hinsdale Central, Oct. 16. However, the Huskies qualified for the Class 8A state playoffs and will visit East Aurora in an opening-round game, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Huskies are one of 384 teams across Illinois to be able to play in the postseason. “What I’ve said all along, coaching football, you’re guaranteed nine games and if you get another week together, it’s a blessing,” Hoerster said. Krumrei thought the biggest factor in the turnaround of OPRF was the change in attitude over the summer, one he credits the coaching staff with. “We came in with a better mindset. From that, we’ve been able to practice better, practice harder, and develop more as a team,” he said. With the IHSA expanding the playoffs to 48 teams in each of the eight classes, the top 16 teams get byes, with the remaining 32 teams in each class playing in openinground games. OPRF’s opening-round game is at East Aurora, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. The Tomcats, who finished 5-4 (3-3 in the Upstate Eight Conference West Division), are making just their fifth playoff appearance in program history. The winner will play at 8A top seed Lincoln-Way East on Halloween weekend. OPRF admits it doesn’t know much about East Aurora, but Hoerster said that after the teams exchange game films, he
and his assistants will craft a game plan for the players. “It’s fun to compete against the West Suburban Silver, but it’s nice to get an opportunity to see someone outside of your area and outside of your comfort zone,” he said. As far as the players go, they’re not overlooking East Aurora. Smith said the Huskies will lock in mentally during practice this week. “We’re going to approach this game with a lot of energy and effort,” he said. Krumrei agreed with Smith. “I saw a statistic that said there’s only six seconds of playing time on each snap, so it’s important we owe six seconds of maximum effort on each play,” he said. “Bringing that mindset into the game sets us apart.” And let’s leave the final word to Lambe. He’s got a message for the Dog Pound (OPRF’s student section) and OPRF fans: come out to Aurora in droves and bring the noise. “If you want to see a team that comes out hot, who wants to dominate the competition, you should come out to the game,” he said. “We need our fans to be loud and vocal; I want to set the tone right away.
S P O R T S
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Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026
37
Fenwick earns opening-round bye in Class 6A playoffs Friars gather momentum after Friday’s 28-7 blowout of Carmel
By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter
Momentum is everything in sports, especially football. When you’ve got momentum, it usually carries over into the next series, the next quarter … and the next game. Fenwick’s 28-7 blowout of Carmel on Friday in Week 9 provided the momentum for a fun Saturday night at the school’s Priory Campus, where the Friars and their coaches watched the IHSA Football Playoff Pairings Show on the big screen. Well before the Class 6A field was announced, sophomore defensive back Corey Griffin was all smiles. Not a bundle of nerves. “Ending the season like that, we’ve got a lot to build on going into the playoffs,” Griffin said. “I’m excited to see what we do. I’m happy.” About a half-hour later, the pick was in. Sixth-seeded Fenwick, the defending Class 6A champions, drew a bye in next weekend’s opening round and will play the winner of 11th-seeded Highland Park vs. 22seed Streamwood in the first round, Oct. 30-31, likely at Triton College.
The IHSA expanded the playoff field to 48 teams in each class this year, so normally Fenwick would be playing next weekend. But the addition of 16 teams in Class 6A means there is an opening round, sort of a play-in round, with the first round coming after that. But that minutiae didn’t matter much to Fenwick’s players and head coach Matt Battaglia Saturday. A 6-3 regular-season record earned them an extra week together as a team. That means more work, but also more laughs – and memories. “It feels great,” senior safety Tommy Quinn said as the crowd started to thin out after the show ended. “Another two weeks to be with our brothers to prepare for this game.” But there is a practical reason a bye week is a good thing, too, according to junior defensive end Hank Holland. Football is a tough sport, after all. “We get to rest up,” Holland said. “We’ll get to keep working and prepare for that game in the second week of the playoffs.” Don’t expect Battaglia to let his charges rest on their laurels with that bye week. Quinn said hard work is ahead over the coming days.
CAROL DUNNING
Fenwick lineman Jimmy Bonakdar (#3) leads his teammates through the banner before the Friars’ 28-7 victory over Carmel at Triton College, Oct. 16. Fenwick, the defending Class 6A football champion, is seeded 6th in the North Bracket in this year’s 6A tournament.
CAROL DUNNING
Fenwick quarterback Myles Hill looks for an open receiver against Carmel, Oct. 16. The Friars won 28-7 and are seeded sixth in the North Bracket of the upcoming Class 6A football state playoffs. “I bet we’ll do a lot of competition between the team to stay competitive and keep our energy up and get ready to play in two weeks,” he said. Battaglia confirmed as much in his address to the team as Saturday night’s festivities came to an end. “It’s not about winning a championship,” he said. “At the end of the day, that trophy you want to hold up? It’s only going to happen if we do what?” Cue the players: “Be a champion,” they responded in unison. “Everything we do, every day, from here on out has to be about being the best version of ourselves,” Battaglia said. “Being a champion. Making championship-level decisions. Going down the road we want to takes what it takes. “Be locked in.” Battaglia was already locked in Saturday, planning to acquire film on both Highland Park and Streamwood. That means he and his assistants will be busy, busy, busy. Junior quarterback Myles Hill, who has led a powerful offense this season, punctuated by guys like senior running back
Jake Thies, he of the four touchdowns last Friday, is ready for whatever’s next. “I think I’ve gotten better each week,” Hill said, “taking coaching, knowing my personnel and getting more familiar with my teammates, and getting better every day.” But don’t forget that game last Friday, Senior Night no less, and Thies left no doubt that Fenwick deserved that first-round bye, scoring three of his four touchdowns in the first quarter. “I think the best thing about us was playing complementary football,” senior cornerback Cormac Monahan said. “It’s exciting,” added running back Rocco Nero. “It’s our last confirmed home game with your brothers, your teammates, and the [Senior Night] energy and atmosphere is great. There’s nothing better than playing on a Friday night with your senior brothers and the rest of your teammates.” You can say the same about the playoffs. And like Griffin, Nero had no nerves Saturday. “Whoever we’ve got, they’re going to have to give us their all because we’re going to be coming,” he said. “We’re coming for all.”
38 Wednesday Journal, October 21, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.
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LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday November 5, 2026 for Project: 26-22, Permeable Pavement Maintenance Project. Bids will be received in person at the Public Works Building at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 and the bid opening will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at the Public Works Building. This contract includes the cleaning of 5 alley segments within the Village and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained by requesting the documents via email (Christopher.welch@oak-park. us) starting on, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal October 21, 2026
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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: M26002078 on October 9, 2026 Under the Assumed Business Name of GATED MERITOCRACY with the business located at: 201 LE MOYNE PKWY, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: FELIPE REYES 201 LE MOYNE PKWY OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal October 14, 21, 28, 2026
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STK# D260594 | MSRP: $51,000
10,692 3.9%
$
OR
Off MSRP
APR FOR 72 MOS
STK# D260540 | MSRP: $60,775
15,607 0%
$
OR
Off MSRP
APR FOR 60 MOS
7901 W Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130
708.366.1001 • HawkCDJ.com MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold. $16.67/mo per $1000 financed at 0% for 60 months. $13.89/mo per $1000 financed at 0% for 72 months. $15.60/mo per $1000 financed at 3.9% for 72 months. Financing lieu of rebates. On approved credit. Ends 11/2/26.
October 21, 2026
14 th Annual Casket Races
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How to celebrate Halloween in Forest Park Four things to do to get in the spirit for All Hallow’s Eve By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
ERICA BENSON
Elfego and Luanna Roman of Forest Park walk the Candy Land trail during last year’s trunk-or-treat event at the Park District of Forest Park
TODD BANNOR
Team Dead Last in the parade of caskets prior to the Forest Park Casket Races on Oct. 18, 2025
Forest Park is starting to show signs that Halloween is approaching. Houses are adorned with spooky decorations, and dozens of scarecrows are staked in front of homes and businesses. Though trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 has been from around 3 to 7:30 p.m. in previous years, there are a handful of spooky events around Forest Park, leading up to All Hallow’s Eve
Casket races - 10/24, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In honor of the village having more dead residents than living ones, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce hosts the casket races every year — where costumed teams of four push decorated caskets on wheels down Beloit, aiming to get the fastest or slowest time (That’s right, there’s an award for the “dead last” team, too.) For the 14th annual race this year, the Forest Park Review will have a team participating for the first time since 2017. Come see me dressed as a newsboy — and how we decorated our casket — at the annual Halloween celebration. The races are free to watch and start at 11 a.m. The parade of caskets begin at 10:30 a.m. After the casket races, there is trick-or-treating down Madison Street until 2:30 p.m.
Scarecrow bike ride - 10/25, 10 a.m. The Historical Society of Forest Park is hosting a free bike ride tour again this year. The route will pass by over 70 scarecrows in the village, decorated for the annual Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser. Funds go toward the historical society and Forest Park Arts Alliance. This year’s bike ride will start at the Roos Recreation Center parking lot at 10 a.m. Amy Binns-Calvey, who writes a column for the Review, will lead the tour. Bring your own bike! RSVP for the bike ride, and vote for your favorite scarecrows, at https://www.forestparkhistory.org/.
Habakkuk Halloween - 10/25, 6 to 9 p.m. The weekend before Halloween, Robert’s Westside is hosting its own little party with a DJ, raffles and costume contest. Tickets start at $12.51 and are available at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/habakkuk-halloween-tickets-1999090916746.
PROVIDED
Kate Henneberry and Anna LaFaire with MacDaddy Salon’s 2025 scarecrow, inspired by Moira Rose’s character in “Schitt’s Creek”
Trunk-or-Treat - 10/31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Halloween, the park district will host a trick-or-treat event out of the trunks of decorated cars at the parking lot at 7501 Harrison St. Participation is free, but registration is required for those handing out treats. Register at https://www.pdofp.org/ events/trunk-or-treat.
ERICA BENSON TODD BANNOR
Teams Alice in Wonderland and Extreme Realty at the start of their heat at the Forest Park Casket Races on Oct. 18, 2025
TODD BANNOR
Team Toy Story in the parade of caskets prior to the Forest Park Casket Races on Oct. 18, 2025
Emilia Desai of River Forest picks candy out of the hood of a car during last year’s trunk-or-treat event at the Park District of Forest Park
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October 21, 2026
14 th Annual Casket Races
14 th Annual Casket Races
Leaf collection assistance available
W
hether it is time to rake leaves in the fall or shovel snow in the winter, Oak Parkers are encouraged to look for opportunities to help neighbors who may need assistance. For the third straight year, leaves will no longer be raked directly into the street this fall. With one option for discarding leaves being to place them in yard waste bags and/or rigid containers in the parkway, property owners can tap into their neighborly instincts by helping those in need of support. The Village also coordinates an online portal where Oak Parkers can request leaf collection assistance. Visit www.oak-park. us/leafcollection and fill out the form under the leaf collection assistance section to request help raking leaves. Fall leaf collection collectionThe page also includes a link program expands stance available to a sign-up form for anyone ther it is time to rake leaves in to eight pickups interested in volunteering to e fall or shovel snow in the Village’s fall leaf collection ak Parkers are encouraged rake leaves.he For more inforprogram is scheduled for Oct. or opportunities to help 26 – Dec. 18, withcollection eight pickups mation about leaf s who may need assistance. scheduled for each section of hird straight year, leaves will assistance, contact NeighOak Park. Rather than placing r be raked directly into the leaves directly into the street, s fall. With one option for borConnect@oak-park.us residents can choose from a g leaves being to place them variety of leaf collection options or 708.358.5410. aste bags and/or rigid
rs in the parkway, property an tap into their neighborly by helping those in need of The Village also coordinates portal where Oak Parkers est leaf collection assistance. w.oak-park.us/leafcollection ut the form under the leaf n assistance section to help raking leaves. The o includes a link to a orm for anyone interested eering to rake leaves. For ormation about leaf n assistance, contact rConnect@oak-park.us 58.5410. ollection
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introduced in 2024 to improve safety
Fall leaf collection program expands to eight pickups
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he Village’s fall leaf collection program is scheduled for Oct. 26 – Dec. 18, with eight pickups scheduled for each section of Oak Park. Rather than placing leaves directly into the street, residents can choose from a variety of leaf collection options introduced in 2024 to improve safety and help the environment: Leave the leaves…The most sustainable option! Oak Park residents are encouraged to consider raking leaves into garden beds or leaving them on the lawn to promote soil health. This option offers an opportunity to support regional biodiversity and save money on fertilizer by allowing leaf litter to decompose naturally. It also aligns with the Village’s Climate Ready Oak Park plan. Compost leaves…Residents who participate in the Village’s CompostAble program can discard leaves in their 96-gallon gray organics cart along with food scraps and other yard waste throughout the year. Find more information about the program and sign up to participate at www.oak-park. us/compost. Residents can also compost in place by running a mulching mower over leaves and leaving them in their yard to decompose and fertilize the soil.
and help the environment: Leaf collection block parties…To support Leave the leaves…The most the community-minded spirit of assisting sustainable option! Oak Park residents are encouraged to consider neighbors, the Village is again allowing raking leaves into garden beds or leaving on the to promote each block tothem host anlawn extra leaf collecsoil health. This option offers an tion block party during weekends in Noopportunity to support regional biodiversity and save money on vember. Visit www.oak-park.us/leafcolfertilizer by allowing leaf litter to Place leaves in a bag or bin...Fallen leaves naturally. It also aligns lection todecompose request a leaf collection block with the Village’s Climate Ready Oak can be placed in yard waste bags and/or rigid party. AllPark theplan. rules for traditional block containers and left in the parkway as close to Compostincluding leaves…Residents parties apply, the requirement who participate in the Village’s the curb as possible for pickup. Eight pickups to includeCompostAble a petition signed by at least program can discard leavesaddresses in their 96-gallon on gray the organics are planned for each section of the Village 10 separate block. This dection for block Oct.parties… cart along with food scraps and other ort the community-minded on the scheduled pickup dates indicated yard waste throughout the year.neighbors an ickups initiative is intended to give assisting neighbors, the Find more information about the again block chance to gather while also making on the map. Green yard waste stickers are on ofallowing each extra program and sign up to participate n extra leaf collection block acing at www.oak-park.us/compost. NOT required during the eight-week Fall it easier to collect fallen leaves. For more ring weekends in November. Residents can also compost in place treet, w.oak-park.us/leafcollection Leaf Program, and residents may C T I O Collection N MAP information, contact 708.358.5700 orLE A F CO L LE by running a mulching mower over st a leaf collection block m a leaves and leaving them in their yard put out an unlimited number of bags and/ the rules for traditional publicworks@ oak-park.us. to decompose and fertilize the soil. options rties apply, including the rigid in the parkway on their Place leaves in a bag or bin...Fallen leaves can be placed inor yard waste containers bags ent to include a petition prove safety and/or rigid containers and left in the parkway as close to the curb as possible collection day. The Village’s waste y at least 10 separate designated nt: for pickup. Eight pickups are planned for each section of the Village on the addresses on the hauler Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) scheduled pickup dates indicated on the map. Green yard waste stickers are block. This most initiative is NOT required during the eight-week Fall Leaf Collection Program, and residents will transport the leaves to a compost facility. intended to give may put out an unlimited number of bags and/or rigid containers in the parkway Park on their designated collection day. The Village’s waste hauler Lakeshore neighbors an Commercial properties and large multifamily d to consider Recycling Systems (LRS) will transport the leaves to a compost facility. extra chance to buildings Commercial properties and large multifamily buildings with six or more with six or more units do not particin beds orgather while also units do not participate in the Village’s refuse program and have always been making it easier pate in the Village’s refuse program and have n to promote responsible for their own leaf collection and disposal. For more information to collect fallen about fall leaf collection, visit www.oak-park.us/leafcollection, call 708.358.5700 fers anleaves. For more always been responsible for their own leaf or email publicworks@oak-park.us. information, contact egional collection and disposal. For more information 708.358.5700 or Be sure to remind landscapers…Residents who utilize landscape services are oneypublicworks@ on asked to remind their landscaper that fallen leaves should not be placed in leaf collection, visit www.oak-park. about fall the street but should instead be mulched, placed in yard waste bags or hauled litteroak-park.us. to us/leafcollection, call 708.358.5700 or email away. A handout with information about the leaf collection process in both also aligns English and Spanish is available at www.oak-park.us/leafcollection. publicworks@oak-park.us.
ction ands ups
e Ready Oak
ents lage’s can discard gray organics aps and other he year. bout the participate mpost. post in place ower over in their yard ze the soil.
Be sure to remind landscapers…Residents who utilize landscape services are asked to remind their landscaper that fallen leaves should not be placed in the street but should instead be mulched, placed in yard waste bags or hauled away. A handout with information about the leaf collection process in both English and Spanish is available at www. oak-park.us/leafcollection. L E A F CO L LE C T I O N M AP
October 21, 2026
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B6
October 21, 2026
14 th Annual Casket Races
Halloween is all kinds of fun in Forest Park
TINA HARLE
TINA HARLE
TINA HARLE
TODD BANNOR
TINA HARLE
TODD BANNOR
TINA HARLE
TINA HARLE
TODD BANNOR
TINA HARLE
SURE, I TAUGHT TO THROW STICK ATBUT FIRST I WAS AHIM LITTLE TAKENAABACK 21, 2026 B7 14 Annual Casket AND NOW HANGING OUT October WITH HIM BYRaces THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. IS ITHE BESTHIM PARTTOOFTHROW MY DAY.A STICK BUT TAUGHT AND NOW HANGING OUT WITH HIM IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY. — EINSTEIN th
adopted 12-09-10 — EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10
TODD BANNOR
TINA HARLE
TODD BANNOR
TODD BANNOR
TODD BANNOR
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October 21, 2026
14 th Annual Casket Races