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W E D N E S D A Y
December 17, 2025 Vol. 46, No. 25
WJ45 1980 - 2025
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J URNAL
2025
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of Oak Park and River Forest
Church guide Page 20
‘Home Alone’ fans flock to Grace Episcopal As Pritzker signs aid in Church for on-location screening dying bill, Oak One scene from 1990 Parkers take some credit
classic was filmed in the Oak Park church By HECTOR CERVANTES
Illinois becomes 11th state to allow terminally ill patients to selfadminister end of life medication
Contributing Reporter
Film fans gathered Saturday evening at Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park for a sold-out, on-location screening of Home Alone, an immersive holiday event hosted by On Set Cinema that brought viewers inside the church where one of the movie’s most memorable scenes was shot. The 1990 holiday classic follows 8-yearold Kevin McCallister after he is accidentally left behind when his family travels to Paris for the holidays. One of the most unforgettable moments unfolds quietly inside a church, where Kevin sits See HOME ALONE on page 14
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
TODD BANNOR
Rev. Micah T.J. Jackson speaks at the 35th anniversary screening of ‘Home Alone’ at Grace Episcopal Church, on Dec. 13.
Celebrate
Illinois will soon allow terminally ill adults to seek prescriptions for life-ending medicine. Gov. JB Pritzker signed a Senate Bill 1950, also known as Deb’s law, Friday making Illinois the eleventh state to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with physician-prescribed medicine. See END OF LIFE on page 18
Locally See our Christmas Church Guide on page 20
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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Local Philanthropy Boosts Impact Through New State Tax Credit forward up to five years to apply against future tax liabilities.
n 2024, the state passed the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act, granting a sizable tax credit to donors contributing to endowed funds at qualified charitable community foundations with national accreditation. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is proudly eligible for the tax credit program, which took effect January 1, 2025. Donors who make gifts to eligible permanent endowment funds with the Foundation receive a 25% state income tax credit. Funds that qualify include permanently endowed scholarships, nonprofit agency funds, designated funds, and field of interest funds; gifts to donor advised funds are not eligible. “Permanent endowment funds at community foundations are an important layer of financial stability for our nonprofit sector; they offer a vital and reliable source of funding for operational needs, capital
Any individual or organization can contribute to existing endowment funds, or create a new one.
funding, and ongoing programs,” said Carrie Summy, president and CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. “This is an excellent time for donors to deeply consider the causes they care about and join the Foundation in advancing important work in our communities.”
A limited number of tax credits are available statewide, and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. To learn how to contribute to or establish an endowed fund, speak with your financial advisor or contact Foundation Development Director Brian Biederman at brianb@ oprfcf.org, or call 708-848-1560.
The program allows a maximum annual credit of $100,000 per taxpayer and $200,000 per couple, and can be carried
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation • 708-848-1560 • oprfcf.org
“Permanent endowment funds at community foundations are an important layer of financial stability for our nonprofit sector; they offer a vital and reliable source of funding for operational needs, capital funding, and ongoing programs,” - Carrie Summy, president and CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
North Avenue Falafel impacted by separate ICE raids
One employee detained for more than two weeks, as he was shuffled to Broadview, Kentucky and Indiana; another employee deported to Mexico By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter
On Oct. 20, a chef from North Avenue Falafel was working his side hustle, waiting in the Uber holding lot at O’Hare. Suddenly ICE agents closed the lot’s entrance and exit and starting asked questions. It would take weeks to untangle the answers. Amr Hassan originally came to the U.S. on a tourist visa. He has since gone through immigration proceedings and received a “cancellation of removal,” which opened a route to a green card. His case is pending. None of that mattered in the O’Hare Uber lot. “They asked just two questions,” Hassan said. “‘Are you American citizen?’ If you said yes, ‘Show me an ID,’ and they checked the ID. If you are American citizen, good to go. If you said no, they asked ‘Do you have a green card?’” It didn’t matter that Hassan has legal status; he didn’t have the paperwork they wanted. Officers told him to step out of his car, searched him, put him in handcuffs and took him to an immigration facility on O’Hare’s campus. That is where his trek through ICE detention began. Here is the story, according to Hassan:
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman Staff Reporter Brendan Heffernan 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 Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Senior Advisor Dan Haley
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
North Avenue Falafel owner Youssef Salam with chef Amr Hassan who was detained by ICE. After a few hours at O’Hare, he was taken to the Broadview detention facility. His personal belongings were confiscated and he was locked in a room designed to hold far fewer people, with the only restroom facilities in plain sight of everyone being held. “All people I met, they got them with the
Orders slipped through the cracks
Shortly after Amr Hassan was detained, the owner of the North Avenue Falafel, Youssef Salam, had to decide whether to continue on a planned trip to Egypt. Initially he thought Hassan would be released within a few days. “I already have ticket. I close the restaurant and I go to see my family,” Salam said. “I was six weeks over there.” In the confusion, the restaurant’s online ordering system was not taken of-
W E D N E S D A Y
fline. Several customers ordered and were surprised when they arrived to pick up their food to find the restaurant closed and an “on vacation” sign taped to the door. Salam wants to make it right with them. “If they want the same order, we can give them. If they want the money back, we’ll give them back. Whatever they want, we’ll give them,” Salam said.
uniforms on,” he said. “If they are criminals, they will not go to work. I meet them in gas stations uniform, the construction guys, the landscaping guys. I met one, with a kitchen chef uniform. Good people. They work. They have families. They have kids. They have wives. They have homes. Now you think about their kids, what they will do without their dads?” Hassan said that of the hundreds of people he saw while he was in various detention facilities only a few were women. He estimated it was less than 2%. On the third day of filthy conditions at Broadview guards woke detainees at 4 a.m. Cuffed at the ankles and waist, Hassan and others were loaded onto a bus and driven to Indianapolis to the airport there. Inside, authorities divided detainees by country of origin. Hassan sat with others from Egypt. After a few hours Hassan was back in See FALAFEL on page 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Greffin, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
H OW TO R E ACH US PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 ■ PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ EMAIL Dan@oakpark.com ■ 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 digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $2. A one-year subscription costs $65 within Cook County and $105 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305. © 2025 Growing Community Media, NFP.
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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Dominican U. joins ‘education constellation’
CHARISM comprises four Catholic, Hispanic and minority-serving schools By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Dominican University’s new partnership with three other Catholic universities is being hailed as an “education constellation” that will provide new opportunities for students from each institution. CHARISM, which stands for Catholic Higher Education Alliance of Rising Institutions in Service and Mission, comprises Dominican, University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City and Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in San Juan, Puerto Rico. All are Catholic, Hispanic- and minority-serving institutions in major metropolitan areas and were founded by women religious. The partnership will foster academic pathways that allow students to conduct part of their program at one institution and transfer to another for completion. It will also offer joint degree programs, where a student can earn a degree or certificate at more than one school. Additionally, faculty and staff will be able to pursue professional development, faculty exchange and collaboration for discussion and sharing ideas. It’s a unique approach, but innovative as
FALAFEL ICE storm from page 3 cuffs and bank on a bus. Several hours later he arrived in Kentucky at the Oldham County jail, which functions as an ICE detention center. Finally, more than four days into his detention, he was finally able to contact his family and a lawyer. After five more days in Kentucky, he was once again cuffed and bussed back to the Indianapolis airport. From there he was transported to Brazil, Indiana to the Clay County jail, also serving as
well, according to Dominican provost Mia Hardy. “It’s uncommon, but all of our institutions realize we need to meet this moment in higher education to serve students better,” Hardy said. “A lot of different people have come together to work on this collaboration, and it all comes together for the benefit of our students, which benefits all of us.” CHARISM became official Dec. 8 at a special ceremony at the University of the Incarnate Word. Dominican president Dr. Glena Temple and the presidents of the other institutions were in attendance, along with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The ceremony was “centered on what we hold in common,” Temple said. “The overwhelming theme is hope. “We will expand opportunities for students and find ways to grow together to better meet the students in our community.” For example, Temple said, Dominican has a PhD program in information studies and is the only school in the foursome with that program. Thus, the opportunity to bring in students from the other institutions is now possible. Additionally, the University of the Incarnate Word operates two campuses in Mexico and one in Strasbourg, France, so that will provide Dominican students opportunities to travel abroad. That’s the real value-add for all four schools, according to Genaro A. Balcazar, Dominican chief operating officer and senior vice president.
“The limit is our imagination,” he said. “We want to make sure we are adding more value, finding collaborative partnerships and even our faculty exchanges.” Temple said the collaboration discussions between the four universities started in November 2024. “It’s a little over a year, and that’s record speed, so it’s exciting,” she said. “The senior leaders and faculties have been working diligently. We all bring different strengths and ideas to sense ways we can work collaboratively. “Some students will take courses online, and we expect exchanges for semesters for students to travel between institutions. Technically, a student could do coursework at all four institutions throughout the
course of their educational journey.” Margaret Garcia, associate vice president for communications and marketing at University of the Incarnate Word said the constellation may expand. “We’re happy to have four strong collaborations, (and) down the road, we might look at adding other Catholic institutions,” she said. Balcazar said that could include “maybe a West Coast institution that’s Catholic and has a regional reach like we have with the other four. “I think a large part of the future of higher education will be these types of partnerships and collaborations to add value not only to the students but the communities they operate in,” he said.
an ICE detention center. “It’s a big business for them, the jails,” he said. After another six days, Hassan finally had a court hearing. “I had court online. My attorney got me released for $1,500 because the most important two things is that I came in with a visa and my record is clean,” he said. “I was the only one who was released during the court.” Hassan was given a court date for his next appearance – in October 2027. Fifteen days after he was originally detained, Clay County Indiana jailers opened the doors and let him walk out. He was given a bag with his belongings, but his wallet was missing and his cell phone was dead. He had
no ID and no way to call home. “I walked to a McDonald’s. I asked the worker, very nice young man, ‘Can I call my family?’ He give me the store phone. I called my family I told them where I am and I stayed there for four hours while they come to get me,” he said. Luckily back when this whole ordeal started, the authorities hadn’t impounded Hassan’s car. They allowed his brother to come pick it up with a spare set of keys. The experience isn’t one that Hassan will soon forget. “I was very thankful for God and for everybody who helped me. Because many of people I met there for three, four months, they stayed there, moving them from jail to
another. I learned a lot, how this life is very precious. Freedom is something you can’t imagine how it’s important,” Hassan said. Also detained during the federal government’s Operation Midway Blitz was another employee, Nancy Issacs. She was arrested in the restaurant’s parking lot, located at the corner of North and Oak Park Avenues in Chicago. She was deported to Mexico, according to restaurant owner Youssef Salam.
CREDIT: JERSTAD PHOTOGRAPHICS LP
Dominican President Glena Temple at the podium, speaking at the Dec. 8 ceremony.
North Avenue Falafel Website: falafeljoint.com Address: 6814 W. North Ave, Chicago
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1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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7th Congress candidates survive petition challenges
Decisions leave a crowd competing for retiring Davis’ seat By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter
The March 17 Democratic primary field for Danny Davis’s 7th Congressional seat will remain crowded after five of six Democrats survived petition challenges. Both Republican candidates also will remain on the ballot. As of Dec. 15. Chicago Board of Elections hearing officers have forwarded recommendations to the election board on all but one candidate. While a final vote by the election board must wait until Dec. 17, the full board generally accepts the recommendations from its hearing officers. Max Bevar, Chicago Board of Elections spokesman, said Monday that it’s likely no final report will be filed on the objection to Democrat David Ehrlich, saying, “The objector filed a motion to withdraw the objec-
tion … so that objection is now moot, and the candidate will be on the ballot.” Bevar said no final recommendation has yet been filed on the objection to Democrat Anna Mendoza’s petitions. Since mid-November, officials with the Chicago Board of Elections have been working to process formal objections, reviewing thousands of voter registration signatures and hearing legal arguments. “It was a lighter year than usual, and we expect to be wrapped up sooner,” said Bevar, who said the elections board had only 23 objections this year.. Three petition objections by Chicagoan Marlo Payne will be dismissed. Hearing officer Laura Jacksack recommended that the objection against Republican Patricia Easley be “defaulted” due to Payne having failed to appear at the scheduled hearing. Hearing Officer Mary C. Meehan found that Payne’s objection against Anthony Driver was moot because Payne “clearly resides outside the district … and therefore the objector lacks standing to file the objection.” Meehan dismissed Payne’s objection to Felix Tello on the same grounds, finding
that Payne lacked legal standing as a nondistrict resident. Other objections were recommended to be dismissed after signature reviews. Democrat Kina Collins’ name remains on the ballot after hearing officer Mathias Delort found that, despite 863 being determined to be invalid, she had 348 more valid signatures than required. Delort made the same recommendation for Democrat Jazmin Robinson, who was found to have 436 valid signatures over the number needed. Objector Omari Davis alleged that Chad Koppie, an 87-year Kane County farmer, had committed fraud by not gathering all the signatures on his 53 pages of nominating sheets himself. Koppie offered evidence, “including bank statements that showed gas purchases and White Castle purchases in the Oak Park-Forest Park area.” He also produced, hearing officer Terence Flynn noted, “a notarized handwritten (by the notary” statement from the manager of the Oak Park Jewel, attesting to requesting Koppie leave the premises
when collecting signatures.” “There could be other reasons for a farmer from Kane County to drive to Oak Park for gas and White Castle sliders,” Flynn reasoned, “but this hearing officer cannot think of any.” Koppie’s otherwise unchallenged 530 nominating signatures, Flynn found, were “well over the 272 minimum” number required. An electoral board’s scope of inquiry is limited solely to the issue of whether a challenged petition and papers comply with the provisions of the Election Code. Objectors in a proceeding must prove their objections by a preponderance of the evidence. Hearing officers have the same duties and powers as an electoral board, but cannot make final, binding decisions, only make recommendations to the electoral board. Jan. 8 is the last day for candidates to be certified for inclusion on the 2026 primary ballot. That deadline is based on the need for the state’s 108 local election authorities to finalize names in order to begin printing primary ballots.
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article published Dec. 11 incorrectly had the tax levy increase at 4.98% rather than the 3.24% increase which was ratified. Wednesday Journal regrets the error. The Oak Park village board approved a property tax levy increase for next year as part of the village’s 2026 budget. Oak Park’s village government property taxes will increase by 3.24%, in 2026 following Dec. 9’s board vote ratifying next year’s budget and tax levy. The village government’s tax levy includes the property tax contributions for the Oak Park Public library, according to village staff. The village government tax only makes up 15% of Oak Park property owners annual property taxes, with other taxing bodies including the two local school districts taking in a larger share of Oak Park property taxes. The tax levy helps the village fund its general operations, debt service payments and contributions to the police and fire pensions, according to the village. With this year’s levy increase, the village’s police pension cost will see a boost of $637,159 and its fire pension funding will increase by $660,561 along with a funding increase of $10,604 for debt services and an increase of $595,478 for general operations, according to village staff. The village increased its tax levy by 3.6% last year after not increasing the levy at all in 2023. The village held a “Truth in Taxation” hearing on the levy increase on Nov. 18, in which only one resident commented on the
proposed levy. The final levy increase was set after months of village board finance committee meetings, which involved Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, sitting trustees Derek Eder, Jim Taglia and Brian Straw and several community members. During the Truth in Taxation hearing last month, Scaman said the finance committee will continue meeting after the new year as the village works to finalize the funding and tax impacts associated with the village’s plan to establish a new police station and renovate Village Hall. “This is the first time in 50 years that the village of Oak Park has had to undertake discussions inclusive of such a major facilities project,” Scaman said. “We will be having that additional transparency to lead us through that process, as well as navigating the climate we’re living in today, whether that’s financial or political.”
No Wednesday Journal on Dec. 31 Dear readers, An early heads up that the Wednesday Journal will not publish a print edition on Wednesday, Dec. 31. We’re giving our hard-working colleagues a week off for the holidays. We’ll be closed from Dec. 24 through New Year’s Day. You’ll find us back on newsstands Wednesday, Jan. 7. Meanwhile, if major news breaks find us atOakPark.com
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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Village gives $4.5 million line of credit to the library Loan agreement was needed after late 2024 property tax disbursements
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park village board approved a multi-million dollar line of credit to the Oak Park Public Library that library leaders said was necessary to keep up the system’s regular operations after the start of the new year. The village government will create a $4.5 million line of credit for the library system to cover a reported funding gap created by the delayed second installment of 2024 Cook County property tax disbursements, according to village staff. The village board approved the agreement unanimously at its meeting Dec. 9, with Trustee Chibuike Enyia, a public library employee, abstaining from the vote. The county tax disbursements are expected to be delivered in either late December or early January, according to the village. The library is funded almost entirely
JAVIER GOVEA
Oak Park Public Library by property taxes and “isn’t designed” to weather delays in tax money disbursements, according to a library presentation given to the village board’s finance committee last month. As result of the delays, the library system has operated in recent months with much less cash on hand compared to last year while keeping up with
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the system’s monthly operating expenses of roughly $1 million, according to the library. “Without a clear timeline from the county for the disbursement of these funds, this temporary bridge funding will be essential to ensure the library can maintain uninterrupted services and operations through at least April 2026,” wrote Virgina Bloom, the library board’s president, in an appeal to the finance committee. Without the credit line, “building closures and large-scale furloughs may occur as early as January 2026,” library leaders told the finance committee last month. The library system has three locations and 130 employees, with about 75% of its expenses coming from personnel costs. The library must pay the village back within 60 days of receiving the delayed tax disbursements, according to village documents. If the library has not repaid the loan in full by June 30, 2026, the village will begin charging a monthly 4% interest rate
on the line, according to village documents. As part of the agreement, the library must also submit written requests to the village in order to draw from the funds which the village will review and either approve or deny. The library will be able to draw from the line of credit until the end of March. “The library may submit written requests to the village for draws from the line of credit until March 31, 2026, for the purpose of bridging the library’s funding gap created by the delayed 2024 second installment property tax disbursement,” village staff wrote in the inter-governmental agreement setting terms for the loan. “The library’s written requests to the village must include materials and information establishing the library’s need for the loan and the library must provide the village with information and materials requested by the village to confirm the appropriateness and need of the library for the requested amounts.”
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
YOUR
BEST
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withLisaCapone Holiday Warmth Wishes As the holiday season arrives, Cantata is filled with the spirit of togetherness as residents craft decorations, sing carols, and enjoy festive meals. Winter brings its charm, but it’s also a time to focus on safety and well-being. Seniors should dress warmly in layers, wear shoes with good traction, and keep walkways clear to prevent falls. Staying hydrated and checking on friends and neighbors helps everyone stay well throughout the season. For families traveling this holiday season, Cantata offers respite stays —a perfect solution to ensure loved ones are cared for while you’re away. These short-term stays provide professional support, nutritious meals, and opportunities for holiday activities in a welcoming environment. The holidays are about connection, joy, and peace of mind, and Cantata invites you to embrace the season safely while creating special memories. Happy Holidays! For more info, visit Cantata.org or call (708) 387-1030
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Two OPRF expulsions tied to November pepper spray incident Third-floor fight involved group of female students By ZOE TAKAKI Contributing Reporter
The school board at Oak Park and River Forest High School voted Wednesday, Dec. 10 to expel two students through the end of the school year. Both students are expected to participate in the second semester through an alternative high school placement at the West 40 educational cooperative. Neither Supt. Greg Johnson nor school board members discussed the basis of the expulsions after the special board meeting. Johnson suggested a Wednesday Journal reporter speak to the principal or assistant principal for background on the school’s Behavior Education Plan. Asked in an interview Thursday, David Narain, assistant principal for operations, what student actions can lead to expulsion, he said that bringing weapons into the school can lead to a student being expelled under both state law and the school’s own policies. When a reporter referenced a mid-November incident in which two students deployed pepper spray in a school hallway, Narain noted that the Journal had reported that story earlier and said, “you can surmise … that these students had to have been involved in one of those level five incidents. It obviously qualified.” Narain said that “when a student brings a weapon into school or to a school function and uses that weapon, threatens to use that weapon, it is actually state law… that that student shall be referred for expulsion.” The Journal reported Nov. 18 that the pepper spray was deployed by two students on the school’s third floor during a passing period. That led to the school being put on a “Hold” for 40 minutes while staff treated those who had been impacted by the pepper spray, deescalate the situation and cleaned the area, according to the school’s safety director. The Journal asked Oak Park police for a more complete description of the inci-
dent. In an email Thursday Dan Yopchick, relax and many more. the village’s spokesperson, wrote that poThe plan works to limit the number and lice responded to the high school just be- duration of expulsions and out-of-school fore 10 a.m. on Nov. 17 in reference to a suspensions to the greatest extent pracreported battery. ticable. Expulsions are considered when A female student told police she was the behavior affects the health, safety or talking with a friend on the third floor property of the school, school personnel, when a group of seven other female stu- other students or oneself. dents approached her and “one dropped The plan has reduced the number of her backpack while saying ‘what you disciplinary out-of-school suspensions wanna do.’” The student told police the since its implementation, with the 2022same group of students had “jumped” her 2023 school year having 51 out-of-school at school a year ago and so she used pep- suspensions and the 2024-2025 school year per spray toward the group. having 27, a 47% reduction. According to the police Expulsions at OPRF have statement, “two people become very rare. A district among the seven then pulled official said OPRF has averout pepper spray and deaged less than one expulsion ployed.” The statement said per year over the past five two other members of the years. group then began to hit the Narain says even for stuyoung woman as OPRF staff dents up for expulsion, the arrived and began to sepaexpulsion process is an oprate those involved in the alportunity for the restorative tercation. practices to occur in one of With first semester finals the many steps in the process taking place next week, the and doesn’t always lead to exstudents who were expelled pulsion. and their families are now “It’s reviewed by the deans DAVID NARAIN working with administrators and the counselors and soAssistant principal to finish out this semester cial workers before it goes to
“We work very hard to still partner with these families. These students might return here. We’re not cutting any cords.”
— “not necessarily physically in the building,” said Narain. When the second semester begins in January, he said, the students will attend school at West 40, a nonprofit service center that works with schools in West Cook County to provide education to at-risk and/or expelled youth. OPRF’s Behavior Education Plan focuses on restorative practices as opposed to zero-tolerance policies. “This behavior education plan really protects the students’ rights to recognize that they are always going to be works in progress as long as they’re our students, and we expect students to make mistakes and learn from them,” said Narain. He said restorative justice is mostly about restoring the harm that was caused by any given situation through a range of approaches including conflict resolution, the use of “peace rooms” for students to
a hearing. The hearing is an opportunity for due process for the student and the family is able to speak and give their side of the events and provide any information,” he said. “There are plenty of places where the process actually can stop, and it does not always end up going to a board vote.” Narain said the reason why it doesn’t stop, in some cases, is because administrators have a responsibility to the school community and its safety. He also notes it’s important to remember that expulsions are often not permanent, and that in some cases, students that complete that time in the alternative school environment are eligible to return to OPRF. “We work very hard to still partner with these families. These students might return here. We’re not cutting any cords,” said Narain.
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1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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Oak Park drops ‘Make Real Change, Not Spare Change’ campaign Village announces it is ‘sunsetting’ program aimed at discouraging giving to panhandlers By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park announced this week that it will not be continuing a program it launched this year to discourage people from giving money to panhandlers. The village launched its “Make Real Change, Not Spare Change” campaign in February with the goal of reducing panhandling while raising money for people experiencing homelessness. The program encouraged residents to donate to a fund benefitting homeless people rather than giving money to people on the street. On Monday, Dec. 8, the village announced it would be “sunsetting” the program. In the announcement, the village said the program
raised $1,400 which was used to purchase gift cards for people experiencing homelessness that had engaged with village services. “Over the past several months, the Make Real Change campaign has served as a meaningful way for our community to support unhoused residents in Oak Park. The campaign encouraged donations that could be used to provide immediate, low-barrier assistance to individuals seeking help and engaging with village staff,” the village said in a statement. “These small but impactful resources often helped individuals meet essential daily needs while building trust and stability. As the village concludes the Make Real Change campaign, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to every resident who chose to contribute. Your generosity made a direct and positive difference in the lives of unhoused neighbors and supported a compassionate, community-centered approach to outreach.” Vanessa Matheny, Oak Park’s community services manager, said the village launched the program in part to educate residents that the vast majority of panhandlers in Oak Park are not unhoused people, and do not live in
FILE PHOTO
Oak Park. “We do know that the individuals panhandling primarily in Downtown Oak Park or in the Arts District, they are not unhoused,” she told Wednesday Journal last March. “They come here, they stay for the day and then they get in their cars and leave and go somewhere else. We think it’s important that we share that feedback with our community members.” “They come because Oak Park residents give, and we’re trying to redirect that conversation.” The program was launched alongside a revamped effort in Oak Park to provide social services to homeless people and others in need as the village started up its Engaging Community For Healthy Outcomes pilot pro-
gram, otherwise known as ECHO. The program’s development followed a 2022 study by consultant group BerryDunn that the village commissioned to help outline a vision for alternative response in Oak Park. According to a village board presentation, ECHO has received referrals to clients from a wide variety of sources, although they are most commonly connected to clients via the Oak Park Police Department, the Oak Park Fire Department and through people walking in for service. Of the types of issues that ECHO staffers help provide services for, staffers most often helped clients needing help with senior services issues, homelessness, housing instability and mental health issues, according to the village.
Village increases funding for tourism, arts
Oak Park contributions to Oak Park Area Arts Council and Explore Oak Park and Beyond both grow By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park approved new funding levels for its local art and tourism partners last week. The village board approved funding increases for both the Oak Park Area Arts Council and the recently rebranded Explore Oak Park and Beyond, the tourism board previously known as Visit Oak Park, as part of the village’s 2026 budget. The board ratified next year’s budget at its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9. Both groups also receive state grant money but rely on local funding to sustain their operations. The arts council will receive $368,875 from
the village next year, a significant increase compared to the $275,000 that Oak Park leaders approved for the group for 2025. The arts council said it will use the funds to support a variety of planned projects for 2026 including running grant and scholarship programs, putting on regular community art shows and markets and supporting the creation of dozens of new murals by the end next year, according to the council’s proposal. “In a time when arts funding is being cut, budgets are being shrunk, and art organizations are struggling to stay afloat, OPAAC’s ability to grow and provide for the community is a testament to the quality of work being done and speaks volumes about the desire for these programs to continue to grow,” the
group said of its work in its funding proposal. The tourism board received a more modest increase in its village funding, going from $209,042 for 2025 to $229,042 for 2026. The funding for the tourism board comes from revenue collected via hotel/motel taxes, according to the village. Explore Oak Park and Beyond promotes tourism and markets attractions in 20 Western Cook County suburbs, including Oak Park. The recent rebrand speaks to the tourism board’s emphasis on cross-community collaboration, as the agency hopes to help establish a stronger identity for the area between Chicago’s western border and Interstate 294, according to the group. “Destination promotion is for the benefit
and well-being of every person in a community,” the group said of its work in its funding proposal. “It is an essential investment to develop opportunities and enhance the quality of life for the people of a destination. What is our industry always pointing to? The jobs that are created, the local spending that is generated, the local tax revenue that is generated, and the economic activity that is generated.” “With unwavering dedication and a keen eye for detail, the Explore Oak Park and Beyond organization comprehensively crafts unforgettable journeys, connecting visitors with iconic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, world-class museums, a diverse culinary scene, and much more.”
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
C R I M E
Will County man arrested on sexual abuse charge By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park police arrested a Will County man on criminal sexual abuse charges last week. Police took the 30-year-old Romeoville man into custody at the Cook County Courthouse in Maywood shortly before
noon on Wed. Dec. 10. He was processed and held for a detention hearing, according to police. Police arrested the man in connection with an incident that took place on Nov. 4 in the 500 block of South Maple Avenue in Oak Park, which includes the campus of Rush Oak Park hospital, according to police.
Motor Vehicle Theft Oak Park police investigated several reported vehicle thefts over the last week, according to police reports. Several of the stolen vehicles were involved in accidents shortly after they were reported stolen. A Chicago man delivering packages for Amazon had his 2014 Ford Fiesta stolen
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from the 800 block of North Ridgeland Avenue by two men who fled east in the vehicle on Thomas Street. The car had 46 undelivered packages inside when it was stolen, according to police. The vehicle was recovered later that day at 7:30 p.m. at the scene of an accident in the 700 block of North Lombard Avenue. An Oak Park resident’s 2007 Hummer H3 was also stolen from the 800 block of North Lombard Avenue sometime shortly after 9:10 p.m. of Sunday, Dec. 14, according to police. The Hummer is valued at $18,000, according to police. A Chicago resident’s 2008 Buick Lucerne was stolen after it was left parked in the 300 block of Fillmore Street shortly before midnight Friday, Dec. 12. The vehicle was later recovered by Illinois State Police after it had been wrecked near I-290’s Ohio Street exit, according to police. An Oak Park resident’s 2019 Kia Sorento was stolen from the 1000 block of Ontario Street overnight the evening of Friday, Dec. 12, according to police. The vehicle is valued at $12,000, according to police. These items were obtained from Oak Park’s Police Department reports dated Dec. 10–15 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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Oak Park holds vigil for victims of Hanukkah terror attack
8th Annual ANDERSON FAMILY Local interfaith group organized candlelight vigil honoring dozens HOLIDAY killed or wounded in Australian mass shooting JAMBOREE By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park faith community held a candlelight vigil Monday night honoring the victims of an antisemitic terrorist attack in Australia. Oak Park Temple and Community of Congregations, a local interfaith organization, held a candlelight vigil Monday night to pay respect to the at least 15 people who were killed in a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. As of Tuesday, 25 others are still in the hospital being treated for wounds suffered during the attack, according to the Associated Press.
The vigil was held at Oak Park Temple on Harlem Avenue. The groups held the vigil to “to mourn those who died, pray for healing for the survivors, and light our Hanukkah candles to pray for light and peace for all of the world.” “Around the world hearts are shattered following the news of the massacre that occurred at a Jewish communal gathering at Bondi Beach in celebration of Hanukkah,” the group said of the event. Of the two shooters, believed by Australian authorities to be a father and son, one is dead and the other is in police custody at a hospital. Police believe the shooting was a “terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State,” according to the Associated Press.
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
7th District candidates talk health care, politics at forum
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Largely in sync on the issues, candidates laud experience By BILL DWYER
est Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, current 8th District State Seven candidates for the Representative LaShawn K. 7th District seat in the U.S. Ford, attorney and former House took part in a forum fopolicy advisor on the Nationcused on the country’s health al Economic Council, Reed care system, Dec. 9 at Oak Showalter, and community Park’s main library on Lake organizer Kina Collins. Street. All agreed the health care Dr. Winnia Lin, representsystem is designed more to ing a physicians advocacy enrich corporately owned group which sponsored the THOMAS FISHER hospitals and private insurevent, opened the forum by ers than to serve the needs of outlining the current dire average people. circumstances facing people Showalter got arguably the relying on the American loudest applause of the evehealthcare system, includning when he said Congress ing looming cuts to federal needs to “ban corporate ownassistance, spiking Medicaid ership of hospitals.” and insurance costs, and the Collins noted that money growing number of for-profis available for wars and tax it, corporate owned hospitals. breaks for billionaires, but “Whoever wins this seat not healthcare, and brought to represent the Illinois 7th up the gap in men’s and in Congress will face imwomen’s healthcare, saying, mense challenges, but also “It easier for (men) to get Vian incredible opportunity to ANTHONY DRIVER agra … than it is for (women) reverse the course that we’re to get IUDs and birth control, on,” Lin said. and that is outrageous.” Dr. Monica Maalouf, the There was unanimous event moderator, noted that agreement on the question limited forum participation of healthcare for transgenfrom a 15-candidate field was der people, though with some decided upon using “a fundquibbling. raising threshold and viabil“Going back to the notion ity criteria.” of shared humanity, care “These benchmarks helped for the transgender commuus create a focused, managenity is just health care,” said able forum for meaningful Fisher. conversation,” Maalouf said. “This is a civil right,” Ford “We regret that we weren’t RORY HOSKINS said. “It’s not our business, able to include every candiit’s a right.” date.” She said there were “Gender-affirming care is health care, candidates invited who chose not to attend full stop,” said Showalter. “We have a but declined to say who. Participating were ER physician Thomas health care system that doesn’t recognize Fisher, union leader Anthony Driver, For- human dignity.” Contributing Reporter
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1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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“The president is attacking transgender by osmosis,” that “every istration is trying to roll it ly 20 years on the Forest Park village counpeople,” Hoskins said. “We’re not going to person on that board hired back.” Noting his 17 years in cil, the last six as mayor. Calling himself an sign off on it.” the Illinois House, he said, attorney, father, former social worker, and (Ahmed),” and that he was Boykin expressed support for full on picket lines at the hospi“I have always been on the someone who had a “broad set of relationhealthcare for transgender people but tal twice. cutting edge of public poli- ships,” he said he was “prepared to effectiveconcluded with “we have to support our cy to improve the (8th State ly represent the 7th Congressional district, Ford responded later, saybrothers and sisters who choose that ing, “I stood with the unions House) district.” to build coalitions and to engage the entire lifestyle …” Collins took issue with that in everything. … I stood Collins credited current district.” phrasing, saying, “Trans folks don’t with the workers every time, Cong. Danny Davis for sponBoykin noted that he’s lived throughout choose a lifestyle, that’s who they are.” soring Medicare for all but the 7th District, having been raised in Ento protect safety at Loretto Maalouf queried Ford specifically re- Hospital.” also dunned him for taking glewood and lived in Austin and then Oak garding his role on the Loretto Hospital corporate donations. She Park. “We have two Americas, one for the The evening’s concluding board when its then-CEO Anosh Ahmed remarks were filled with said the 2026 election is a wealthy, one for the poor,” he said. Noting LASHAWN FORD was found to have engaged in favoritism both frustration with cur“once in a generation op- his experience as Davis’ one-time chief of and financial corruption over the distri- rent circumstances and hope portunity for us to elect a staff, he said, “I know how to get things done in Washington.” bution of then-scarce Covid progressive to this seat and to for future changes. Showalter reiterated his vaccines that went to politi“We deserve better. I can elect somebody who is not just criticism of predatory corcal insiders rather than local stop the bleeding at the trau- going to vote the right way, but porations placing profits West Side residents. Ahmed ma center, I can prescribe who is going to organize the over people, and said he’d was later federally indicted. antibiotics, but I can’t shape right way for the people.” work to make constituent’s Ford said he demanded Driver called his candidacy the policies in the emergenlives more affordable. “We the firing of Ahmed and ancy department that shape “a worker centered moveneed someone in Congress other top official at the time, our lives,” Fisher said. “I’m ment” that was based on coaliwho’s going to take the and when the board refused tired of being in an emer- tion building. “This is about gency room where I can’t centering the downtrodden, chance to re-establish govto fire them, he resigned in give people what they need.” the marginalized,” Driver ernment for regular people,” protest. “Our democracy is under said. “This is about giving he said, “and not for giant Driver called out the attack,” said Ford. “The people something to fight for, corporations and for people Loretto board, including work that has been done and not against.” who are trying to get rich off Ford, saying the problems REED SHOWALTER RICHARD BOYKIN over the years, this adminthe rest of us.” at Loretto “didn’t happen Hoskins leaned on his near-
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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TODD BANNOR
A cutout figure of Macaulay Culkin’s character Kevin at 35th anniversary screening of the film at Grace Episcopal Church.
TODD BANNOR
Kenny Caperton of On Set Cinema speaks before the screening.
HOME ALONE
Not in church alone from page 1 in on a choir rehearsal and strikes up an unexpected conversation with Old Man Marley about family, fear and forgiveness. This scene was filmed at Grace Episcopal Church. On Set Cinema is a traveling film series that hosts screenings of cult favorites and classics at the exact locations where they were filmed. The project was created by filmmaker and superfan Kenny Caperton, who has spent more than two decades visiting movie locations around the world and is known for living in a life-size replica of Michael Myers’ house from Halloween. “Home Alone is a little unique since it’s more of a family film and more accessible. I’m working with the church that serves as a central part of the community and I absolutely love it when locals come to my events, that’s always amazing. There’s also something special about someone who is truly passionate about a film,” Caperton said. Caperton explained that while Home Alone drew more local families because of its accessibility, his screenings generally attract passionate fans who travel from across the country to experience films at their original locations. These devoted viewers often return to movies they’ve seen
TODD BANNOR
Grace Episcopal Church countless times to create lasting memories. “This is a movie that people watch with their families every year at one of the most meaningful times of the year. It brings back memories of opening presents, sharing meals and gathering together to laugh and watch Home Alone. Watching the film with other fans adds to that sense of con-
nection and makes the experience meaningful in its own right,” Caperton said. Watching the film on location, particularly inside a historic and visually striking church, takes the experience to another level, Caperton said. The setting features one of the film’s most meaningful scenes, when Kevin meets Old Man Marley and the
two share a moment of understanding just before the final showdown. Experiencing that scene in the space where it was filmed adds a deeper sense of emotional weight. Caperton said his goal is for audiences to leave feeling more connected to both the film and their families. The evening also featured guided tours of the church, holiday decorations and a choir performance prior to the screening, adding to the immersive experience beyond the film itself. There also was a cardboard cutout of Kevin McCallister placed where he sits in the film. “It’s an opportunity to fully lean into the fandom and enjoy the space, whether that’s through a walking tour, sitting in the pews or taking a picture with Kevin. Then we listen to the choir and watch the movie inside the church. I think it encapsulates everything and gives people different ways to experience the event,” Caperton said. Caperton believes Home Alone endures because of its heart, memorable music and iconic characters, which elevate its simple premise into something timeless. Its humor and universal themes continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, just as they did when the film was first released 35 years ago. “If you’re watching it on location, especially inside a historic and beautiful church, I think that just takes it over the top. It just so happens that the scene in Home Alone is one of the most meaningful moments in the film,” Caperton said.
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
15
ART BEAT
Finding my calling later in life By JIM MADIGAN
O
Author
A Sensible Approach to Maintenance-Fre
n Sept. 14, I stood in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library where 100 people were gathered to hear me read from my new collection, Political Prisoners USA No Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Utilities Inclu and Other Poems. When I retired in 2019 a Full Social Program, and Short-Term Stays after 25 years as deputy director of the library, I could not have imagined that six Call (708) 386-4040 to schedule an appoin years later I would be returning to share A Sensible Approach to Maintenance-Free Senior Living A Sensible Approach to Maintenance-Free Senior Livin my poetry with the community that means 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.oakparka so much to me. It was the fulfillment of a Rent starts at just $2,000 a month dream I did not actually realize I had — to and began a master’s program at UIC, Fall OPA_Ad_10x525.indd 1 No Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Utilities Included, convey my vision of a world of justice, a semester 2020. This experience broadened Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Included, a No Full Social Program, and Short-Term StaysUtilities world without prisoners, through an art No Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Utilities Included, my writing. A goal of the program is for a Full Social Program, and Short-Term Stays form I only had the chance to develop in a Full 386-4040 Social Program, and Short-Term Stays poets to develop a manuscript, a goal I Call (708) to schedule an appointment. No Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Utilities Included, this post-library phase of my life. embraced and pursued. When I graduated, Call (708) 386-4040 to schedule an appointment. 408 S. Oak 386-4040 Park Avenue, Oak to Park,schedule IL 60302 • www.oakparkarms.com I have spent my life as a reader and had and Short-Term Stays Call (708) an appointment. I had such a manuscript. a Full Social Program, a full career at an organization dedicated 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.oakparkarms.com I spent a year polishing that manuscript to the open and abundant availability of with the aid of an editor, Elena Karina 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.oakparkarms.com books and information for all. So as I conByrne. This process prepared me to send 3/22/24 7 sider this journey from retirement to the the manuscript out to publishers. OPA_Ad_10x525.indd 1 408 S.On Oak Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.oakparkarms.com publication of my poetry MayPark 24, 2024, I collection, I see a continureceived a letter from OPA_Ad_10x525.indd 1 3/22/24 7:18 AM ity from my library career Broadstone Books offering to my life as a writer. I am to publish my manuscript A Sensible Approach to Maintenance-Free Senior Living grateful to tell that story. as a book stating: “This one Several days after I is fire. … We feel it is vital Rent starts at just $2,000 a month retired, I boarded a plane to present your words.” No Entrance Fee, Amazing Amenities, Utilities Included, headed to Dublin, Ireland It took over a year from a Full Social Program, and Short-Term Stays where my partner, Deborah then to see the book in Call (708) 386-4040 to schedule an appointment. Adelman, was professor in print. During that time, 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.oakparkarms.com charge of a group of AmerI worked with other Oak ican students on their Parkers: artist Tia Etu study abroad at Carlow (Whatever Comes to Mind College - St. Patrick’s, an Gallery on Harrison) prohour southwest of Dublin. duced the artwork for the When I arrived, Deborah cover, photographer Paul told me she had become Goyette took the author friends with a fellow Engphoto, and Jamie Ericson lish professor, Derek Coyle, and we were of Dandelion Bookshop, sold the book at enrolled in Derek’s class, Advanced Poetry the book launch at the Oak Park Public Writing. Derek was an excellent teacher, Library. and I found that I liked writing. Poetry, at its best, is dialogue and conI continued writing after our semester versation, an invitation to build commuin Ireland ended and began reading my nity together. I hope members of our compoetry (shout-out to the Traveling Mollys munity will engage with my collection, Reading Series which in 2019 was based and share their thoughts and perspectives. at the Buzz Café), and started submitting “Political Prisoners USA and Other my work to poetry journals with some suc- Poems” is available at Dandelion Bookcess. However, the more I got to thinking shop, 139 S. Oak Park Ave. Jim Madigan Support and of myself as a poet, the more I realized is a longtime Oak Park resident and the donate here: former deputy director of the Oak Park how little I actually knew. Public Library. I looked into area writing programs,
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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West Sub’s now shuttered residency program wins award The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians recognizes the family medicine program, which had its accreditation withdrawn earlier this year By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Nearly a year ago, in Jan. 2025, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education — which monitors graduate medical education programs to make sure participants deliver safe and high-quality care — withdrew accreditation from the family medicine residency program at Oak Park’s West Suburban Medical Center. Among about 30 resident doctors, some completed their residency by June 30, when the program officially ended, but most are completing their education elsewhere. The future of other services at West Sub is uncertain, as the hospital continues to struggle financially. Prior to its dissolution, the family medicine residency program at West Suburban was critically acclaimed. In honor of the physicians who trained there and the educators who shaped them, this month, the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians gave the Family Medicine Residency Program at West Sub its President’s Award. The annual IAFP award is given by the organization’s outgoing president, who recognizes an impactful individual or group. IAFP President Dr. Kate Rowland awarded West Sub’s family medicine residency program for its historically wide scope of sought-after training and its service to patients, many of whom are on Medicaid or uninsured. “Particularly in the last 20 years, so many graduates have cared for underserved patients in urban settings, rural settings and international settings,” Paul Luning, chief medical officer of PCC Community Wellness Center since 2007, told Austin Weekly News. West Suburban contracts services from PCC, a Federally Qualified Health Center that hosted resident doctors at four of its sites. Ginnie Flynn, IAFP’s vice president of communication and member engage-
PROVIDED
A group associated with the family medicine residency program at West Sub with the 2025 Illinois Academy of Family Physicians President’s Award. ment, told Austin Weekly News that family medicine physicians, like those who have trained at West Sub, provide a necessary continuity of care, “especially when access to high-quality care for at-risk communities is so needed.” “Not only do they help through the pregnancy process and the childbirth, then they can stay there afterwards and be that same child’s physician and that same mom’s physician. That’s so unique to family medicine,” Flynn said. “It’s a daunting process to carry a child and deliver it, and it’s nice to have someone you know with you along the entire journey.”
The program’s legacy Dr. Allison Burdick started the family medicine residency program in 1971. Luning graduated from the program in 1998. The previous year was the first that resi-
dents at West Suburban got an outpatient, three-year experience at PCC. Luning said, back then, it was uncommon to teach residents at a Federally Qualified Health Center. “At the time, we didn’t really know what kind of impact West Sub’s family medicine program would have on training future doctors with underserved populations,” Luning said. But the program had a reputation for intense, full-scope training, “which not all programs focused on to the degree West Sub did.” Luning added, “We saw lots of patients that were very complicated socially, emotionally and physically.” Luning said the same reasons he was drawn to the family medicine residency program nearly 30 years ago inspired him to recruit new attendings as PCC’s chief medical officer today. “I want people that work at PCC to be very good doctors. I want them to have
breadth. I want them to have compassion. I want them to be able to withstand the pressure of the job. And I knew that hiring somebody that had done residency at West Suburban was going to be not just up to the task, but committed to the task,” Luning said. Dr. Anastasia Crihfield — a family medicine physician at PCC Salud Family Health Center in Belmont Cragin, one of the four sites where residents at West Sub worked— graduated from the family medicine residency program at West Sub in 2018 and spoke highly of her educational clinical experience. “One of the strengths that it always had was labor and delivery, where you got a wide breadth and good volume of experience as a family physician,” Crihfield told Austin Weekly News. That included experience in complicated deliveries, newborn nurseries, the NICU and ICU “to a degree
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM that not a lot of family physicians always get trained in.” Crihfield specifically mentions how impressed she was with the program’s main coordinator Vineata Smith, who managed the program and its logistics for decades. She calls Smith the “heart and soul of the residency” and “the backbone of it, organizationally.” “West Suburban shaped not only the doctor I would become, but the kind of colleague, leader and advocate I strive to be today,” Dr. Rebecca Maddrell, also a graduate of the program, said as she helped present the President’s award. Maddrell is also one of two of the family medicine residency program graduates who are IAFP board members. About 140 graduates of the program are members of IAFP. “You did not choose West Sub because it was easy — you chose it because it prepared you for anything,” Maddrell said. “We ran the ICU for six months without an in-house attending [physician]. We carried patient lists of 20 or 30. We saw exhaustion, challenge and responsibility. And somehow, I still miss those days. The confidence, resilience and clinical breadth we gained became the foundation for how we care for patients today.”
Losing the family medicine program When West Sub’s family medicine residency program lost accreditation earlier this year, about 20 residents had to find another location to continue their residency. “The loss of West Suburban’s family residency program is a significant loss, particularly in a state that already struggles to recruit and retain family physicians, especially in underserved areas,” Rowland said while presenting the President’s award. “It was one of the most sought-after programs in the country at one time,” Flynn told Austin Weekly News. “To lose a training program that was training around 10 residents a year, that’s a huge impact on our workforce. To lose 30 potential family physicians that could have stayed and trained here and practiced here, that’s a loss for family medicine, and that’s a loss for communities.” And PCC had to find replacements for the nearly 30 resident doctors who were once assigned to four of its sites and made up over a quarter of PCC’s entire medical provider workforce. One site, the PCC Dr. Burdick Family Health Center located inside West Suburban, was entirely staffed by resident doctors. “When the residency program closed, we thought we were going to have to close that
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS site,” Luning said. He added that PCC experienced an immediate issue with patient access, as a shortage of providers made it difficult to get appointments. Then, PCC struggled to recruit new doctors, since 90% of the ones they hire typically come from the family medicine residency program at West Sub or one of PCC’s fellowship programs, according to Luning. While PCC has since recruited new providers to fill the gap, Luning said it’s been hard on PCC’s prenatal care services. While prenatal care is still a large focus for PCC, Luning said there aren’t as many doctors who specialize in it as there used to be. At the Dr. Burdick Family Health Center, PCC hired four newly graduated physician assistants. Those PAs now work alongside a veteran family doctor who previously taught residents. “This has been a great opportunity for new grads who want to make sure they have extra support and mentorship and still allowing for family physicians who are interested in teaching to help guide new providers in a similar, but slightly different, environment,” Crihfield said. PCC is hoping to pick up the legacy of West Sub’s family medicine residency program by sponsoring the residency itself, becoming a teaching health center through a federally funded program. “We’ve got all these faculty who taught at West Sub, and we know that there are residents and Chicago med students that want to do training and serve this population,” Luning said. “We were so sad about the program closing, but we want to be able to look forward and not just look back. We want to continue doing this kind of work.” The family medicine residency program isn’t the only West Sub resource that has been cut. Resident doctors have been airing concerns about patient safety because of declining services since last spring. Last November, midwives and family medicine physicians at West Suburban Medical Center were told that, because of liability insurance, they would no longer be able to deliver babies at the hospital. In July, staff working on West Sub’s Family Birthplace floor — consisting of labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery units — were escorted out of the hospital without warning mid-shift and were told the floor would be closed indefinitely. Over the summer, a building on West Sub’s River Forest campus had a malfunctioning HVAC unit that caused water damage to two floors. And the campus’ elevators didn’t pass inspection for a solid year.
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
Friday, December 19, 7:30 pm & Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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A group of active Oak Parkers make up the nation’s largest chapter of the Compassion & Choices organization which has lobbied intensely for passage of this controversial legislation. Oak Park is home to notable core support for bringing end of life care legislation to Illinois. Oak Park resident Tiffany Johnson owns We Too Shall Pass, where she works a “death doula” advocating for dying people and their families. She’s also helped lead a chapter of Compassion & Choices, a political advocacy group that’s campaigned for bringing the legislation to Illinois. “This Oak Park team is the largest End of Life Options team not only in Illinois, but in the entire country, and you brought that strength to the work in a thousand quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways: emails sent when you were tired, calls made when you didn’t feel like calling, testimony written and submitted, stories shared even when it cost you something, hearings sat through, meetings attended, one more person encouraged to take action,” Johnson wrote in a message to supporters after Pritzker’s decision. “This win is deeply connected to Deb Robertson and to every terminally ill person in Illinois who will now have more say over how their final chapter unfolds— on their own terms, with greater dignity and choice.” The controversial law opens the door for mentally fit adults to receive end-of-life care after they’ve been evaluated by two physicians who both find that the patient has no more than six months left to live. The law requires that end-of-life care patients also receive a mental evaluation to determine that they are not being coerced into seeking the life-ending medicine. “I have been deeply impacted by the stories of Illinoisans or their loved ones that have suffered from a devastating terminal illness, and I have been moved by their dedication to standing up for freedom and choice at the end of life in the midst of personal heartbreak,” Pritzker said in a news release announcing his decision to sign the bill. “Today, Illinois honors their strength and courage by enacting legislation that enables patients faced with debilitating terminal illnesses to make a decision, in consultation with
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM a doctor, that helps them avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives. This legislation will be thoughtfully implemented so that physicians can consult patients on making deeply personal decisions with authority, autonomy, and empathy.” The law will go into effect next September. But end of life aid is highly controversial nationwide. Critics of the legislation often refer to end of life aid as assisted suicide. The bill received stiff opposition from some religious groups. Oak Park clergy have offered a variety of perspectives when asked earlier this year. “It’s kind of a slippery slope,” said the Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of Oak Park’s three Catholic parishes. “The church’s position has been to honor life from birth until natural death. But when people are in a terminal situation, we do support them in making the choice for hospice care.” Rev. David Heim, interim pastor for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, agrees with Morello that precedent in this case is worth examining theologically. “If assisted dying begins to change that culture, people who are in a terminal situation, ‘I guess society expects me to take my life,’ that’s the slippery slope,” Heim said. “Christians continue to hold the idea that suffering isn’t pointless.” Rabbi Adir Glick, Solomon Family Rabbinic Chair at Temple Har Zion in River Forest, said Judaism does not permit taking a life, either one’s own or someone else’s. But there may be a slight caveat. “My goal is to support families with whatever they are going through with Jewish ethics, but I also understand we live in a different time,” he said. What if he had to counsel a terminally ill person contemplating aid in dying? “I would leave it open-ended,” he said. “I would bring the Jewish value or ethic as a matter to consider, but I understand it is a very personal decision and a person must make the decision based on the wide scope of their situation.” Rev. Emily Gage of Unity Temple adopts a similar view and points to a 1988 Unitarian Universalist Congregation statement affirming one’s right to die with dignity. “I can’t speak for everybody in our congregation, but I believe the locus of decision-making should be within each person,” she said. “For me, it includes making decisions on how you would die, given the parameters of their terminal illness.” Greg Voss contributed to this report.
1980-2025 – CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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DISH ABOUT A DISH
Thai Ravioli A culture shock in name only
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter
During the COVID lockdown, diner Paul Clark was doing his part, ordering out to support local restaurants. One day he landed on what sounded like a mash-up of a dish at Penny’s Noodle Shop at 1130 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park. “I was amused by the name,” Clark said. “It was an unusual dish. I just love the combination of things in it.” The dish is officially called Thai Ravioli Bowl. There is nothing Italian about it other than a sly reference to the house-made dumplings stuffed with shrimp, ground pork and Thai spices. Those are served in steaming broth, topped with bean sprouts, green onions, peanuts
Thai ravioli
and a garlic sauce. It might sound heavy. “There’s a lot of lightness to it,” Penny’s owner Jon Donnelly said. “All the broths are homemade here: veggie broth, chicken broth. Pork is roasted in-house. Thai ravioli is homemade. Everything here is, on a daily basis. We get six to eight supply deliveries a week. Everything is fresh.” Thai ravioli has been on the menu perhaps since the location opened in 2003. “If not the entire 22 years, I would probably say at least 10 to 15,” Donnelly said. Donnelly bought this outpost of the beloved Penny’s Noodle Shop brand in 2021. Previously he owned several bars in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Then he moved to Oak Park, was expecting a child and was ready to come home earlier than 2 a.m. every night. He was looking for a local opportunity. He had eaten at Penny’s Sheffield Avenue location in Chicago frequently. As had diner Paul Clark, who used to live in Wrigleyville. (As did I. It was a favorite meal for my husband and me when we were first dating.) “I’ve known the old owners for 20 years,” he said. First he rented the restaurant from them. Then he purchased it. “My game was not to make stupid changes. I did some aesthetical changes, mainly. And added few more things to the menu.” There is a lot of consistency from the old owners’ time. “There were five Penny’s at one point, but a lot RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR of the cooks who worked
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Penny’s owner Jon Donnelly and diner Paul Clark at the other Penny’s are here now,” Donnelly said. “Some of these people worked for the previous owners for 20 years.” Paul Clark first ordered Thai ravioli during the stay-at-home times. “Every time I would look at their menu I’d be like, ‘Yeah, I can get Pad Thai. I can get curries at a lot of other places,’ and I had not seen this on other Thai menus,” Clark said. “Within a couple of weeks of getting it, I would be thinking about ordering it again.” It became his default dish. Delivery was consistently fast. Thai ravioli has re-
Get in on the Flavor: pennysoakpark.com 1130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park Hours: Everyday, noon – 8 p.m. mained on his mind’s top menu choices in the area ever since. “You have the ravioli, you have the broth, you have the slivers of pork. And it’s just really tasty,” Clark said.
20 December 17, 2025
CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE
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CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE
Christmas SERVICES
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CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF OAK PARK AND NEIGHBORS Ascension and St. Edmund Parish St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
SOLEMNITY of the NATIVITY of the LORD Christmas Eve, Wednesday 12/24
Our Savior is Born !
3:00 PM Mass at St. Giles with the Children’s Presentation of the Gospel 3:30 PM Mass at Ascension with Ascension Schola 4:30 PM Mass at St. Edmund with St. Edmund Choir 5:00 PM Mass at St. Giles with Young Adult Choir 5:30 PM Family-focused Mass at Ascension with Ascension Choristers & String Ensemble 7:30 PM Family Mass Community Mass in the St. Giles School Gym Carols begin at 7 PM Adult and Children’s Choir; Children’s Presentation of the Gospel
10:30 PM Mass at St. Giles Carols begin at 10:00 PM with St Catherine of Siena-St Lucy and St. Giles Choir 11:00 PM Mass at Ascension Carols begin at 10:30 PM with Ascension Choir
Christmas Day, Thursday 12/25 8:30 AM Mass at St. Giles
9:00 AM Mass at Ascension with organ, instruments and cantor
10:30 AM Mass at St. Giles
11:00 AM Mass at St. Edmund with organ, instruments and cantor
SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER of GOD World Day of Prayer for Peace Wednesday 12/31 5:00 PM Mass at St. Edmund (Mass of anticipation) Thursday 1/1 9:00 AM Mass at Ascension 10:00 AM Mass at St. Giles 7:30 PM Taizé Prayer for Peace at Ascension
For more information about the Christmas season services, scan the code:
Park, IL 924 Lake St. Oak Park, IL
ve
Christmas Eve
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CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE
Episcopal Church stmas 4:45pm MusicGrace - Concert of Christmas Music Grace Episcopal Church 924 Lake St. Oak Park, IL harist 5:00pm - Holy Eucharist 924 Lake St. Oak Park, IL Christmas Eve istmas 10:30pm Music- Concert of Christmas Music Christmas Eve 4:45pm - Concert of Christmas Music 4:45pm - Concert ofEucharist Christmas Music charist 11:00pm - Holy 5:00pm - Holy Eucharist 5:00pm - Holy Eucharist 10:30pm - Concert of Christmas Music 10:30pm - Concert of Christmas Music 11:00pm - Holy Eucharist 11:00pm - HolyDay Eucharist Christmas
ay
charist
OME
10:30am Christmas - Holy Eucharist Day Christmas Day
10:30am - Holy Eucharist 10:30am - Holy Eucharist Grace Episcopal Church
ALL ARE WELCOME 924 Lake St.WELCOME Oak Park, IL ALL ARE ALL ARE WELCOME
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:14
Join us to celebrate Christmas! Christmas Eve Children's Services: 4:15 and 6 p.m. Both services are led by the students of Grace Lutheran Church and School Traditional Service: 8 p.m. Candlelight Service: 10:45 p.m. Prelude starts at 10:30 p.m.
Christmas Day Worship: 10 a.m.
7300 Division St, River Forest IL 60305 graceriverforest.org/708-366-6900
Evening Compline Service
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Sunday, December 14, 9pm a non-profit newsroom
Enjoy thirty minutes of beauty and stillness during this entirely sung service. Take time for meditation and spiritual reflection by candlelight as the music washes over you in Grace’s historic, gothic-revival sanctuary.
Celebrate
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CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE
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Merry Christmas, West Cook Friends From Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church South Euclid Ave and Washington Blvd, Oak Park
Services @ Euclid Christmas Week: Sunday, Dec 21, 10:30am Advent Four Worship 11:30am Movie: The Shepherd Wed, Dec 24, 4pm Family Worship w/ Las Posadas 7pm Candlelight Service w/ Choir
Euclidoffice@euclidavenuemc.org
You are invited!
2025 holiday services at
Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Festival of Lessons & Carols
875 Lake Street, Oak Park IL
Sunday, December 21 | 10:00 AM
Winter Solstice Celebration Sunday, December 21
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
6pm In-Person Only
Wednesday, December 24 | 5:00 PM
Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24
3pm Christmas Pageant & Worship for All Ages
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF OAK PARK 820 ONTARIO ST OAK PARK, IL 60302
7pm Choir & Candlelight Service New Year’s Eve Sangha Wednesday, December 31
5-7pm Community Center 1019 S. Blvd, Oak Park IL
www.FBCOAKPARK.org
Services will be both in-person and live streamed with the exception of the Winter Solstice Celebration which is in-person only. To learn more go to: www.unitytemple.org
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CHRISTMAS CHURCH GUIDE
December 17, 2025 25
Join us for
Holiday Services at St. C’s! Sunday, December 21st 5 pm • Blue Christmas
Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) 4:30 pm • Kid-Friendly Christmas Eve Service 9 pm • Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist
Thursday, December 25th (Christmas Day)
10 am • Rite II Spoken Christmas Day Service
Sunday, January 11th
10 am • Epiphany Pageant
545 S. East Avenue, Oak Park
www.stchristophersoakpark.org • 708-386-5613
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firstumcoakpark.org
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324 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL
324 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL
324 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL
CHRISTMAS SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE EVE SERVICE Wednesday, December 24 6:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE24 SERVICE Wednesday, December atat 6:00 p.m.
person and livestream In In person and livestream Wednesday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m. Scripture, Carols,Bells, Bells, Organ, Organ, and Communion Scripture, Carols, and Communion In person and livestream ~ O Carols, come let usBells, adore Organ, him... EVERY SUNDAY ~ Scripture, and Communion ~ O come let us adore him... EVERY SUNDAY ~
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Homes
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
27
Family’s dream house becomes another buyer’s opportunity due to job transfer Newly-built home in River Forest aims to marry best of historic and modern By LACEY SIKORA
W
Contributing Reporter
hen Leah Bates and her husband Allen moved to the Chicago area for a job transfer, they had their sights set on bringing their family to a historic home in River Forest. “There just wasn’t one on the market at the time that worked,” she said. However, the Bates now have another job transfer, so the extensive work over two years that they did to create their dream home will now benefit some other family. The remodeled home, expected to be completed in 2026, is listed for $2,250,000. The home they purchased on Thatcher Avenue in January 2024 was originally supposed to be the canvas for a remodel to suit their family. A big draw for the Bates family was the view out the front windows to Thatcher Woods. “With the snow in the winter, the leaves in the fall, and the green in the spring, we just couldn’t think of a better view,” Bates said. As they dug into the planning process for the remodel, they realized there was a lot more wrong with the house than was right. Once they discovered foundation issues, the couple decided to keep the beautiful lot and build a new house. Their realtor, Mallory Slesser of Baird & Warner, introduced them to designer Chelsey Jackel, who leads the design team at Chicago-based Xced Design Build. Jackel came up with a plan to create a new Victorian home that would fit right into the historic streetscape, while also offering the Bates family everything they wanted in terms of modern conveniences and comfort. Leah Bates said the house was going to be the family’s dream home: a place where their kids could walk to school, and the entire family could enjoy living in River Forest. First, they had to grapple with the permitting process, which Bates said took a bit longer than expected. “While it’s amazing that they’re pretty strict, it took a long time. The board only meets once a month, so every time they
XCED DESIGN BUILD
Rendering of the 111 Thatcher Ave. home project by Xced Design Build. suggested a change, it was back to the drawing board.” Working with Jackel, they came up with a plan that utilized the footprint of the previous house while moving above and below grade for more space. The previous basement topped out around six-feet, two inches. The new basement tops out at nine feet, allowing for a full bedroom, bathroom and rec room. The second floor is now home to a primary suite with dual walk-in closets and two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms for the kids. Leah Bates worked with Jackel to choose historic fea-
tures that would create an old world feel in the home. Walls will be decorated with wainscoting and historic wallpaper patterns. Old stained-glass windows will be added to the house, and the pair found light fixtures salvaged from historic Chicago buildings to use in the home. “We wanted that feeling of old, special and history even though it’s a brand-new home,” Bates said. In the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted cabinets with See DREAM HOME on page 29
28
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Your local, independent brokerage
111 Thatcher Ave River Forest | $2,250,000 Mallory Slesser
163 N Cuyler Ave Oak Park | $1,090,000 Steve Scheuring
1108 S Maple Ave Oak Park | $1,050,000
62 Chicago Ave Oak Park | $750,000
Marvis Donalson
143 N Taylor Ave Oak Park | $785,000 Swati Saxena
60 E Monroe St #5403 Chicago | $699,000 Swati Saxena
316 N Austin Blvd Oak Park | $650,000 Cathy Yanda
4659 W Washington Blvd Chicago | $500,000 Jeremie Buckley
1235 N Elmwood Ave Oak Park | $449,000 Clare McDermott
5829 W Ohio St Chicago | $429,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik
7708 Harvard St Forest Park | $360,000 Cathy Yanda
3637 Elmwood Ave Berwyn | $359,000 Margarita Lopez
22 S Austin Blvd Oak Park | $350,000 Cathy Yanda
2237 S 2nd Ave North Riverside | $345,000 Michelle Galindo
3703 S 58th Ct Cicero | $289,000 Michelle Galindo
Hannah Gillespie
Check us out on Instagram
6238 26th St #502 Berwyn | $207,000 Steve Scheuring
7234 W North Ave #701 Elmwood Park | $165,000 Cathy Yanda
642 Van Buren St #2 Oak Park | $141,000 Mallory Slesser
7206 Oak Ave #4SE River Forest | $110,000 Anne Pezalla
Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest | 1037 Chicago Ave | 708.697.5900 | OakPark.BairdWarner.com
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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29
DREAM HOME from page 27 gold hardware keep the historic feeling, as do the built-in appliances with cabinet fronts. Even the range was chosen to look historic. As Bates recalled, “We tried to put every detail we could into it to make it look historic.” Jackel noted that kitchen details, such as doors hidden in the paneling and a custom, 13-foot island, will add to the utility of the space. One of the benefits of building from the ground-up is getting all of the new practical items for a home: a new roof, plumbing, electric and HVAC system are far more efficient and comfortable than their older counterparts. Jackel said that building new meant adding the requisite fire sprinkler system and sump pump and drain tiles systems in the basement. The garage was also customized with dentil molding and deep eaves to fit in with the historic appearance of the home. The large yard fits a turnaround space for cars that doubles as a basketball court. When they’d planned almost every last detail and gotten deep into the construction process, the Bates family got surprising news: another job transfer was taking them from the Chicago area before they even got
XCED DESIGN BUILD
Living space inspiration and direction. the chance to enjoy the fruit of their labors. Leah Bates says, “We bought it as our family home, and put in our blood, sweat and tears. I picked out everything. So much love went into it.”
While she is sad that she’ll never get to live in the home, she says she feels a little better knowing another family will love it. The Bates have continued to work with Jackel to build the home they envisioned
XCED DESIGN BUILD
Kitchen inspiration and direction.
their family would enjoy for years. “It’s unique. It’s not a house a builder bought to make money on,” Leah Bates adds. Once the family knew they had to move, they brought Slesser back in to help Jackel sell the finished project. The house is listed on the private listing network for $2,250,000, Slesser said: “Chelsey and I went to design school together. Leah and Allen bought this lot with me. We’re all a team. We’re a very tight group.” After almost two years of design, permitting and build out, the house is close to the finish line. Slesser and Jackel note that is a great opportunity for someone looking for move-in ready home with modern features and historic details but who doesn’t want to have wait years to complete a remodel project of their own. Finish work is on-going at the house, and Jackel and Slesser believe it will wrap up in early 2026. Jackel, whose previous work has included homes on the North Shore and commercial projects for the likes of Ferrari and the University Club, said she has enjoyed getting to dip her toe into the vintage style of River Forest. “This is really a brand new, vintage home,” she said.
30 Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
Events
Submit events and see full calendar at oakpark.com/events
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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
O
VIEWPOINTS
31
Shrubtown
p. 33
Please, have a seat
ne of the many great parts of living in the Oak Park area is our easy access to the cultural riches of Chicago. With a quick Uber or train ride, you can be seated at the United Center or the Goodman Theatre without much effort. As good as those options are, this past week reminded me just how strong our local entertainment scene really is. In the span of a few days, our family took in the OPRF basketball home opener, the wrestling team’s home opener, and capped it all off with a spectacular musical experience on Friday night. That final stop was PRISMS, the high school’s annual musical showcase and a true masterclass in collaboration among the band, orchestra, and choir. The level of talent on stage was breathtaking. For any parent or community member who has lovingly sat through an “adorable” first-grade music concert, PRISMS is the capstone you didn’t know you needed. It’s the payoff. The culmination. The hours of work poured into this production by staff members, who are also teaching full time, deserve far more thanks than they ever receive. We talk a lot about shopping locally. I’d argue we should be just as intentional about spectating locally. Yes, I enjoy a Bulls game, but I can also sit courtside at an OPRF game and park for free. The Goodman Theatre is fantastic, but I can also catch Hadestown or the Orchesis Showcase and support incredibly talented students in our own community, many of whom also happen to be our kids’ camp counselors. And this excellence doesn’t suddenly appear at the high school level. The talent we see at OPRF is built over years. I’ve watched countless standout performances at the Madison Street Theatre by students from BRAVO, CAST, Ovation, and JTF. Each spring, walking through the OPRF Art Show, it’s striking how many of the immensely talented students displaying their work were once early participants at SlowFire, honing their artistic skills long before they ever stepped into a high school studio. One of the top u18 wrestlers in the world currently walks the halls at OPRF, but his journey started years ago in the Little Huskies wrestling program. The current talent in our village is impressive. The pipeline behind it is even more so. And the future looks brighter still, especially with the work of the Imagine Foundation helping improve facilities and create spaces worthy of the excellence already happening inside them. Chicago will always be there. But some of the best seats in the house are much closer to home. Vince Gay has over 20 years of experience in education, ranging from classroom teacher to building administrator. The proud parent of two school-aged children, he has been an active member of the Oak Park community for more than a decade.
VINCENT GAY
FILE PHOTO
Seventh-graders Nyah Kissoon, Ava Pero, Zoey Danley and Maya Davis of Julian Middle School won a state championship in the 4x200 relay at the IESA Track and Field State Finals in 2025.
A new approach to middle-school athletics
I
recently shared this feedback with the District 97 school board. I would appreciate you contacting them if you agree: I am writing to share feedback and a proposal for how we approach middleschool athletics in our district. Currently, our middle school fields only junior varsity and varsity teams in sports like basketball and volleyball. Because there are limited roster spots, students must try out, and many who genuinely want to participate — often dozens — are turned away. I see this as a missed opportunity for our children. We have roughly 50 students raising their hands and saying clearly: “We want to play.” They want to move their bodies, learn new skills, build friendships, become teammates, and grow — physically, socially, and emotionally. Instead of nurturing that enthusiasm, we currently exclude many students before they’ve had a fair chance to grow into athletes. This approach sends an inadvertent message: only the top 10–15 students — typically those who have had access to club sports or private training before middle school — are considered “worthy” of school athletics. That isn’t just limiting; it’s inequitable.
Youth sports participation is linked with a host of positive outcomes. Research shows that involvement in school-based athletics contributes to improved physical health, better mental and emotional well-being, and stronger academic performance. Team sports participation has been associated with increased self-esteem, resilience, and social skills, in addition to fostering school connectedness. We owe it to our students — especially those who are bravely stepping onto a gym floor knowing they might fail — to offer opportunities to grow, not barriers to participate. This isn’t a resource problem — it’s a program design choice. We have the facilities and the staff. What we need is the will to expand access. Here are practical, achievable ways we can change: Add additional teams: Instead of just a JV and Varsity squad, we could field a sixth-grade team, a seventh-grade team, and even additional JV squads. With participation numbers like ours, we could have internal leagues that give every student meaningful competition and play time.
RACHEL LADA One View
See RACHEL LADA on page 34
32
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
Reasons for giving
I
opinions, and devote more n my opinion — and as the opinion pages to those opinions, than pages editor for this entire millennium (I’m almost certain) any other so far, I know a thing or two about opinnewspaper in the country. ions — donating to Growing CommuI don’t get credit for that. nity Media would not only benefit us, it You get credit for that. And would also benefit you. you wouldn’t submit the high It benefits us, of course, by helping us volume (and quality) of opingrow “community media” (as our name ions if you didn’t feel it was implies). As our name also implies, it worth your time and effort. benefits you by keeping local media alive, And you wouldn’t feel it was which helps all of us “grow community.” worthwhile if you didn’t feel a Community is an organic entity and, sense of ownership, not only like a plant, requires tending and nurturin this newspaper but also the ing on a regular basis if it is to continue communities we cover. growing. In other words, investing and reinvesting our time, energy, effort 21 and resources. Shrubtown VIEWPOINTS The gardening metaphor is familiar to me because it has guided my Oak Park: A town efforts in editing the Viewpoints without ageism? section for the past 26 years. As gardeners, you don’t really “grow” the plants in your garden. You create the optimal conditions for that growth (and minimize the negative condiMARC A story I can’t shake BLESOFF tions). And the plants respond. GERMAINE As editor of Viewpoints, the optiCAPRIO One View mal conditions involve encouraging (and in some cases directly inviting) readers to share their opinions — and to keep them from getting discouraged by providing some guidance, the right amount of editing (not too much, not too little) and getting their opinions into print in a timely We devote so many pages to Viewpoints manner. I also try to minimize negaevery single week because we want you to tive conditions by discouraging, and if feel a sense of ownership in this newspanecessary preventing, “misinformation” per. As editor, I have long felt — and never when it finds its way into opinions. It’s confessed till now — that Viewpoints is not an easy job, and I’ve tumbled off that the most important part of our paper. tightwire more than once, but the end result is that, week to week, we publish more It’s what elevates us beyond being a very
level, “own” the paper. Viewpoints nurtured that sense of ownership for decades, so now that we have gone nonprofit, it’s only natural to ask our communities to take their commitment to the next level. It wouldn’t work if people didn’t care so much about where they live. Our newspapers, and your submitted opinions, are the proof of how much you care and how our towns and these newspapers are worth your continuing investment. Right now, our communities are under assault by a vicious and unethical federal government that does not care about communities and is making concerted efforts to weaken them. Resisting the 23 V I E W P O I N T S current administration’s destructive by Marc Stopeck efforts is only possible if our commuOURNAL J nity is deeply interwoven. Investing Viewpoints Guidelines in these newspapers is a crucial step in sustaining our resistance to the forces whose goal is nothing less than undermining our democracy. It takes a community to raise a child, and it takes a community to raise enough resources to sustain a newspaper that, in turn, helps sustain the strength of our commuAnyone missing a small red sports car? nity. It’s a benevolent cycle that will eventually triumph over the vicious cycle that seeks to undo the efforts of we, the people, to grow a stronger, more perfect union. You know this is important to us, but we also know it is important to you. cover what’s going on. Because you’ve told us so. Oak Park and River Forest are the comOne letter to the editor at a time for so munities they have grown into because many decades. the residents here “own” those communiChecks can be mailed to: Growing Comties. And Growing Community Media has munity Media, PO Box 6670, River Forest grown into the kind of newspapers it pubIL 60305 or visit growingcommunitymedia. lishes because our readers, at a personal org/donate.
KEN
TRAINOR
Wednesday Journal, December 3, 2025
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
p. 23
A
CE (Action Community Engagement) is currently running a research project, sponsored by Yale School of Public Health and Midwestern University, on raising awareness about and reducing ageism in Oak Park. Ninety Oak Park residents over the age of 60 have been meeting in small groups once-a-week for six weeks, talking about what ageism is, where it comes from, and what can be done about it. This research is based on the book Breaking The Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live, written by Dr. Becca Levy. It is unlikely that there will ever be a town without any ageism, but raising the level of the ocean causes all the ships to go up. ACE participants are now implementing and joining several diverse projects around Oak Park, which are open to the public. Here’s a partial list: Q Public art to challenge ageism – Come see this exhibit of 14 panels displayed in the Oak Park Arts District on Harrison Street, starting Friday, Dec. 5, and running through mid-January. This art exhibit has only been shown once before, last year in New York City. Q An evening at the Comedy Plex (1128 Lake St., lower level) – Titled “What Is Non-Ageist Humor, Anyway?” the program takes place on Monday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., $1 admission (2-drink minimum scholarships available). Jokes will be told, opinions expressed, and comedy sketches acted out by ACE participants. If you get the urge, go ahead and tell one of your own jokes and let the audience decide. Q Public photography to celebrate older people – Photos taken by ACE participants show positive images of older people who live in Oak Park. The exhibit will be displayed at the Oak Park Township Senior Building (130 S. Oak Park Ave.) as well as on Lake Street. Q The movie Thelma – A viewing, followed by discussion, will be held at the Oak Park Arms, sometime next month. Q Storytelling to overcome ageism in housing – Gathering stories related to ageism in housing and sharing them with our State Senate will hopefully encourage policies to improve housing opportunities for people of all ages. Q Ageism is a public health issue – Several ACE participants are advocating for our Oak Park Health Department to include ageism as a public health issue on its website and as part of its 5-year plan. Q Intergenerational community gardening project – ACE participants recently joined with middle school and high school students in an ongoing gardening project. On Feb. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the library, there will be a winter sowing of native plants in milk-jug “greenhouses.” On March 8, from 1 to 4 p.m., we will start to sow vegetable seeds for spring planting. For information contact Laura Stamp at lstamp@ op97.org. For more information, contact ACE@oakparktownship.org or 708-4452711.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE
A
young woman was on the train, minding her own business, when a stranger approached her, doused her in gasoline and lit her on fire. She was on a train I must have ridden a hundred times when I was her age and on the same public transportation my own daughter takes twice a day, five days a week. When I rode that train, I worked in an OR in a hospital just west of downtown Chicago. I’d get up at 4 a.m., jump on the first train heading into the Loop and transfer to the Blue Line and ride to its final stop. Like my daughter, I had to be at work by 7 a.m., leaving 8-12 hours later, taking one bus and transferring twice on the subway before making it home. I worried about running into someone hostile, but I never worried about being set on fire. The hospital I worked at was, and still is, known for having one of the best burn units in the Midwest, and every so often, I’d have to run up there to draw a blood gas. Somehow I felt the pain before I smelled it. As soon as the hall doors opened, you’d get hit with the scent of burnt hair and flesh, and all I could think was that
cliché was true: “Only fatal burns are painless.” Like that young girl who was recently burned on the train, I met another girl on that burn unit, many years ago … a patient who was about the same age. It took all my power not to look at her and cry. Her nose? Gone … and most of her face had chunks of flesh so badly burned it looked as if she were wearing a mask. Half her hair was sticking out of one side of her head, and when she called me over, I couldn’t turn away. She could barely speak, but she pointed for me to move closer and whispered in my ear, “You’re so pretty.” I had on a mask, a net over my hair, and I realized she only thought that because I was healthy … I wasn’t her. Then she said, “Be grateful every time you look in the mirror. You have everything and you don’t even know it.” I look around my home and I wonder how come I am here while others are outside on the street, or like the parents of that girl who was just burned, glued to their daughter’s bedside. See GERMAINE CAPRIO on page 26
good newspaper to being an indispensable part of these communities. We don’t get credit for that, you do. I’ll take it one step further: I used to think readers wrote in so often because our coverage gave them a reason to do so. Now I think our Viewpoints section gives us the motivation to do the best job possible covering the News. And there has never been a more important time in our 45-year history to
Wednesday Journal, December 3, 2025
S H R U B T O W N
W E D N E S D A Y
of Oak Park and River Forest
In this world of constant stresses and conflicts, when people are worrying about inflation, immigration, irrational ICE actions, health care, education and more, here is an intriguing question for Oak Park residents, “Is anyone missing a small red sports car?” It’s a question I have been pondering since this time last year when, from our apartment window, my husband and I first observed a small red canvas topped sports car parked on the open top level of the Holley Court Parking Garage. A few months later, I called the non-emergency police number to notify them. Later, I informed the parking authority. Months later, I walked by the person monitoring the parking garage and mentioned it to him. He knew that the car was there and noted many people leave their cars for long periods when they go on vacation. Now that the small red sports car has spent a year braving the heat, cold and snow, it has become a source of conversation and questions. Suggestions as to the
provenance of the car include that it’s stolen, the owner has run away from his/her spouse/life, owes money to loan sharks, is in the witness protection program, or has amnesia. An early theory was that there was a body in the trunk, but that was vetoed since the trunk appears small and during hot weather, a dead body smell would have been, pardon the expression, a “dead” giveaway. Questions remain: Will the owner ever retrieve the car? Is the car drivable? Are the tires flat/rotten? Will there be a parking fee for the year? Why aren’t any authorities curious about the car? Perhaps, you know someone who is missing a little red sports car, but if not, what’s your theory as to why such an appealing car is celebrating a year on the roof of a parking garage? Of course, if the car ever leaves, then observers will have to return to worrying about real-world issues.
Deedee Mufson Oak Park
The goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have sufficient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it often is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it. We reserve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than superficial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as specific as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful. All submissions must include your first and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for verification only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are. If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.
Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word files or plain text included in the email.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Q 350-word limit Q Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
Q 500-word limit
Q One-sentence footnote
about yourself and/or your connection to the topic
Q Signature details as at left
Boots made for walking … far away from here
Blow the whistle, blow the whistle, Blow the whistle long and hard. At unlawful behavior in our own backyard. Senators in congress keep blowing smoke, Making everyday people scared and broke. Blinding us all by the fog of war, Swirling divisive round our own front door. Children afraid to go to school,
See men in masks hide lips that drool. Unskilled losers playing macho, Yell with glee, “We will catch you!” Tyranny’s playbook runs amok, American Pie under key and lock.
Blow the whistle, blow the whistle, Strong and barbed as a thistle. Being meek and humble does not mean
We bend a knee and not be seen. Help free our nation from plastic ties, Declare, “These billionaires are telling lies!” Lift your voice, open your heart, Help fill a neighbor’s grocery cart. A whistle is a bullet that rings loud and clear, “Unlawful Boots Are Not Wanted Here!” Val Gee, Oak Park ‘raging granny’
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025 W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Viewpoints Guidelines
What will people say about you?
This may sound strange, but I was at a recent memorial of a really great man whose three daughters and six grandchildren paid tribute to him and all of his accomplishments. This triggered me to start asking people I know — directed to all ages and a question I’m about to ask the readers of this letter to the editor: “What would you like to have your closest family and friends say about you at your memorial service?” Is that strange? Maybe, but maybe we should re-evaluate as we approach another year of our lives. One of the things I want to have said at my memorial is that I think living in the Oak Park, River Forest, Austin, Forest Park, and neighboring communities has been the greatest place for me to be part of ! We are an overwhelming number of people who care for each other — even if some of my friends classify themselves as Republican, I still see them caring in their own specific manner. We have so many nonprofits doing their thing – BUILD, Housing Forward, Beyond Hunger, Imagine OPRF, Beat the Streets, Infant Welfare, Hephzibah, Sarah’s Inn … wow, wow! … and all the many folks connected with each.
At my service, I also want mentioned that I have committed to supporting a local newspaper or “communication connector (CC)” to be a glue for all, which is most important for our overall caring community. Connecting is genuine and fulfilling, and necessary to know what is going on, which allows me to be an even greater part of where I call home. Keep up your great service, Growing Community Media! My wife Leah and I have committed to giving each month to what I call “CC” for the next four years to keep “CC” going for the benefit of living in the best community ever. I wholeheartedly ask you to consider a multi-year commitment if you would like a similar value to be said among the many mentioned at your memorial service (which hopefully will be a long time from now). May 2026 be a year where you enhance the many great things about yourself !
Paul Beckwith
Oak Park Editor’s note: Paul Beckwith is a member of Growing Community Media’s development committee.
The goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have sufficient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it often is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it. We reserve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than superficial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as specific as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful. All submissions must include your first and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for verification only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are. If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.
Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word files or plain text included in the email. LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 350-word limit ■ Must include first and last
names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote
about yourself and/or your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
33
34
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
V I E W P O I N T S
Stabilize our homelessness programs
Dear Senator Durbin, Re: Championing a no-cost provision to stabilize Illinois homelessness programs (FY25 HUD NOFO) We are writing on behalf of First United Church of Oak Park, a union church of the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Church USA. We are a congregation that has a strong mission program supporting fair, affordable housing and the eradication of homelessness in suburban Cook County. We are a leader in Oak Park on these and other issues of social justice. One of our main mission partners (nonprofits that we support with grants, events, projects and volunteers) is Housing Forward, headquartered in Maywood. We are writing to express our profound concern regarding recent activity by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding a Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). As a supporter and dedicated ally of Housing Forward and advocate for the well-being of suburban Cook County residents, we understand the critical role federal funding plays in our ability to combat homelessness. The possibility of an FY25 NOFO, combined with abrupt and significant programmatic changes, threatens to destabilize the entire value of a coordinated response. The stakes are immediate and high for the state of Illinois. The current estimates indicate that 9,362 households across our state are at risk of losing their stable housing and returning to homelessness due to the inevitable funding interruptions and disruption caused by this chaotic process. This includes 253 people supported by Housing Forward in
suburban Cook County alone. This is not a partisan or high-cost request. The solution is simple, fiscally responsible, and consistent with Congress’ past authorization of two-year funding. We urge you to champion a no-cost provision in the next FY26 appropriations bill that directs HUD to renew all existing Continuum of Care grants expiring during calendar year 2026 for one 12-month period. This will prevent service gaps, ensure fiscal responsibility, and allow for congressional review. Your leadership on this issue is crucial for maintaining stability and community wellbeing in Illinois. We are prepared to provide any local data or examples you may need to support this effort. P.S. We are aware that earlier this week the Trump administration abruptly withdrew its plan to overhaul how $3.9 billion in federal aid to combat homelessness would be spent, saying it would reissue the proposal after making “appropriate revisions.” But that’s not necessarily good news. It just means more uncertainty and possible delays in funding. Sen Durbin, we ask you with strongest possible urgency to fight for passage of a no-cost provision in the next FY26 appropriations bill that directs HUD to renew all existing Continuum of Care grants expiring during calendar year 2026 for one 12-month period.
Rev. Phil Price, Interim Lead Pastor Rev. Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor Tara Dull, chair, Faith in Action Ann Armstrong, co-chair, Housing Justice Lois Thiessen Love, co-chair Housing Justice Ann Tanner, Housing Justice First United Church of Oak Park
Thanks for brightening my day
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed Ken Trainor’s column about God who may or may not exist. Ken, you have outdone yourself with this column! The e.e. cummings prayer-poem was a lovely touch as well. Let me explain: I made the mistake of reading the front section of the Trib today, something I usually avoid. I was busy yelling at the paper when I put it down and picked up the December 10 issue of Wednesday Journal. I read the front-page article about Housing Forward getting screwed over by the immoral crooks in Washington and started yelling at the Journal. As I flipped through looking for some glimmer
of hope, some bright spot in the muck, there was Ken’s column. I got about two lines in and started to smile, which was followed shortly by chuckling and more smiles, nodding in agreement. By the time I got to the 2001: A Space Odyssey reference, I broke out in an honest-to-goodness belly laugh. The e.e cummings poem was the perfect ending. Thanks, Ken. You have a way with words and you made my day a little brighter. God knows (who may or may not exist) we could all use a bit of brightening up.
Louise Mezzatesta River Forest
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Term limits in River Forest confirmed
We are pleased that the River Forest Village Board declined to vote on and approve a resolution (at the Nov. 17 village board meeting) to place another termlimits referendum on the November 2026 general election ballot. By declining to pursue this unnecessary measure, River Forest voters can finally feel secure in the April 1, 2025, referendum election results, which clearly established term limits for board officials in River Forest. The terms of office that the voters approved on April 1, 2025 provide that any village board member, president, or clerk elected in 2027 or 2029, and in all elections going forward, will be able to run one additional time, for a maximum of 2 fouryear terms. Although the administration has yet to
memorialize the results of the Yes vote and record the law as an amended ordinance in the Village Code, the village attorney clearly stated at the June 9 village board meeting, “Some communities put qualifications for office in their code, others don’t, but qualifications for office is a State law matter.” Thus, it is not necessary to formally amend the River Forest code to reflect the result of the April 1 election. It is the law now. Democracy only works when constituents participate. We thank everyone who participated in this effort. Happy holidays to all River Forest constituents.
Debbie Borman Sue Foran
Pay attention to retirees who volunteer One of the benefits of living in Oak Park is the active participation of many residents in activities that benefit the community. There are many Oak Parkers who work to improve our lives and provide new opportunities. Look closely and you will see that many of those who contribute to our community are retirees, and others of a certain age, who volunteer (Notice I didn’t say seniors, old people or elderly people). We have many years of wisdom and relevant experience to bring to this work, and we love Oak Park. Maybe some of us move a little slower or have a few wrinkles, but we show up and do what
needs to be done. And we try to have a little fun doing it. As you go about your life in Oak Park, look around and see the people who volunteer. We may be a little older than you are, but we are worth getting to know. We can enrich your lives with stories you couldn’t imagine: people we’ve met, places we’ve been, history we’ve lived. We are intelligent, experienced, service-oriented and fun. And we love to make new friends. So don’t give in to age-ism. See us. Interact with us. Enjoy us. Give us the opportunity to enjoy you!
RACHEL LADA
tants eager to help. This is not a small thing. It is a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and student well-being. If 50 girls show up ready to work — prepared to learn, compete, and grow — we cannot simply send them home to sit around. We need to meet them where they are and support their development. We have the resources. What we need now is leadership and vision. Let’s rethink our athletic programs so they reflect our values: opportunity, development, community, and care for every child. Our students deserve nothing less. Rachel Lada is an Oak Park resident.
More opportunity for kids from page 31 Rotate practice times: If gym space is limited, practice schedules can be staggered so that multiple teams use the space throughout the week. Hire or designate more coaches: If coaching capacity is the issue, we can invest in our community. There are plenty of qualified parents, teachers, and assis-
Sheila Devine Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
Questions about the Mars site go unanswered
After attending the Dec. 3 McCaffery Interests Inc. presentation on the redevelopment of the Mars factory site, I am wondering who this planned development will benefit. A number of answers to attendees’ questions were vague or inadequate. We were shown a site plan with only one elevation picture. It had townhomes with the front entrance along Armitage, but then we were told it could be side walls facing Armitage. The townhomes could be rental or sold to homeowners. The site plan appears to be a concept with McCaffery not retaining ownership of rental buildings/units. Dan McCaffery said Chicago needs
housing. This statement is clearly inaccurate. Both Chicago and Illinois continue to lose population resulting in the loss of a Congressional seat after the last Census. Why would GalewoodMontclare need more housing? Where is the evidence? There is already a 300+ unit development under construction on the Sears site. Phase two apartment construction is starting at 6700 W. North Ave. There are serious questions needing answers at the Dec. 17 meeting, which will be held at Sayre School. This site is part of a TIF district fund holding millions of dollars. What will happen to
the money? Mars has a letter of agreement with the Illinois EPA regarding soil contamination from abandoned diesel tanks. How will the contaminated soil be cleared before construction starts? (See Cook County Clerk Recordings PIN 13-31205-044-0000 for letter and documents) This Planned Development Project does not benefit the Galewood-Montclare community or comply with the principles Mars followed in their business operations. What Galewood-Montclare needs is a project that brings amenities, desirability, and value to the community.
Fran Sapone
Lifelong Galewood resident
Cryptocurrency as a tool to build Black wealth
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rowing up in Austin, with a single mother who worked two jobs to provide for me and my two older sisters, I’ll never forget the relief my mother felt when she bought her first home. It provided safety, security, and an opportunity to build up an investment to pass on to the next generation. Most families like ours lived month-to-month without the luxury of thinking years down the road. Unfortunately, that reality still persists for too many Black families in Chicago and across the country today. According to recent data, the median Black family in America has a net worth of roughly $45,000, compared to $285,000 for the median white family. That six-fold gap means Black communities are always playing catch-up in educational attainment, homeownership, and business ownership — the same things that allow families to weather emergencies and plan for the future. That’s why as treasurer of Chicago, I have made financial empowerment the heart of my mission, giving working and middle-class families in our city practical tools to build security for the next generation. Take two examples: Through Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT), our city’s largest financial education effort, we bring together community leaders and experts for hands-on workshops on credit, debt, home-buying, entrepreneur-
ship, retirement savings, and more. Money Mondays with Melissa, our free, virtual series, demystifies budgeting, credit scores, and taxes so reliable financial guidance is available no matter your ZIP code. These initiatives are about turning good information into real, lasting wealth. We’ve made progress, but the barriers are real. Decades of disinvestment, the legacy of redlining, and predatory practices like contract-selling stripped equity from Black neighborhoods on the South and West sides and left too many families starting from zero. Those harms compound across generations, and today one in seven Black households are unbanked, which makes everyday life more expensive and keeps families outside the mainstream wealth-building system. See, we don’t have the luxury of trusting that the system will work for us, but I believe innovations in finance — used responsibly and with safeguards — can open new doors. Cryptocurrency and the broader digital-asset ecosystem are not silver bullets, but for people who have been shut out or overcharged by traditional systems, they can provide lower-barrier entry points to saving and investing. We’ve already seen meaningful adoption among communities of color. Currently, Black consumers are using cryptocurrency for payments at over twice the rate of white ones. At the same
MELISSA CONYEARSERVIN One View
time, we have to be clear-eyed: crypto is volatile. That’s why we must advocate for adoption, and the same type, of financial education I’ve championed as treasurer. I’m a proponent of doing this the right way. That means expanding safe, low-fee, transparent on-ramps so firsttime investors can start small, automate savings, and avoid predatory fees. It means putting education first, scaling programs like BWTT and Money Mondays to include digital-assets so residents understand scams, taxes, and diversification before they invest a single dollar. It means pairing opportunity with strong guardrails: clear disclosures, fraud prevention, and reputable platforms so innovation doesn’t become exploitation. Done thoughtfully, fintech can also serve community wealth by lowering remittance costs, enabling micro-savings, and supporting neighborhood entrepreneurs so that resources are directed back into the same communities that need them most. Chicago families don’t need hype; they need fair chances and clear rules. I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: give our communities practical tools to build stability now and accumulate wealth over time. If we pair education with access and safeguards, we can make sure that a working mom with three daughters in Austin doesn’t have to choose between the light bill and saving for a brighter future. Melissa Conyears-Ervin is the Chicago city treasurer.
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One long beautiful Sondheim song
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fter several months of loneliness since his beloved wife, Hannah Voigt, died, Burt Andersen has, as the saying goes, left this mortal coil. Many of us tried to fill the void Hannah left. We were not enough, but Burt loved the effort. Burt sang in a pure high tenor voice that should long ago have rasped out or developed that “permanent wave,” the ever-widening vibrato some voices acquire with age. Instead, he continued and improved upon his early-in-life passion for singing and carefully preserved that voice almost to the end. He loved to sing the songs of Stephen Sondheim. It helped that he pursued a program of vocal lessons with Marty Swisher, a fortunate pairing, because she foresaw that if she introduced him to Hannah Voigt, sparks would ensue. They did. My wife Judith and I got to know Hannah and Burt a short time after they announced their engagement. I don’t recall the exact moment that we discovered we four had a special bond, but I do recall it happened. That bond had many lovely effects. Among the effects was Hannah’s idea that Burt and I should sing duets. I was dubious. My voice, adequate in a choir, was no match for Burt’s. But Hannah saw something else that made the pairing work. Hannah’s puckish sense of humor – which matched Burt’s – led to our performing “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” from Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. And then we did “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady,” Groucho Marx’s favorite song, as a follow-up. We loved watching the odd expressions on our listeners’ faces. Burt was a man of surprises. A few years back, when I was writing a blog entry on the deaths of two of my great uncles – age 8½ and 10 months on the same day in 1873 – we were visiting Hannah and Burt and talked about my essay. Burt had been advising me on the fine points of infectious disease (he headed the Infectious Disease Department at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago). My blog piece was mainly about medical diagnosis prior to the rise and development of germ theory, suggesting that medical diagnosis in Western society had changed very little since Galen in the second century. Burt suddenly left and came back with a book for me to take home and peruse: Diagnoses in Assyrian and Babylonian Medicine, a 912-page book written by Burt and Joann Scurlock, an expert in cuneiform. It
ED MCDEVITT One View
See ED MCDEVITT on page 36
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
ED MCDEVITT
An unforgettable friend from page 35 showed that Mesopotamian medical texts, especially Sumerian writings, demonstrated a systematic medical understanding, including the development of diagnostic tests, drug preparations, and systems of public sanitation. I did not read this book cover to cover. I simply marBURT ANDERSEN veled at the very idea of studying such arcana and producing a revealing historical record. Three years ago I was in the hospital for a very painful condition caused by chemotherapy. Burt visited me on a Sunday morning. We were talking and laughing, as we so often did, when the hospital’s infectious disease attending physician entered the room. She no sooner identified herself, when Burt – who instantly became a wholly different person – barked at her, demanding to know what medication she was planning to prescribe for me. At “Who are you?” Burt replied, imperiously, “the head of infectious disease at UIC Hospital.” She blurted out her prescription, he agreed, and she left the room. I was stunned. I didn’t know Burt was a shape-shifter. He was also a true impresario, wrangling the talent for Unity Temple’s Schubert Festivals, for which he was a driving force. He and Hannah engineered two private celebrations of Stephen Sondheim’s music, which he entitled the “International Sondheim Festivals.” The were “International,” I suppose, because the participants were of Norwegian, Belgian, Irish, Prussian-Mennonite, and other stock. We had joint subscriptions to classical concerts and plays and had rousing discussions after each event. We introduced Hannah and Burt to the Free Readers, professional actors performing monthly play readings at Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century Club. The first time he attended, Burt recognized actors he’d performed with in local theaters in years past (yes, he was also an actor) and was overjoyed. The deep, abiding friendship Judith and I had with Hannah and Burt, which seemed to happen so naturally, was a revelation. We have many friends of long standing. I had assumed there would be little likelihood of deep, close new relationships so late in life. I was wrong. The loss of these two rare, extraordinary people leaves a hole in our souls that will remain raw at its edges for a long time. Rest in peace, Burt. Rest next to Hannah, as you have wanted to.
V I E W P O I N T S
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O B I T U A R I E S
Mel Noel Jr., 81
Norma Brown, 98
Dedicated to justice and the arts
Teacher, worked on the Atomic Project
Melbourne Noel Jr., 81, died on Dec. 6, 2025. He was born on Christmas Eve, 1943, as the carolers were singing “Noel, Noel” — an event that made headlines, setting the tone for a life defined by curiosity, justice, and joy. From St. Catherine’s Elementary to the bustling halls of Fenwick High School, he emerged as a committed member of the debate team. He exhibited a fierce wit and sharp mind at the University of Notre Dame, where his voice reached the masses as a reporter at a local radio station and in print at The Scholastic. His trenchant column, “Mel Noel … The Last Word,” became a staple for readers eager for his candid take on the issues of the day. He pursued legal studies at Northwestern Law School, paving the way for an illustrious career that led to head of the Criminal Justice Division at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. He argued before the Supreme Court on two occasions, a testament to both his legal acumen and an unshakable belief in justice. As a senior staff attorney at the National Acquisition Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, he played a key role in helping the VA administer the law that mandates manufacturers to offer discounted wholesale prices on patented medications to the VA, Department of Defense, Public Health Service/Indian Health Service, and the Coast Guard. His spirited efforts were recognized with a Lifetime Excellence Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs. His runs for Circuit Court Judge in Cook County and the Oak Park Village Board preceded his service on several Oak Park community boards, including influential roles on the Liquor Control Board and the Fire and Police Commission. He served as president of the Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest and tirelessly raised funds for the Huskie Booster Club to uplift the arts. He joyfully served as the family’s travel agent, impromptu legal advisor, and ever-patient editor. His home rang with music, his fingers always ready for the family piano, his voice recalling the whimsical songs of Hans Christian Andersen. His passion for trains inspired him to create a detailed model railway, complete with a Santa Fe engine winding through tiny towns and mountains. In the kitchen, he became known for his exceptional pumpkin pies, a highlight of every family celebration. Mel’s unwavering moral compass, set an example for his family and the Oak Park community at large. He leaves behind his wife, Sandy; his daughters Emma, Anna, Melissa, and Rebecca; and his grandchildren, Callum, Isabel, and Bronson, whose lives he enriched with his wisdom, humor, and boundless affection. A celebration of life will be held at Rustico restaurant in Oak Park at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 20. All who knew Mel are invited to share their memories of a truly extraordinary life.
Norma C. Brown, 98, of Oak Park, formerly of Melrose Park, Park Forest and Chicago, died on December 14, 2025, fiercely independent and fighting until the end. Born in Chicago on Oct. 16, 1927 to John and Blanche Pinches. Her mother died in a car accident when she was 6, and she was largely raised by her brother and father in Hyde Park. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and cultural anthropology with honors from Northwestern University. She worked as a health physics research technician for the Atomic Project (code named the Metallurgical Laboratory) at the University of Chicago at West Stands. She tracked the radioactive material spills with her Geiger counter and met her husband under a desk there, when they were both trying to retrieve ball bearings that had been spilled. She transitioned to Argonne National Laboratory, but after her sons were born, decided to make a career change and returned to Northwestern to become a certified teacher in Illinois. She was a master teacher in the Chicago Public School system and was a second- and third-grade teacher in Park Forest. During her tenure in the school district, she held numerous positions and was very active in the professional teacher’s organization. She was proud to be a representative with the local teachers union, negotiating contracts and working to establish a sick leave bank that supported teachers financially through long-term illness. She and another teacher founded and operated Co-Care, a nonprofit corporation providing before-and-after-school day care to school-age children. After retirement, she and her husband spent many years traveling, camping, RVing and finally European trips and cruising. Her new-found internet access allowed her to pursue genealogy, discovering relatives who fought in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and D-day in World War II. In 2018 following her husband’s death, she moved to Oak Park, becoming one of the first residents at the Albion on Lake Street. She remained its oldest resident, living independently, with a little help from her Oak Park family and friends to avoid moving what she referred to as a “facility.” She loved to interact with the other significantly less senior residents in the building’s welcoming lobby. Norma is survived by her sons, Michael D. Brown M.D (Christina Marciniak M.D.) and Gary H. Brown (Nancy Hahn); her grandchildren, Laura (Fuentes), Matthew (Erica), Meagan, Catherine (Daniel Brodzik), Elizabeth (William Carter), Aiden, Madeleine, Hailey and Aaron. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother Richard M. Pinches, and by her husband of over 67 years, Herbert L. Brown Jr. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 beginning at 9 a.m., with a service at 10:30 at Peterson-Bassi Chapel, 6938 W. North Ave., Chicago. The service will be followed by a procession to Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 6001 W. 111th St., Alsip.
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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SPORTS Experienced OPRF gymnasts display multifaceted talent Sectional qualifiers Hoerster, Schwartz lead Huskies’ seven returnees By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
This is the time of year when OPRF senior Maisie Hoerster once again trades a stick for grips and chalk. The three-sport athlete is a returning sectional qualifier for the Huskies’ multi-talented and experienced girls gymnastics team. During the fall, Hoerster plays for the Huskies’ girls field hockey team. “I’m in and out of season all the time,” Hoerster said. “It’s a very quick turnaround from playoffs for field hockey and then gymnastics, but once I get a week or two into it, I feel back to normal.” The Huskies return their entire varsity after graduating their one senior from junior varsity. Seniors Claire Garnett, Alexis Henderson and Teagan Lucas, juniors Zoe Schwartz and Claudia Doyle, and sophomore Reese Hardy also are back. In their first full-lineup meet Saturday, the Huskies (129.10 points) were seventh at Hinsdale Central’s Kim Estoque Invitational. As high school construction continues, the gymnasts practice at Tri-Star Gymnastics in Forest Park, where OPRF coach Kris Wright also is one of the club coaches. “They’re a great group of girls, very coach-
STEVE JOHNSTON
OPRF’s Maisie Hoerster competes on the bars during the Hinsdale Central Estoque Invite, Dec. 13, in Hinsdale. able, and the older girls are such great role models, really good mentors,” Wright said. “So many of the girls do other sports. They’re really good athletes and they haven’t worked out for the whole year; now they’re coming back and they’re just picking up preseason. They’re enjoying sports and being gymnasts, being on a team.” Schwartz, who missed Saturday’s invite, joined Hoerster as individual qualifiers for the 2025 Hinsdale Central Sectional. Hoer-
ster advanced in all-around, vault and floor exercise and Schwartz in all-around and the uneven parallel bars. Hoerster competed at 2023 regionals but missed her entire sophomore season with a partially torn posterior cruciate knee ligament. Henderson competed at 2024 regionals but is coming off a season-ending injury in mid-season that also kept the all-state high jumper from competing in track. Adding to the Huskies’ strength is all-arounder Ava
Kuenster, who is among nine freshmen and the youngest child of longtime assistant coach Wendy Kuenster. “We have very solid routines on every single event. Everybody is confident with competing and Ava has also competed her whole life,” Hoerster said. Kuenster tied for seventh on floor (9.1) Saturday to earn a top-10 medal and competed all-around (33.05) along with Hoerster (31.95) and Hardy (31.90). Hoerster (8.5 on vault and 7.95 on beam) and Hardy (8.2 on uneven bars) had the team’s other top event scores. Kuenster was second on floor (9.05) at the season-opening Rolling Meadows Invite Dec. 6, where eight gymnasts per team compete in one event. Senior Taylor Mathias-Edwards joined the lineup on vault. “It’s going to take time,” Wright said. “Nobody stuck beam [Saturday] but we have been sticking routines in practice. We’re getting used to the competing part of it. I know it will come with practice.” The Huskies hope to reach the six-team sectionals for the first time since 2023. For Hoerster, it’s then on to girls lacrosse, a spring sport she joined for the first time last season after two seasons of track. “I was happy to try something out of my comfort zone. It ended up being a blast. I’m really excited for this spring,” she said. “For me and all of the other [gymnast] seniors I think a lot of it is about having fun. It’s our last year, for a lot of us our last time doing gymnastics ever. We kind of just want to have fun with it and do our best.”
Watson heats up for OPRF girls hoops OPRF boys drop two WSC Silver games By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
OPRF High School’s Katara Watson is among the state’s top prospects in the class
of 2029. In the past week, she’s lived up to her billing by helping to turn around the Huskies’ season. Against visiting Jones, Dec. 15, Watson had 20 points to lead OPRF (2-7) to a 58-34 victory. Junior Taryn Draine tied Watson for scoring honors. Junior Marie Spencer and senior Tegan Smith each had five points and six rebounds for the Huskies,
who won for the second time in three games following an 0-6 start to the season. In a West Suburban Silver home game versus Proviso West, Dec. 9, Watson poured in 35 points in OPRF’s 55-32 victory. The Huskies begin play in the Loyola Academy Christmas Tournament on Dec. 22, versus Carmel.
OPRF boys Coming off an impressive win over Fenwick in the Chicago Elite Classic, OPRF was hoping to keep the momentum going last week as it began West Suburban Silver play. But the Huskies weren’t able to do so See HOOPS on page 38
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S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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OPRF, Fenwick hockey revel in big wins Friars travel to tournament in Cleveland this weekend By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
There are wins, and then there are really big wins. Case in point for the Oak Park and River Forest hockey team: Glenbrook North is in the Scholastic Hockey League, arguably the best in the state, and in fact won it last season. So what? The Huskies beat Glenbrook North 4-1 on Nov. 29. Simply put, “We outplayed them, outshot them, outscored them,” OPRF coach Mike Murphy said. Yes, it was a nice win, but you know what was really big for seniors Oliver Puntillo and Liam Moroney? “We just swept Hinsdale,” said Moroney, a wing, of the Illinois West conference foe Red Devils. “We beat them in OT twice. Those were our biggest wins.” Puntillo, a defenseman, concurred. “I’d say GBN was good, but beating Hinsdale was more important to us,” he said. Moroney and Puntillo agreed on something else – the season has had its ups and downs, but is moving in the right direction ahead of the holidays, what with a 13-3 record in the Illinois West, which includes its own heavyweights, like Maine, Lyons Township, DuPage Stars, Lincoln-Way and yes, Hinsdale Central. “We started off sort of slow, but now I think we can compete with anybody in the state,” Puntillo said. Added Moroney: “There have been lots of areas for improvement. The team looks a lot
HOOPS from page 37 as they dropped three consecutive games. On Dec. 10, OPRF (4-4, 0-2 WSC Silver) fell to visiting York by the slimmest of margins, 60-59. Cam Woods had a career-high 28 points and George Gray added 10 for the Huskies. Then on Dec. 13 at Downers Grove North, Gray and Trent Williams each had
more tough in these last couple of games, and I would say we have to focus on the positives heading into the playoffs.” Murphy said goals have been hard to come by this season so far, so his team relies on a defense-first mindset, which features a philosophical bent. “At the travel levels, they don’t watch hockey anymore, they watch highlights, and they try to pattern their play like the superstars,” he said. “We capitalize on the tendencies of most youth hockey players. We play traps, we forcibly make them bring the puck up through the middle and they get caught. “Most of our offense is causing turnovers.” An interesting coincidence for OPRF is its goaltending, manned by twins, seniors Parker and Trevor Moen, of whom Murphy said, “You can’t tell them apart.” But non-coincidental is his confidence because his team is winning big games and because of astute leadership from Puntillo and especially Moroney, who’s been on varsity since he was a sophomore. “He’s gotten stronger,” Murphy said. “He’s carried us.”
Fenwick hits the road Three blocks south, Fenwick has had its share of big wins as well, what with sweeping OPRF in the Paul Hruby Cup, including a 6-4 victory, Nov. 26, to clinch it. But the biggest games might be forthcoming, as the Friars hit the road Friday morning for a six-hour bus trip to Cleveland for the Padua Holiday Hockey Tournament, which includes regional powers, like host Padua Franciscan. Again, so what?
nine points in a 58-42 defeat to the Trojans. Two nights later at Niles North in a non-conference game, Gray had 20 points, Williams 14, and D’Angelo Perkins 8. But their efforts weren’t enough as the Huskies allowed a season-high point total by an opponent in a 98-59 loss. Following semester final exams this week, OPRF will look to get back on track at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. The Huskies open against Joliet West, Dec. 29.
PROVIDED BY JASON CLARY / DYLAN CLARY
Liam Moroney of the OPRF High School hockey club in action during a game this season. “We’re playing some pretty good teams in Cleveland, but we’re a good team, too,” said senior forward and captain Arden Tantaro, a four-year varsity player who’s been on long trips before. “This is stuff we’re used to.” How challenging is it to go on the road and face teams you’ve never seen? Scouting reports and watching film is important, according to coach Nick Fabbrini, but at the end of the day, it’s all about executing. “In games like this, it’s focusing on the things we do as well as we can do them,” Fabbrini said. “[We are] just trying to get them as sound as we can on our end. Energy and enthusiasm can overcome a lot of mistakes.” Tantaro is the kind of player who has stepped into the limelight for Fabbrini this season, and not just for his play. “He is definitely starting to be a little more vocal, which we appreciate and is something this group needs,” he said. “It starts with getting guys to believe in what you’re saying as a leader.”
Tantaro said that’s what happens when you’ve had good role models. “I’ve played with some really good leaders,” he said. “I’ve watched and learned. When I was a sophomore and junior, it’s a little more nerve-wracking going against 18-year-olds. Now I’m that 18-year-old, and I know I put in the work and I let my training take over.” He is joined up front by a couple of juniors and Oak Park natives in Cristian White and Aris Vagias. “They’ve been playing together for a couple of weeks and starting to create offense for us, five on five,” Fabbrini said. “Cristian is the fastest on the ice in every game we play. Aris plays hard, with physicality and a little bit of an edge.” The netminders are another pair of juniors, Sean Imburgia and Auggie Leavy. Their combined expertise “give us the opportunity win games,” Fabbrini said.
Fenwick girls
steals. But her outstanding effort came in a 61-48 defeat to the Mighty Macs. Two nights earlier at home against Providence Catholic, Cammie Molis drilled four three-pointers and finished with 19 points. But the Friars fell to the Celtics 51-46. Fenwick looks to snap its four-game losing streak when it faces Marian Central in the Marian Catholic Shootout, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m.
The Friars came into the season confident that they could be more competitive and successful within Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red play. However, that ambition has yet to be realized as Fenwick (3-6) dropped a pair of league games last week. On Dec. 11 at Mother McAuley, Avani Williams scored 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, and had three assists and five
Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025 39
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF WILLIE G. HENRY; FLORENCETTA HENRY; TCF NATIONAL BANK; ANITA HENRY; COURTNEY HENRY; EBONEE HENRY; MERCEDES HENRY; TIARA HENRY; JACK LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF WILLIE G. HENRY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF FLORENCETTA HENRY, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant 17 CH 13529 Calendar 61 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on January 13, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-09-315-063-0000. Commonly known as 635 Rice Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701¬© OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Codilis
& Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. (630) 794-5300. 14-23-01315 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3277542
of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 2044189. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 2044189 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 25 CH 04295 TJSC#: 45-2279 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 25 CH 04295 I3277709
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.CHARLES S TRNKA, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF GEORGIANA M. TRNKA, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF GEORGIANA M. TRNKA, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF GEORGIANA M. TRNKA, DECEASED, SUSAN R WEAVER, SHERYL L TRNKA, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, CARY ROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF GEORGIANA M. TRNKA, DECEASED Defendants 25 CH 04295 1811 DOWNING AVE. WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 5, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1811 DOWNING AVE., WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-20-403016-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $206,676.20. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7�30 a.m. to 3�00 p.m. local time until 3�00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2026 Street Lighting & Traffic Control Materials Pricing Bid Number: 26�104 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at �708� 358�5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal December 17, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CALENDAR NUMBER� 01�26�Z HEARING DATE� January 7, 2026 TIME� 7�00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING� Room 201 �Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICATION� The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Azim Hemani, seeking a variance from Section 7�7�15�E��2� of the Oak Park Sign Code, in order to allow a canopy above the entrance to be one foot from the curb line, rather than the required two feet, at 1140 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16�07�119�014� 0000 �“Subject Property”), in the DT�1 Downtown Zoning District �Downtown Central SubDistrict).
A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8�30 a.m. and 5�00 p.m. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@ oak-park.us before 5�00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
Published in Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park ��Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302�� will receive electronic proposals until 11�00 A.M. on Friday, January 2, 2026, for the following: 25�10 Sewer Cleaning and Inspection. Proposals can be sent electronically to eavgoustakis@oak-park.us. In general, the contract will require the following work: light cleaning of sewer segments to be inspected, inspecting sewer segments by means of closed-circuit television �CCTV�, and providing reports of CCTV inspections at locations shown, and all appurtenant work thereto. All CCTV inspections shall be performed in accordance with NASSCO’s pipeline assessment certification program �PACP� standards. Proposal forms may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/bid starting on Thursday, Decemeber 18. For questions, please call or email Elaine Avgoustakis, �708� 358� 5726, eavgoustakis@oak-park. us 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 December 17, 2025
The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District #97 will receive sealed copier equipment and the installation of said equipment RFPs at the Administrative Office located at 260 Madison Street – Oak Park, IL, 60302, until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Copies of specifications may be secured at the Oak Park Elementary School District #97 District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, but only able to be picked up by emailing Michael Arensdorff (marensdorff@ op97.org), to schedule a time. Responses mailed or delivered shall be marked to the attention of: Oak Park School District 97 Attn. Mr. Michael Arensdorff 260 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 The front of the envelope should be clearly marked “District 97 Copier RFP”. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Mr. Michael Arensdorff at (708) 5243015 or marensdorff@op97.org. Faxed or electronically submitted RFPs will not be accepted. Responses Due Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Only those responses complying with the provision and specification of the response will be considered. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities, qualification or irregularities and/or reject any or all responses, when in its opinion, such action will serve the best interest of the Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Lonya Boose, Board Secretary Published in Wednesday Journal December 17, 2025
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All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
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Wednesday Journal, December 17, 2025
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