Wednesday Journal 122921

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W E D N E S D A Y

December 29, 2021 Vol. 42, No. 22 ONE DOLLAR

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Don Offermann obituary Page 3

2021: An unhappy sequel

Contested elections, crime concerns, all touched by COVID

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Demonstrators march toward Division Street on April 29, 2021, during the Together We Stand vigil and march at Dominican University’s Quad in River Forest.

2021

If 2020 was a Greek tragedy, then 2021 was its sequel. From a narrative standpoint, 2021 shared many of the same dramatic themes as 2020 but fell short in originality and, as a whole, felt largeIN ly derivative.

It was about as much fun as “Daddy’s Home 2” – an unwanted and unnecessary sequel to a movie no one liked in the first place. Not even John Lithgow, delightful as he is, could save that disaster, made worse with the addition of Mel Gibson.

It was doomed from the start – as was this past year it turned out.

COVID-19 reigned as the principal antagonist in 2020 and 2021. It continued to rear its ugly head, popping up in new forms, to remind us all that, like Mel Gibson, it’s unfortunately still here. Please proceed with caution.

YEAR REVIEW

National tensions play locally Six days into the new year, the nation’s focus was turned to Washington, D.C., as insurrectionists scaled the U.S. Capitol building. On the same day in Oak Park a brick was reportedly thrown at the window of Black-owned Live Café.

See NEWS IN REVIEW on page 6

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Schools bend, don’t break as COVID tests weary kids, family, faculty New leaders at OPRF, Dominican; patchwork of interims at D97

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Another year in education shaped by a global pandemic, there were moments in 2021 that felt like the year before. Some days felt like one big constant loop, as

COVID-19 continued to take hold of almost every aspect of our lives.

But we remained hopeful, resilient.

We charged forward, bringing the lessons we learned in 2020 and seized the power of adaptability. Even when cases tapered off and vaccines became avail-

able for children and adults and we began gathering safely indoors, we braced ourselves for what’s to come. We knew COVID is unpredictable – and the pandemic’s not over. We’re not there just yet.

See EDUCATION IN REVIEW on page 7

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M E M O R I A M

Renowned educator, banker, community pillar dead at 84 Don Offermann went from track coach to superintendent at OPRF, later was instrumental in Forest Park redevelopment

By ANDY VIANO

Forest High School in 1999, doing so by dropping a business card in front of Offermann at a restaurant and telling him, “Call me, I’ll Don Offermann, a revered and steady plan your future.”

Offermann did just that and went on to hand in River Forest, Forest Park and Oak Park whose commitment to service rever- work at the bank for more than two decades, eventually holding the title of berated through the worlds of vice president. Jones said he and education, banking, running Offermann’s similar, if unorthoand economic development, died dox, backgrounds, combined Dec. 26 after a brief illness. He with the small, local bank’s comwas 84 years old. mitment to its hometown, made Offermann’s two professional for an easy transition from one careers — the first 41 as an educareer to another. cator and the next 22 as a banker “People like Don and I looked — ran parallel to decades spent at banking not as bankers but as grounded in his community, ina responsibility to be of service cluding the founding of a now to others,” Jones said. “From 53-year-old running club and his DON OFFERMANN education to the bank, we were crucial role in a quiet but vital both very conscious about who redevelopment effort that revived downtown Forest Park’s flagging busi- our customers were and what they expected.” ness district in the early 2000s.

That mentality manifested as Windmill “He was someone who was admired and respected by a wide range of people,” Art Enterprises in the early 2000s, an effort Jones, one of Offermann’s former co-work- helmed by Jones, Offermann and a handful ers and development partners, said. “He of others who saw Forest Park’s once thrivwas a caring individual, he was admired by ing Madison Street in decline and decided to many and I feel grateful, frankly, that I did “walk our talk.”

“We came to the conclusion that we were have an opportunity to work with him.”

Jones, an educator turned banker like Of- asking others to invest in Forest Park’s fermann, said he was the one who recruited business district but we (as individuals) Offermann to Forest Park Bank just days af- haven’t,” Jones said. “We did all of that ter his retirement from Oak Park and River work outside of the bank and determined Editor

PHOTO BY JERRY VAINISI

HERE’S TO YOU: Don and Verna Offermann raise a glass to the memory of Ernie, permanently preserved on his favorite stool at La Floridita in Havana.

COURTESY OF DOMINICAN UNIVERSIT

A GOOD STORY: Don Offermann, by then a vice president at Forest Park Bank, and Sophia Lloyd, then the executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, share a story and a laugh at a Dominican University event. that if we wanted others to come, we had to invest as well.”

The men created Windmill and began to buy up key but underutilized properties in the business district, vet potential new owners, do some minor renovations and hand over the keys, all with the primary aim of helping Forest Park become a better place to live, work and do business.

“What’s best for the community and how we can serve others,” Jones said of the Windmill ethos. “The fact that our [bank] ownership was so tied to the community also really made a difference.”

Offermann himself explained the project’s mission in an interview with the Forest Park Review in 2012.

“We bought up a number of underdeveloped properties,” he said. “We cleaned them up, fixed them up and got the right tenants.”

Before his forays into banking and business, Offermann was an esteemed coach and educator who began his career at Chicago’s Luther High School in the late 1950s after graduating from Concordia University in River Forest. He would go on to earn masters and doctoral degrees from Loyola University in Chicago.

Offermann arrived at Oak Park and River Forest High School as an English teacher in 1964, then replaced the legendary Roy Gummerson as head coach of the school’s track program in 1968. Offermann would later become chair of the school’s English department and go on to hold the joint roles of superintendent and principal before his retirement. The jobs were separated after Offermann left.

One of his earliest pupils at OPRF was a precocious runner named Rich Brooks who would enjoy an acclaimed track career at the University of Illinois in the 1970s. It was Brooks and Offermann who unofficially began what was then the OW running group in

1968, when Brooks was a freshman in high school, as what started as a way for the two to run to-and-from the school and nearby Concordia University to train.

The group derived its name from the spot where they would meet, outside Offermann’s house at the corner of Oak Avenue and William Street in River Forest. They became, jokingly at first, the OWies a few years later.

After his career at Illinois, Brooks returned to the area where he and Offermann nurtured a lifelong friendship anchored by athletics, both in running and as doubles tennis partners. The pair, and later the growing roster of OWies, would meet in the early mornings for their thrice-weekly runs and Brooks said Offermann, even into his 80s, had the best attendance record of the group.

“It’s a discipline and Don has always been a disciplined guy,” Brooks said. “The other thing that this running group had is conversation and camaraderie of purpose … once a runner, always a runner.”

“I’m going to really miss him,” Brooks added. “They’re not that much older but [Offermann and his wife, Verna] became a second set of parents. We’d confide in them about stuff. We had a very special relationship and [my wife and I] are profoundly sad.”

Paul Oppenheim is a member of the OWies and said that as he and Offermann aged, they ended up drifting toward the back of the running pack where they developed a close bond.

Oppenheim said he and Offermann joked that “the caliber of the conversation in back was better than the riff-raff up front.”

“He was an inspiration to all of us,” Oppenheim said. “A highly ethical, moral guy with a good sense of humor who didn’t pat himself on the back. He wanted to know about you but he didn’t want to talk about himself.”

Offermann is survived by his wife Verna, their four children, Dan, Nancy, David and Monika, and 10 grandchildren.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

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Courtesy Melissa Elsmo

Looking back on 2021’s delicious moments

o doubt about it, 2021 was a year of resilience and perseverance for our collection of local eateries.

Despite rising food costs, significant labor shortages and customer hesitancy, restaurants in our Eats communities have proven to be adaptive and nimble in the face of extended challenges. Thanks to passionate community members, resourceful owners, and collaborative efforts we have rallied around our restaurants. In response they have kept thing things downright delicious in our little foodfocused alcove.

We know the struggles are not over for our independent eateries, but showing our support is the best way to help them through the long winter. Let’s look ahead with anticipation as we enjoy this look back at 15 of our favorite bites this year.

1) Butternut Squash Soup and Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Fiore 2019 from Carnivore and Anfora, Oak Park: Brad Knaub, co-owner

MELISSA ELSMO

of Carnivore, 1042 Pleasant St., knows his way around a winter squash. This sinful soup, served at the collaborative “mostly monthly” pop-up dinners hosted

by Anfora Wine Merchants, came garnished with heirloom tomato chip and corn nuts paired perfectly with the subtlety tropical wine selected by Adrian Weisell, owner of the wine shop, 128 S. Marion St.

3) Chengdu Dumplings from Katy’s Dumpling House, Oak Park: The slick and spicy Cheng-

du dumplings served at Katy’s Dumpling House, 1113 Lake St., are comfort food personified. Making a meal of assorted dumplings at this downtown Oak Park restaurant is always a good idea — these pork filled parcels are an excellent selection to warm you up on a cold afternoon.

4) Chiang Mai Curry Noodles from Thai Neighbor, Oak Park: Chef Champ Akkarapol, owner

2) Any item in the Unity Fridge, Oak Park: The community fridge lo-

of Thai Neighbor, 250 Chicago Ave., takes an average of three minutes and 18 seconds to get a dish from the wok to the plate — yes, he times himself. Curries are his specialty, and this creative northern style dish is well balanced and full of flavor.

cated outside Carnival Grocery, 824 S. Oak Park Ave., provides 24/7 access to free food including perishables and canned goods.

Oak Park’s first Community fridge arrived in Oak Park last May and is stocked with delicious and healthy foods by individuals and groups across the community.

Folks line up for the array of east coast bagels with a Midwest twist offered at The Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave., but once in a while house-made soft pretzels are on the menu. Slightly chewy on the outside and soft on the inside these dark twists are not

Food Editor

5) A soft pretzel from The Daly Bagel, Oak Park:

to be missed.

6) Duck Confit from Babygold Barbecue, Berwyn: Popular pork belly, smoked turkey and

brisket are always on the menu at Babygold Barbecue, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., but plated specials are only available in the dining room. The smoked duck confit over dirty couscous we savored during the restaurant’s soft opening brought a refined energy to the regular offerings and was easily a top three dish of 2021.

7) The Foghorn Leghorn from Chubby’s Char House, Chicago: Fried chicken lovers look no

further than Chubby’s Char House, 5963 W. Madison St., to make your sandwich dreams come true. Perfectly fried Nashville style hot chicken tenders are served on a bun with cucumber jalapeno slaw, dill pickles and famous “sauce sauce.”

8) Goddess Salmon served at an FLW Ultimate Plus Dinner: In May 2021 the Wright

Plus house walk returned after a pandemic pause. With strict COVID protocols in place, special guests participated in a trio of chef

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM curated dinners in Oak Park and River Forest. It was a delight to see strangers gathered around a common table again and this colorful salmon with green gazpacho, preserved lemon and tobiko was one of my favorite creations of the year.

9) Pork Chop Calabrese from Victory Italian, Oak Park: When dining at Victory

Italian our server, Jamie, told us not to miss the pork chop Calabrese. She was right; this dish will make you a Victory regular. Pounded thin and lightly breaded, the uncomplicated entrée is enhanced by the addition of whole Calabrese peppers, pepperoncini, white wine, sage and lemon.

10) Micro Greens from Old Gaffers Garden, Berwyn: Berwyn resident, Holden

Wilson, helms a garden collective and microgreen farm designed to increase greenspaces in populous areas and making fresh produce more readily available within urban communities.

Old Gaffers Garden delivers locally and their flavorful greens were available at the Oak Park and Riverside Farmers markets in 2021.

11) Babycakes from Angie’s Pantry: Angie Montroy sticks to an 80/20 philosophy -- 80% of Angie’s Pantry offerings are prepared with health and wellness in mind while 20% are designed to be a true indulgence. The shop, 809 South Blvd., offers indulgent “baby cakes” that pack big flavor in a small package.

The three-layer cakes are just six inches in diameter and come in festive flavors like mint, Oreo, and peanut butter.

12) Crispy Tofu made from Cate Readling’s recipe: During election season we of-

fered up a “debate on a plate” featuring candidates’ favorite recipes. Cate Readling, then a candidate for Oak Park village president, offered up her husband’s crispy tofu recipe—it delivers bold flavor and excellent texture.

13) Things We Don’t Say IPA, Oak Park: In spring 2021, Kinslahger Brewing Company, One Lake Brewing and the since shuttered Oak Park Brewing Company collaboratively brewed and released a “juicy IPA” with 100% of profits going to Hope for the Day, a Chicago based non-profit focused on suicide prevention.

14) The last banh mi from Saigon Pho, Oak Park: The Vietnamese restaurant

was known for serving up steaming bowls of pho, comforting banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls. The restaurant closed this year with enough warning to allow us to savor one last Saigon sandwich.

15) Chive Dumplings from Habraé’, Forest Park: Habraé’ has a rotating arsenal

of more than 50 Thai sweets that keep adventurous dessert lovers happy, but dabbling on the savory side of the menu has big rewards. HabGuichai Tod are garlic chive dumplings prized for their chewy interior and crunch exterior.

Upswing in COVID-19 cases continues Both Oak Park and River Forest see increases

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Ending the year on a high note is generally a good thing, except when it comes to COVID-19.

Both Oak Park and River Forest are experiencing increasingly high rates of positivity, which is hardly encouraging news.

The Cook County Public Health Department (CCPHD) reported, Dec. 22, that River Forest had 64 new positive cases, double the number of new cases reported the previous Wednesday. River Forest has had a cumulative case total of 1,269 since March 2020, according to the county. CCPHD data indicates River Forest’s recent percentage change in new cases — which measures case numbers during the most recent two weeks against the prior two weeks — is up 140 percent.

Fortunately, River Forest has only had three COVID-19-related deaths, the most recent of which occurred on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO).

CCDPH also reports that vaccination rates are high in River Forest, with 70.6 percent of residents fully vaccinated and more than 90 percent having had at least one dose. The number of people who

have received a booster shot is not included in the available CCPHD vaccination data.

As Oak Park has its own health department, it does not fall under the purview of county’s health department, but the Oak Park Public Health Department releases its updated COVID-19 data each Wednesday, as does CCPHD. The Oak Park Health Department announced on Dec. 22 that 333 more residents had tested positive. The case count more than doubled from the previous Wednesday, when the village reported 123 new cases.

Oak Park Public Health Director Theresa Chapple-McGruder told Wednesday Journal that the health department is “still considering appropriate mitigation approaches” to counter the rise in cases.

A total of 42,464 Oak Park residents have been fully vaccinated while 46,508 residents have had at least one dose as of Dec. 22. The Oak Park Public Health Department does not include booster shot information in its vaccination data.

Oak Park has had a total of 65 COVID-19-related deaths, according to the MEO. However, the village has not had any reported fatalities since Sept. 23, 2021.

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NEWS IN REVIEW

bile vaccination station, the brainchild of Public Health Director Theresa ChappleMcGruder. The van was a fixture at such downtown Oak Park event series as Thursday Night Out, where volunteers encouraged skeptics to get inoculated against COVID-19. The mobile health department also made stops at local schools.

from page 1 The incident became big news, not only because it happened on the same day as the Jan. 6 insurrection. Live Café was serving as the campaign headquarters for three Black candidates for Oak Park village trustee, two of whom faced campaign challenge hearings that day. The brick also carried a message. Scrawled on the paper attached to the brick were the words “No n — on the ballot.”

Chicago television news crews, and this Wednesday Journal reporter, descended upon Live Café, now known as Brewpoint Craft, the following day to hear Live Café proprietor Resheeda Graham Washington speak of the attack.

“Our souls are damaged by this offense,” Graham-Washington told the large and masked crowd. “This damage, this harm – it sits in the seat alongside 401 years of trauma.”

Police combed through hours of footage from nearby security cameras, but the café’s own security cameras had been turned off to mitigate costs due to the pandemic. A police investigation into the incident was determined to be inconclusive a month later.

Candidates face ballot challenges The hearings for the campaign challenges against Oak Park village trustee candidates Anthony Clark and Chibuike Enyia were only the beginning of a long, messy election season. While both candidates were challenged by Kevin Peppard, the Oak Park Municipal Officers Electoral Board dismissed Peppard’s case against Enyia. He went on to win a seat on the village board.

What transpired at Clark’s hearings was more tumultuous. Clark faced a challenge to his residency, with Peppard claiming Clark lived in suburban Lombard and not Oak Park. Despite the community’s vocal support for Clark, the electoral board ruled in favor of Peppard Jan. 25. That ruling failed to stick and the electoral board reversed its decision Jan. 28.

Election feud and anonymous tactics Clark was unable to shake controversy, however. A feud broke out between Clark and on-again-off-again village president candidate Simone Boutet. Believing she was behind Peppard’s challenge, Clark sent Boutet a text message on Jan. 4, stating, “I know you are behind this & funding [redacted]. So go as far as you would like to go & I will be sure to do so as well. All the truths will be exposed. Good luck with your race.”

Four days later Boutet, a white woman who sees herself as a racial equity advocate, filed a police report against Clark, a Black man, for harassment. The text became a matter of public record. Refusing to comment to the press, Boutet instead turned to social media, where she posted a series of diatribes against Clark to Facebook.

She officially withdrew her candidacy for

Death and trauma

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

PLAIN SPEAKING: Reesheda Graham-Washington talks about the hate crime incident outside of her Live Cafe in Oak Park on Jan. 7. village president on Jan. 17, but it was not the sitting village trustee’s first time dropping out of the race. Boutet previously announced she was ending her campaign Sept.

9 to join a family business in Washington state, but reentered the race Sept. 22, citing the recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as inspiration.

The political whiplash was surely felt by the three village trustee candidates aligned with Boutet’s Unite Oak Park slate: Lucia Robinson, Ravi Parakkat and Stephen Morales. While Robinson and Parakkat won village board seats Morales failed in his bid.

All six Oak Park village trustee candidates found themselves embroiled in an anonymous anti-defund police campaign.

Shortly after early voting began March 22, a website and an attached video focused on fearmongering launched to persuade voters to vote against a non-binding referendum to defund the Oak Park Police Department. Mailers from the anonymous campaign were also sent to voters.

IN Under the domain name, votenotodefund.com, now deactivated, the campaign endorsed Morales, Parakkat and Robinson as pro-police candidates, while propagating the idea that Enyia, Clark and Juanta Griffin, all of whom are Black, would defund the police upon taking office. Both the candidates endorsed in the video and those attacked in the video denounced the rogue effort.

The person or persons behind the campaign remain unknown. The domain name was registered to an anonymous person and the campaign itself did not file with the Illinois Board of Elections.

In a race against Cate Readling, a local activist, Village Clerk Vicki Scaman became village president while Parakkat, Robinson and Enyia joined the village board as trustees. Together, they ushered in a new era in Oak Park politics, one marked by politeness and diplomacy.

In River Forest, Village President Cathy

Adduci won a third term, defeating sitting River Forest trustee Patty Henek. While many thought the race would be closer, Adduci handily won, receiving 64.8% of votes.

Comings and goings As the weather warmed, the relentless pain of living in a pandemic world seemed to subside a bit. Public swimming pools and playgrounds reopened though Oak Park had no Fourth of July fireworks or parade. A fairly normalized Farmers Market also returned.

July also saw the addition of Pawficer Howie to the Oak Park Police Department.

The canine was brought on to assist in community engagement and officer wellness.

His loving snuggles are actually a form of deep pressure therapy that works to relax a person’s nervous system.

His arrival was undoubtedly a high point, but it wasn’t the only news to come out of the Oak Park department last summer. In June, the village of Oak Park entered into a contract worth $35,240 with CISYNC LLC, a firm specializing in public safety visualizations and data mining, to review the police department’s recordkeeping. On June 23, Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds was announced as the Biden administration nominee for Senate confirmation as U.S. Marshal for Northern Illinois. But he has stayed mum on the status of his candidacy. As of Dec. 27, the chief had “no new information” to share.

Village Manager Cara Pavlicek announced she was leaving Oak Park in June to serve as village manager in north suburban Northbrook. She departed in August and her deputy was appointed Interim Village Manager. The person who will assume the position permanently is set to be hired in early 2022.

Oak Park took its health department on the road with the August launch of its mo-

2021 YEAR REVIEW

There was much sadness in Oak Park during 2022. Oak Park Township Clerk Greg White died in late July after a short illness.

White served as township clerk for 24 years and deputy township clerk for 10. He is remembered for his loyalty and dedication to the mission of the township.

The nationwide increase in violent crime contributed to feelings of grief and despair.

Oak Parkers were on edge over increasing incidents of gunfire in various parts of the village. On Aug. 7, the body of 15-year-old Melissa Rendon was found in an Oak Park alley. The Chicago teen had reportedly been drugged and raped over a period of hours with footage of the assault posted to Snapchat. Sergio Hernandez, 40, was charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and concealment of a death, while Joslia Williams, 18, was charged with child pornography and concealment of a death. Hernandez and Williams are both from Chicago.

Former Oak Park resident Heather Mack was released from prison in Indonesia and deported to the United States in early November. Upon landing at O’Hare International Airport, she was arrested by the FBI. Mack’s release and return were particularly bitter for Oak Parkers, as the infamous “Suitcase Killer” and her boyfriend-turned-accomplice lived in Oak Park prior to being charged with the brutal murder of Mack’s mother.

Coming back from COVID COVID-19 loosened and tightened its chokehold periodically in 2021. The Delta variant of COVID-19 was overshadowed by the newer Omicron variant, which became the dominant strain by year-end. The virus’s economic impact was still substantial and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) seeks to mitigate it.

ARPA caused much excitement in River Forest and Oak Park this year. River Forest announced that it will receive $1.3 million through the federal recovery program.

Oak Park expects to take in $38.1 million in ARPA funds.

The Oak Park village board voted in July to use $14 million of its share to reimburse the village for lost revenue due to COVID-19, but the rest is still up for grabs. The Park District of Oak Park and the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC) are both after slices of the village’s ARPA pie. The park district has requested $2 million to replenish its capital improvement fund, while OPEDC wants $500,000 to invest in Black-owned businesses. The village board plans to discuss the requests in the new year.

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

EDUCATION IN REVIEW from page 1 Over the course of this year, Wednesday Journal focused on families across Oak Park and River Forest. When schools fully reopened back in August, the Journal centered its coverage on how parents and their children alongside faculty and staff were adjusting to a new normal.

From masking policies to quarantine restrictions and vaccine education, we shared stories about how our communities came together – and at times, stood divided – when safety measures were placed. The Journal also shed light on school administrators, teachers and other employees who worked endlessly day in and day out to offer a network of support for families, and the students, themselves, who continued to grow, find their voice and carve out their own space in today’s world.

With 2022 peeking just around the corner, the Journal is looking back at the year that taught us how to carry on.

Working together – and fast With state officials requiring schools to fully reopen this year, district officials in Oak Park and River Forest dashed to map out and expand their safety protocols for staff and students.

And those first few months of school were an adjustment: Masks were mandatory.

Visitors were limited or not allowed inside school buildings. COVID-19 saliva testing programs were in such high demand across the state, pushing back the programs’ start dates. Quarantine guidelines and changes to public health officials’ definition of a “close contact” seemed to cause a point of contention for area families, who sought more test-back options.

On top of that, under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s directive, school employees and college stu-

chapter on a long-awaited decision for an underused university property that held untapped possibilities. Fenwick, which also leased the athletic fields surrounding the Priory property from the Dominican Friars order, also announced its plans to purchase those fields, marking the Catholic high school’s expansion.

In June, DU announced plans to sell the Priory Campus, a 7.6-acre site in River Forest that was once home to the university’s graduate studies programs, and caught the attention of some potential buyers, including Fenwick and Oak Park and River Forest High School.

For reasons of confidentiality, the university’s commercial broker Jones Lang LaSalle A race to vaccinate (JLL) would not disclose or confirm the names The COVID-19 vaccine became available to or number of entities which submitted letters individuals, with Pfizer leading the way to in- of intent and eyed the parcel. The price of the clude children as young as 5 years old. Since land and buildings has yet to be publicly disMay, the Journal was there covering a series closed, Fenwick and DU officials previously told Wednesday Journal. of vaccine clinics at River ForBoth Fenwick and OPRF ofest School District 90, Oak Park ficials had broad plans for the School District 97, Oak Park and property; OPRF thought buyRiver Forest High School Dising Priory could alleviate the trict 200 and Concordia Univerchallenges it faced with future sity Chicago.

IN renovation projects on its main Parents, students and school Scoville Avenue campus, while staff alike let us be part of their experience. Some even let us stand beside Fenwick eyed the lot for spiritual retreats or them, as they got the first dose of the two-shot alumni gatherings or to expand its athletic or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Some students like arts programs.

OPRF’s Adam Dubina told the Journal how he helped his mom understand the benefits of Calling for healing the vaccine, while Concordia employee David In 2021, students from Oak Park and River Risch opened up about his fears of the vacForest were still grappling with incidents of cine’s side effects before deciding to go for it.

“I wanted to protect the students and em- hate crimes, racial injustices and police bruployees here,” Risch said in an interview with tality. A year later, they were still saying the Wednesday Journal. “In some ways, I probably names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahgot it maybe less for myself and more for the maud Arbery – adding more names of innopeople around me to make sure I’ve reduced cent people of color who died at the hands of police or white supremacists. the risk of transmitting something.”

Just a week after Derek Chauvin, a former Minnesota police officer was charged with The fight for Priory Campus murder in the death of Floyd, a Black man, Dominican University students gathered for a Early this month, Fenwick High School envigil to honor Floyd and many others and contered into a purchase agreement with Dominican University for Priory Campus, closing the tinued the conversations on racial injustice in America. They prayed and led a march on campus and around the River Forest neighborhood.

Elsewhere in Oak Park, some younger students also held their own discussions on racial politics. One of them was Christopher Denneen. Through a class podcast project, Denneen hosted a segment called “Politics with Teens” where he parsed the details of Chauvin’s trials and broke it down for his peers.

“I think it’s very important to educate people on current issues in our society,” he said.

“These are really big issues that need changing, and kids are the next generation, and we need to know about those current issues.” dents were among the groups of individuals required to vaccinate against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing. That meant, school administrators worked with their collective bargaining units and outlined the terms of their vaccination plans.

“Vaccination is still the leading strategy for protecting our community against COVID-19 and keeping our schools open for in-person learning,” spokesperson Amanda Siegfried told the Journal early on, addressing Oak Park District 97’s compliance with the governor’s vaccination orders.

2021 YEAR REVIEW

Efforts in equity

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

WELCOME BACK: Current students help families and incoming students move into their dorm rooms on Aug. 27, during Dominican University’s move-in day at Coughlin and Murray Halls on the River Forest campus.

Having the “hard conversations” is not only integral to the healing process but a major factor in launching change. This year, the Journal explored how school districts were committing to their mission of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

For example, Wednesday Journal spoke

7

to Asian American educators and residents in Oak Park who opened up about their racial and cultural experiences and the power behind Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s push for Asian American history as a curriculum requirement.

“You shouldn’t have to see yourself to feel like you belong here, but for some people, it does matter,” said Corinne Kodama, an Oak Park resident and founding associate director of Asian American Resource and Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “It is so powerful for them to understand that they’re not alone – that they have a history in this country before they got here.”

In other stories, Oak Park School District 97 teachers and administrators talked about their equity curriculum and how the district encouraged families to engage in conversations about race with their children at home. Other examples of DEI efforts include OPRF’s decision to revamp its history, English and world languages courses for incoming freshmen, giving them all an opportunity to take on more rigorous lessons.

Students at OPRF also sought for their voices to be heard. Over the course of the year, a group of Jewish high school students fought for school officials to recognize their religious holidays, Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, and Black and Brown students from the peer-led organization ROYAL (Revolutionary Oak Park Youth Action League) asked officials to provide more resources for mental health and emotional and academic support for students of color.

New year, new faces This year, the Oak Park and River Forest community watched many of its top education leaders leave their schools: Dominican University President Donna Carroll, Oak Park’s District 97 Superintendent Carol Kelley and Oak Park and River Forest School District 200 Superintendent Joylynn PruittAdams just to name a few.

Amidst the changes, we saw new teams emerge.

District 97 moved quickly to assemble their staff right before the 2020-21 school year closed. The district selected their interim employees in pairs: They hired cointerim Superintendents Griff Powell and Patricia Wernet, along with co-interim Beye School principals Cheryl Sullivan and Sheila Carter and co-interim human resources directors Cathie Pezanoksi and Tim Kilrea.

The search for a permanent District 97 superintendent is ongoing, and the school board is expected to select a candidate in early January.

District 200 also endured some changes, as Pruitt-Adams turned over her post to her mentee and former Assistant Superintendent Greg Johnson. The district also promoted and hired a list of school employees to take on various department roles.

Apart from that, Dominican University welcomed Glena Temple as president, after Carroll ended her 30-plus-year run.

Taking a note from Temple, being a leader in a school means leaning “into the work that needs to be done.”

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ART BEAT

Not nearly normal but arts rebound, reinvent Many suffer hardships hidden from public eye

By MICHELLE DYBAL

option. The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest was first locally to announce their Covid protocols and the large orchestra sat in a church pew, a couple of coats be- played in-person, back at their prior home, the tween me and the next couple. Just ahead Chapel at Concordia University in River Forwere two women in lollipop red sweaters est, in mid-October. The masked, vaccinated adorned with the doodads to qualify the crowd filled the pews. The orchestra didn’t knits as “ugly,” perfectly chosen for the only celebrate Beethoven at that concert but holiday show that was about to begin a week kicked off its 90th season. Unity Temple ago. I looked around and all the pews appeared Restoration Foundation’s Chamber Mufilled, although ticketing information said sic Series began again at Unity Temple. The Nineteenth Century Charitable Associafewer seats were being sold to alPhoto by Bryan Wakefield tion resumed its programming, low for social distancing. which includes arts and culture, RETURN TO AUSTIN GARDEN: Act I, Scene I from Oak Park Festival Theatre’s The Tempest The lights flickered and soon at the Nineteenth Century Club. a nonet of singers filed out onto Henry Fogel Presents and The the performance area. They with entertainment from magic to jazz once ance Illinois said in their write up in Crain’s Free Readers Ensemble also relaunched into Pentatonix’s “O a month. The Art Institute of Chicago exhib- on Nov. 22, “The true devastation to artists IN sumed their shows there. HoliCome All Ye Faithful,” then a ited the Obama portraits this summer, a re- and cultural organizations gets obscured day shows were back, including beat of silence before uproariminder that the Oak Park Public Library from the public, because throughout the panthe Michael Teolis Singers, Sing ous clapping filled the room. has the only permanent Kinde Wiley paint- demic, artists continued to do what artists do: Sure, the song was done well – this was Chi- We Joyous, Ballet Légere’s Nutcracker and ing on public display in the state. Wiley also create, make and inspire.” cago a cappella making their regular stop programing at Madison Street Theater. painted Barack Obama’s portrait. Wiley’s When the Federal Shuttered Venue Opat Pilgrim Congregational Church on Lake “Easter Realness #2” is on the third floor of erators Grant was announced early in 2021, Students performed again inside OPRF the Main Library.

Street in Oak Park. But this was something many locals were optimistic, but the reality more. An audience which was truly apprecia- when Huskie Music Fest was held in OctoArtists continued to use their platforms for was, not all qualified, such as FitzGerald’s tive to be in the space with the performers, ber, It was the first in-person music perfor- social justice. Percy Julian Middle School’s due to the timing of the sale from the retirwho might never take these kinds of experi- mance in 20 months inside the high school. virtual CAST Tells the Story informs on the ing FitzGerald family to the new owner, Will ences for granted ever again. Everyone was Hundreds of family members and friends lives of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and John Lewis. Duncan, even though the venue was closed for fully vaccinated -- carded at the door The Everyday Activist exhibit at Oak many, many months. At least one Oak Park -- and the singers, unmasked, are testPark Art League (OPAL) highlight- arts venue was denied the grant. ed every day in addition to being vaced activists in Oak Park and Austin.

When the Ernest Hemingway Foundacinated. Throughout the concert, the It is now at the Austin Main Library tion put out the call for support, locals ansingers took turns telling personal through January. swered and donations helped keep them, and stories connected to the works, and OPAL celebrated its 100th anniver- the Birthplace Home they manage, afloat. But they referenced the individuals in the sary with exhibits and programming. their mainstay source of revenue – tours – was crowd, who they said they could see Their courtyard also now displays greatly reduced, especially with the reduction smiling even with masks on. a sculpture of Bobbie Raymond, an in international travel. While OPRF theater The first half of 2021 was not influential Oak Parker in fair hous- held in-person shows this fall, everyone was quiet before in-person events began. ing, the arts and more. Founder of masked on stage, necessitating funding for Virtual performance-arts offerings Terrain Exhibitions and Oak Park new microphones for future productions. continued and access to visual art Hardship was also met with generosity. artist, Sabina Ott, was honored with opened up.

Symphony of OP/RF General Manager Beth her art bestowed to Columbia ColThe return of in-person perforHoover and Music Director Jay Friedman lege Chicago to be used for study and mance began in the summer. Oak donated their salaries, according to board teaching.

Park Festival Theatre staged The Other locals had moments of note. president David Leehey. When Huskie Music Tempest in Austin Gardens, the Ali Barthwell won a writing Emmy Fest was cancelled in 2020, Applause, which Shakespeare play they put off from for her work on Last Week Tonight provides arts-related programming and 2020 due to the pandemic. Oak Park’s with John Oliver. An accomplished scholarships to OPRF students, had a major Open Door Repertory also emALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer violist, Bryce Kaiser (then an OPRF budget deficit due to a lack of sponsorships braced the great outdoors, partnersenior), recorded a video with a se- purchased at the event. After reporting on IN LEAGUE: Susan Stall and Tameka Wilson collaborated on the ing with Habakkuk Theatre to put on lect group from the Chicago Youth this in February, an outpouring of support Coastal Disturbances in Brookfield. exhibit, “Everyday Activists,” at the Oak Park Art League.

Symphony Orchestra, Peter Cotton- put the group back into the black. A fire at And the patio at FitzGerald’s Nighttail and others for The Late Show Delia’s Kitchen that destroyed Oak Park club in Berwyn became a destination for live music. Compound Yellow in Oak streamed in at various times to hear young with Stephen Colbert. Oak Park children’s Festival Theatre’s space last month has rePark launched its Side Yard Sound series for musicians in bands, choirs and orchestras. author and musician Jim Gill recorded on sulted in donations to help the troupe build Prisms of Winter was almost not held at stage at Symphony Center for CSO for Kids in back, but they are not there yet. another outdoor music option.

Throughout the Chicago a cappella conOnce fall arrived, many arts groups had OPRF when there was a rise in those testing a project with the Chicago Symphony Orchestheir plans in place for the performing arts. Covid positive at the school. Ultimately, three tra. And Lux Cantorum received coverage cert, the uproarious applause continued.

Locals were getting vaccinated, and those performances entertained all those who and praise in Latvia for their virtual record- Local art groups and artists will continue to need support like they received this year oversized vaccine cards became the ticket into wanted to see this typically sold-out show. ing of “Dod, Dieviņi,” a Latvian piece.

But the year was not all about celebrations – through ticket sales, subscriptions, donamany shows along with the cost of admission. Fenwick staged Cinderella, too.

The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Mu- and a return to somewhat normal. As Mi- tions and lots and lots of accolades for what For those that could not (or would not) vaccinate, testing within 24/48/72 hours was an seum brought back Friday@Hemingways, chelle T. Boone and Claire Rice of Arts Alli- they do.

I

Arts Contributor

2021 YEAR REVIEW

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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River Forest extends demo delay for some village structures Razing public, recreational and institutional buildings must wait 12 months

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Owners of historic buildings located in the Public Recreational and Institutional (PRI) zones of River Forest who are planning demolition of the structures are now required to wait an additional six months before doing so following action by the village board on Dec. 13.

Trustees voted unanimously to concur with the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission to approve an ordinance change to extend the maximum potential demolition delay for the PRI zoned significant properties from six months to 12 months.

The ordinance change will not impact any residential buildings, only the 29 buildings that are in the PRI zones, which are scattered throughout the village and are typically park, school and church properties and include structures owned by government entities such as the village and Cook County.

Some of the buildings zoned PRI in River Forest include houses of worship such as Grace Lutheran Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Temple Har Zion, St. Luke Church, River Forest Methodist Church, St. Vincent Ferrer Church and First Presbyterian Church.

Educational facilities include Willard Elementary School, Trinity High School, St. Luke School, the River Forest District 90 Administration Building, Roosevelt Middle School, certain buildings on the campuses of Concordia and Dominican universities and the Dominican University Priory Campus.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Dominican University’s Priory Campus David Franek, chairman of the River Forest Preservation Commission, explained that the change is recommended “due to the size and complexity” of the 29 buildings. He also said no member of the public attended a public hearing in November and no comments were received by the commission despite owners of all buildings being informed by mail.

The 12-month delay for any such significant property that is zoned PRI would be a maximum, the Franek explained.

The commission could also issue a certificate of appropriateness or a delay less than the maximum.

The 12-month maximum demolition delay would be cal-

culated from the date that a completed application for a certificate of appropriateness is received by the village, as has been the case with the six-month delay. As is the case currently, any demolition delay decision would still be appealable to the village board.

In a memo to the village board, Jonathan Pape, assistant to the village manager, said the Preservation Commission recommended the change to better align the village’s expectations that proposed development and/or redevelopment of historically significant properties zoned PRI would more likely include multiple parties as well as require more time for the community, buyers and sellers to assess potential alternatives to demolition.

“Such proposals would likely require additional time to review because of a greater variety and complexity of potential uses than significant properties that are zoned as residential or commercial,” Franek said in the memo. “As a result, up to an additional six months of demolition delay (for a total of 12 months) could be needed to evaluate such options in appropriate cases.”

Commissioners discussed the possibility of requiring that demolished properties be salvaged, but determined that this issue would also not be moved forward at this time.

Trustee Bob O’Connell questioned how negotiations with Cook County would be conducted but Village Attorney Greg Smith indicated such an issue could be addressed when it arose. County-owned buildings in River Forest with PRI zoning designations include the Cook County Forest Preserve Offices and Trailside Museum.

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

W E D N E S D A Y

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

J O U R N A L

P H O T O S

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R E V I E W

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2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

6 Photos by ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

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5 1. The Xochitl-Quetzal Danza Azteca performs a prayer for attendees. 2.

OPRF junior Adam Dubina receives his vaccine from Kitty Monty during a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic. 3.

LT’s Jackson Turner (13) heads the ball, during a soccer game against OPRF at Huskies Stadium. 4. Attendees pray with Sherita Galloway during a tree dedication ceremony for Elijah Sims at Rehm Park. 5. Dylan Jockel, skateboarding at the Stevenson Skatepark. 6. A pedestrian bundles up and crosses the street in February. 7. Josh Wood, 15, inside the igloo pyramid in his backyard.

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lydia Loveless, Andrew Sa Friday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s, Berwyn Loveless is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, and she will be joined by Sa, a local artist who describes himself as “cosmic country.” $49. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Creative Open Gym (COG) Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m., Outta Space, Berwyn This event is a summit meeting for artists, dabblers, creators, crafters or just someone who wants to chill, chat and explore art.

Bring your own arts & crafts supplies, projects or just walk in and feel free to mess around with the supplies provided. There will be an open bar. Future events will feature workshops, talks and guest DJs. 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. $5 suggested donation.

6840 S. 32nd St., Berwyn.

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December 29-January 5

Noon Year’s Eve

Chicago Blues Angels Friday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m., FitzGerald’s (Side Bar), Berwyn Roosevelt Road will not be quiet tonight. Mondo Cortez is back with his band, the Chicago Blues Angels, bringing a touch of West Coast swing to the traditional Windy City Blues sound. Free. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Midday Meditation Tuesday, Jan. 4, 12-12:30 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library The benefits of meditation for managing stress, boosting the immune system, and increasing energy are many.

Now is a great time to start a practice or revisit one. This is a welcoming group of meditators, old and brand new.

The session starts with Kundalini breath practices to shift your state of mind and make meditation more accessible.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Writers’ Word Feast Sunday, Jan. 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library This is a showcase for writers of all types and genres. Bring your words and words yet to be written. Each writer will get a chance to read their story, poem, or novel chapter and receive feedback from the group. Then we will spend some time writing. Register now at oppl.org/ calendar.

Session One: Friday, Dec. 31, 10:30-11:00 a.m.

Session Two: Friday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., River Forest Public Library Celebrate the coming of the New Year by making arts and crafts with a festive flavor. Recommended for children of all ages and caregivers. Due to space constraints, the library will be doing this program multiple times throughout the day. It is recommended that you sign up child participants for just one session. Free. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

Evening Worship Friday, Dec. 31, 7-8 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest Special worship service with Holy Communion.

Free. 7300 Division St., River Forest.

Thank you for being a friend!

Wednesday Journal is celebrating

Betty White's 100th Birthday She was born in Oak Park on January 17, 1922.

Advertise your business and your "Betty Birthday Specials" in this commemorative section which will be in print on January 12, 2022.

Contact: Lourdes@oakpark.com 708-613-3329 or Marc@oakpark.com 708-613-3330

“It’s you girl and you should know it!”

12

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ART BEAT

Art that surprises and delights With new studio, Nez Garza looks to bring smiles with ‘Fruits’ and ‘Stars’

By F. AMANDA TUGADE

A

Staff Reporter

lmost two years ago, Vanessa Garza was working as the store manager at Pet Supplies Plus in nearby Berwyn.

Like most 20-somethings, Garza was figuring out her life, exploring different careers all while pursuing an art degree. Garza said she gravitated toward retail because she enjoyed that side of management that allows room for team building and leadership.

But somewhere in between, Garza got bored.

Up until that point, Garza had dedicated her life to art, pocketing opportunities to paint a handful of murals around her hometown of Berwyn – and she missed art. She missed the freedom of art, the ability to create whatever came to mind, and the feelings it evoked.

“I took a chance, and I left that job,” said Garza, 22, who goes by the name Nez and officially opened her own art gallery in Oak Park earlier this month.

Here, inside Studio Nez located at 803 Van Buren St., Garza sat on a black stool surrounded NEZ GARZA by white walls that Local artist held up her paintings, prints and some mixed media pieces. They all featured a similar type of character: a planet, a fruit like a lemon slice or a seeded strawberry, or a colorful cereal box with its top flaps wide open, all of which have dangly arms and legs, big round eyes or a small smile.

The playful, childlike design is part of Garza’s collection called “Fruits” and

“I just want to see people happy or smile, and I think because of that, a lot of kids are actually drawn to my art.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BE HAPPY: Artist Nez Garza with with her art in her brand new studio on Van Buren St. “Stars.”

Garza said she came up with the idea for “Fruits” and “Stars” after creating a different batch of characters for a series called “Cereal Wars.”

She said her boyfriend asked her to draw something on his skateboard.

“I was like, ‘OK, what do you want?’ He said, ‘Just make up a character.’ So, I made something up. I think it was like two hearts; they’re supposed to be a representation of

us,” Garza said. “He was like, ‘I love it, but blocks away from here. I always see kids evit’s too cute.’ He explained how skateboard ery morning walking past and they’re like looking through the door [and windows].” art is usually angrier. It’s bolder.”

With Garza hitting her stride, she has “So, randomly I drew two cereal boxes fighting,” she said, laughing. “And that be- spent the last month evolving and embraccame ‘Cereal Wars,’ and I just really liked it. ing this chapter of her journey. She’s carving out space to balance her full-time job I just kept drawing it.” as a marketing manager “Cereal Wars” served for the Berwyn Park Disas an inspiration for trict, as well as accept“Fruits” and “Stars.” ing art commissions and The biggest difference caring for her storefront. between the two is that Studio Nez is located at 803 As Garza looked the characters in GarVan Buren St. in Oak Park. around her space, she za’s latest series are no Store hours vary. For more insmiled once more and oflonger angry or tough. formation or commission infered a message for other She flipped their frowns quiries, visit www.studionez. artists or those standing upside down and made com or email Vanessa Garza at on the edge of change. them “a little bit hapinfo@studionez.com.

“I think it’s just confipier.” dence – that’s what I was And that’s why Garza missing from the beginloves art.

“It’s not as serious for me. I’m not trying ning. I played it safe,” said Garza, noting she to make something with a deeper meaning,” once pigeonholed herself as an artist before she said. “I just want to see people happy taking a leap of faith and developing what is or smile, and I think because of that, a lot now “Fruits” and “Stars.”

“Now, I look back, and I’m just like, if that of kids are actually drawn to my art. It’s always really fun. would have been my style [from the get-go], I “There’s actually a preschool like two think I would have enjoyed it more.”

Where is it?

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

13

C R I M E

Oak Park resident robbed at gunpoint An Oak Park resident was held at gunpoint during an armed robbery that lasted about 20 minutes in the 300 block of South Elmwood Avenue on Dec. 23. The victim was walking northbound on Elmwood Avenue at 9:45 p.m., Dec. 23, when he was approached from behind by two male offenders. The first offender pulled out a handgun and demanded all of the victim’s property, while the second offender reached inside the victim’s pockets and took his keys, a black cell phone and a black leather wallet.

The two offenders forced the victim to walk to an unknown location and then took turns using the victim’s Chase debit card to withdraw money, while the other watched the victim. The victim was allowed to leave at 10:05 p.m. The total estimated loss is $3,500.

The two offenders are described as Black male teens, both between 5 feet 10 and 6 feet tall. The first was last seen wearing a black hat, black face mask, orange and purple New Balance tennis shoes with black pants and a red hoody with black stripes on the sleeves. The second offender was last seen wearing a black face mask, black hat and black coat with a white tag on the zipper.

Armed robbery True Discount, 1155 Garfield St., was robbed at 7:03 p.m., Dec. 21 after a man entered into the business and began grabbing items on display; he then walked behind the counter, opened cash registers, and pointed a black and silver handgun at the victim before taking cash from the registers. He fled on foot eastbound on Garfield Street where he was picked up in a waiting tan minivan occupied by other people. The van drove off southbound on Maple Avenue. The loss is estimated at $1,500.

Burglary ■ Someone shattered the glass front door to Wheel & Sprocket bike shop, 1118 Westgate St., then took a Super73 electronic bicycle and an ABUS bicycle lock from inside the business at about 6:07 a.m., Dec. 24.

■ Someone entered a residential garage via an unlocked side service door, ransacked the interior and removed several collectable toys and shoes between 10 p.m., Dec. 15 and 4 p.m., Dec. 19 in the 1100 block of South Lombard Avenue. The estimated loss is $3,000.

Theft ■ An L.L. Bean package and a Yoto package were removed from a front porch in the 1100 block of South Lombard Avenue be-

tween 3 p.m., Dec. 16 and 8:06 a.m., Dec. 20.

The estimated loss is $247.

■ The catalytic converter was cut from a black 2007 Honda CR-V parked in the 400 block of Home Avenue between 3 p.m., Dec. 13 and 9 a.m., Dec. 16.

■ Two offenders were captured via security camera removing the catalytic converter from a silver 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport parked in the 1100 block of North Humphrey Avenue at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 20.

■ Two packages were removed from a front porch in the 1100 block of North Marion Street between 3:45 p.m. and 4:14 p.m., Dec. 17. The packages contained a black Kate Spade wallet, a black Kate Spade coin purse, one blue Tommy Bahama sweatshirt and one red Tommy Bahama sweatshirt.

The estimated loss is $290.

■ Someone took a package containing 48 bottles of Kate Farms Pediatric Peptide 1.0 medical formula from an open foyer of a building in the 100 block of West Washington Boulevard at about 4 p.m., Dec. 21.

■ The catalytic converter was removed from a Toyota Prius parked in the intersection of Lake Street and Scoville Avenue between 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m., Dec. 21.

Criminal property damage

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■ An unknown male subject threw a brick at the drive-thru window of the Wendy’s at 11 N. Harlem Ave., breaking the window, after becoming angry when an employee refused to take his order as he was on foot in the drive-thru. The total estimated damage is $1,000.

■ Someone shot five rounds at a blue Mazda CX-5, shattering its rear windshield, while it was unoccupied and parked in the 1100 block of Washington Boulevard at 10:46 p.m., Dec. 26. The estimated damage is $700.

A second victim heard the shots and a glass window break, then saw the single-pane storm window on the southside of his building was broken. Shell casings were found by the Oak Park Police Department, which is investigating the incident.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports through Dec. 21 to Dec. 28 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

WE’RE BY YOUR SIDE 310 N Cuyler Ave Oak Park | $649,900 Patricia McGowan

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1133 Elgin Ave Forest Park | $599,000 Roman Lewis

631 Marengo Ave Forest Park | $525,000 Cathy Yanda

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738 Woodbine Ave Oak Park | $479,000 Hannah Gillespie

934 Thomas Ave Forest Park | $419,000 Bethanny Alexander

2536 Clinton Ave Berwyn | $405,000 The Dita Group

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909 Marengo Ave Forest Park | $329,900 Roman Lewis

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

15

Homes

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

Homes: A year in review Pandemic no damper for home sales, improvement projects in 2021

By LACEY SIKORA

T

Contributing Reporter

2021

he second year of the pandemic didn’t put a dent into local home sales, and the selling season started early. Spring and summer 2021 saw real estate listings receiving multiple offers and often selling IN above asking price.

While the year saw the permanent cancellation of the New Moms Kitchen Walk, other housewalks such as the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory Garden Walk, the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society Housewalk and Wright Plus returned.

Locals remained as committed as ever to renovating their homes and celebrating the area’s rich architectural history.

YEAR REVIEW

VHT STUDIOS

May

January

In May, we looked at two homes on the market in Oak Park designed by architectural duo Patton & Fisher. The John Rankin House at 245 N. Kenilworth Ave. (above) was built in 1888. Listed at $950,000, the home sold for $800,000 in July.

The Lawrence Muther House, just a block away at 222 Forest Ave. was built in 1883. It was listed at $1,290,000 and sold for $1,050,000 in October.

In January, we looked at the local apartment rental market. At the time, rents were down in the city, but down less significantly in the near west suburbs like Oak Park.

Oak Park led the state in number of newly built rental units for the suburbs. Local vintage units were in demand, with rental companies seeing demand for units with parking rather than those near transportation centers, perhaps reflecting a pandemic move towards driving over public transportation.

VHT STUDIOS

March In March, we considered the sale of an unusual type of home: a house of worship. Built in 1917, the Lutheran Reformed Evangelical Church at the corner of Scoville and Adams in Oak Park was originally a modest clapboard church it was added onto in the 1940s and 1950s.

The listing proposed that the church was ripe for a development. At press time, the church and the parsonage next door are still for sale, with an asking price of $1,295,000.

PROVIDED

February In February, we looked at a home in River Forest that is a good example of the village’s past and present. The house at 343 Ashland Ave. looked like a traditional bungalow from the front, but move to rear of the property, and a modern addition with walls of glass brought this house firmly into the twenty-first century.

Photo by Zachary Whittenburg

April

June

The New Moms Kitchen Walk is typically the first housewalk of the spring season. When the organization decided to cancel the walk in 2021, it was due to a combination of factors.

The pandemic made long-term planning for events challenging, and New Moms found that its virtual fundraising was more successful than the annual housewalk at bringing in the funds necessary to fund their mission of offering support to young mothers and families.

We took a look at Clare Place, one of New Moms’ residential buildings and the mothers who live there.

After a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory and the Garden Club of Oak Park returned with their annual garden walk.

Nine private gardens were opened for public tours.

Among the offerings were an Oak Park garden inspired by Italian classicism and a native plant garden in Oak Park that brings in birds, butterflies and bugs.

See HOMES IN REVIEW on page 16

16

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

2021

HOMES IN REVIEW from page 15

YEAR IN REVIEW

July In July we covered Oak Park’s Porchfest. It was a homecoming of sorts for musician Dennis O’Brien. He grew up in the house at 701 S. Elmwood Ave. with his nine brothers.

Many of those brothers were in attendance when O’Brien and the home’s current owner, Alex Harris, played a few sets for crowds gathered in front of the historic home, which was the original home of one of the Gunderson brothers who developed the area more than 100 years ago.

During November, we looked into the giant holes being dug in Mills Park. As Pleasant Home, which is owned by the Park District of Oak Park, upgraded its heating system and added air conditioning along with a new geothermal heating and cooling system, we learned about the benefits of using green technology in historic buildings.

December

August Just a few blocks away on Gunderson Avenue, we found the source of an August story on the gut renovation of another Gunderson-built home.

Native Australian Matthew Eade purchased the 1908 residence aware that the much-loved home would need some work to modernize the mechanicals. As he brings the home into the 21st century with new plumbing, electricity and HVAC systems, he is working to maintain the original historic soul of the house that sold him on the neighborhood and Oak Park.

November

Photos courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Trust/Photo by James Caulfield

September

October

Dogged by pandemic-related rescheduling, the Wright Plus housewalk finally returned in September. With safety precautions in place, visitors could see five River Forest homes and two in Oak Park. Highlights included the Isabel Roberts Home and the J. Kibben Ingalls Home (above).

In October we examined the influence of architect Charles Kirsten in Oak Park. The prolific architect designed more than 100 homes in the village where he lived. He worked in a variety of styles, including English, Tudor, Colonial and Norman.

In December, we crossed Austin Boulevard to see one of the oldest homes in the neighborhood apply for landmark status.

Built in 1869, the Seth Warner House on Central Avenue was built for an early settler of Chicago who was a music lover and abolitionist.

After his death, the home became a hotel and a music school in Austin. Today, its owners have taken on a long-term restoration project to maintain it as a historic, singlefamily home.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

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17

SPORTS COVID knocks Friars out of Proviso West tourney

Fenwick withdraws after positive tests reported in team

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Holiday tournaments have long been a staple of Illinois high school basketball. They serve as good measuring sticks on where teams stand as the New Year is right around the corner.

However, this year the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc as several Chicago area schools have had to withdraw from tournaments, including the Fenwick High School boys team.

The Friars (1-7) were scheduled to open play with Hammond (Indiana) Central December 27 at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament, but dropped out due to Covid-19 protocols.

“I tested positive for COVID as did a couple of the kids,” said Fenwick coach Tony Young. “We’re shut down for a couple of weeks, and we’re trying to get healthy.”

Young said he was disappointed about having to pull Fenwick out of Proviso West, because he looked at the tournament as a way of giving his young team some valuable experience. But he also understands physical wellbeing of the team takes preference over anything else.

“It’s been an up-and-down season with a lot of learn-

ing,” he said. “There’s been a lot of growing and some crazy circumstances, but as long as the boys are healthy -- and that’s our number one priority -- we’re going to be all right.”

While certainly Fenwick’s record isn’t where he’d like it to be, Young said he had noticed improvement in the Friars’ play before the shutdown.

“We had an opportunity to win our last couple of games,” he said. “The seniors are finally starting to catch on and hit their stride. Being off for a couple of weeks means we’ll be going up against teams who have been playing. But we’ll deal with it and fight through the adversity.”

Fenwick’s next scheduled game is a Catholic League home contest against Providence Catholic on Jan. 5.

OPRF set to tip off at Pontiac Tourney The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team is set for its annual trip to the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, which tipped off Dec. 28 after Wednesday Journal’s press time and features several of the state’s top programs.

“COVID-19 is making another detour around to some of these schools, and we see them canceling,” said OPRF coach Phil Gary. “It’s very important for us to be able to get out there and play so at least there’s some sense of normalcy.”

The Huskies (4-3) have already experienced some disruption to their season, going a full two weeks without playing a game after the program -- along with all other extracurricular activities -- was shut down Dec. 4-6 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases at the school. OPRF’s last game was Dec. 18, an 84-59 home loss to Lake Forest.

Having played just two games in three weeks, as well as not having a lot of practice time due to the brief shutdown and final exams, OPRF may show a little rust this week, and that’s concerning to Gary.

“It’s tough to catch rhythm when you’re able to play, and then you’re not,” he said. “It’s tough for the kids, not just at OPRF but a lot of schools in the area.”

The Huskies’ first game at Pontiac was scheduled for Dec. 28 against Warren Township at 2:30 p.m.

“Warren plays hard and tough, and they play together,” Gary said. “It’ll be a nice matchup for us.”

Should OPRF prevail over Warren, there’s a good chance Simeon, a perennial contender for the Chicago Public League and state championships, will be waiting in the quarterfinals. While Gary would like to win Pontiac, he believes it’s important the Huskies get better by playing against top teams.

“Honestly, we just want to go and compete,” he said.

“We need to compete and play together, and then we’ll see where we’re at. We want to play the best teams, and this tournament will help us get ready for February and March. It’s a good test.”

OPRF girls fall twice at Morton College tourney

COVID-19 throws holiday break hoops for a loop

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls basketball team dropped its opening game in pool play at the Morton College Christmas Tournament on Dec. 27 to Evanston Township High School 46-17.

OPRF was competitive for the first three quarters, trailing 25-13. But the Wildkits started the fourth on a 9-0 run to put the game away.

“I thought we played a really good defensive game for the first three quarters, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the basket,” said OPRF coach Carlton Rosemond. “We weren’t aggressive enough to take shots and when you don’t look to try to score, you find yourselves behind.”

Against Evanston, the Huskies shot just 20 percent from the field (7-of-35).

“I told our girls that they’ve got to be shot-takers and shotmakers,” he said. “It starts with your mind, and the rest will follow. Our offense is still a work in progress.”

Lilah Gery led the Huskies with five points and six rebounds against the Wildkits, who were paced by a game-

high 23 points from sophomore Zuri Ransom.

A brief shutdown of athletics earlier this month along with final exams has made it hard for OPRF to establish rhythm, but Rosemond said other teams were experiencing the same challenges navigating through the pandemic.

“We can’t make any excuses,” he said. “Ultimately, the girls that are on the court have to produce, and we’ll keep working.”

OPRF (4-7) lost its second game in the Morton tourney on Dec. 27 to Benet Academy 62-27. Gery and Libby Matka each had eight points and Reese Garland added seven points.

The Huskies will end the tournament with single games on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.

Fenwick advances after opponent withdraws The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on several holiday high school basketball tournaments, causing many teams to withdraw from play.

The Fenwick High School girls basketball team is still participating in the 38th annual Komaromy Charger Classic at Dundee-Crown High School, one of Illinois’ premier girls holiday tournaments. However, the Friars’ scheduled firstround opponent on Dec. 27, Naperville Central, pulled out of the tournament. Fenwick was scheduled to play either Barrington or the host Chargers in the quarterfinals on Dec. 28

after Wednesday Journal’s press time.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Fenwick coach Dave Power. “This is my last Dundee-Crown tournament, and we hope to go as far as we can.”

Power is concerned about the rhythm his team will have given the lengthy time in between games. Fenwick’s last contest was Dec. 17, when the Friars (8-4) lost the title game of the Marian Catholic Holiday Tournament to the host Spartans 40-30.

“We have still have some pretty good teams in the tournament,” Power said. “It’s day-by-day with everyone.”

With each school guaranteed to play on the final day of the tournament, Fenwick will have two more games regardless. The Friars will meet Buffalo Grove, Lake Park or South Elgin on Dec. 29, and the final game will be on Dec. 30.

COVID sidelines Trinity Trinity was scheduled to play Lyons Township High School Dec.28 at the Montini Holiday Classic, but head coach Kim Coleman informed the Wednesday Journal on Monday that the Blazers withdrew due to COVID-19.

“We made the decision to pull out and take a break due to the rising numbers of cases on our team,” she said. “At this point, we’re trying to stay safe and play as many games as we can in order to get ready for the playoffs.”

18

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

S P O R T S

@ @OakPark

Plenty of highlights during a wild 2021 in high school sports

T

he last 12 months made for a wild year when it came to local high school sports, and I’m being kind when I say that.

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked so much havoc and resulted in upheaval for the athletic programs of Oak Park and River Forest, Fenwick, and Trinity high schools. We went from not having spectators at events for the winter and spring sports seasons to having large turnouts at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb for Fenwick’s IHSA Class 5A football title game Nov. 27 and at Credit Union One Arena on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus for the annual Crosstown Showdown between Fenwick and OPRF in boys basketball Dec. 3.

Moreover, the 2020 football, boys soccer, and girls volleyball seasons -- traditionally fall sports -- were moved to spring 2021, while wrestling, a winter sport, was conducted in May and June, sometimes outside on football fields.

A sense of normalcy returned this fall as all sports were placed back into their normal seasons. And there’s no doubt that Fenwick’s 3415 win over Kankakee in the aforementioned Class 5A title game -- marking the Friars’ first state football championship -- was the game of the year.

That wouldn’t likely had been possible if the play of the year hadn’t occurred a couple of weeks earlier. On the first play of the fourth quarter of Fenwick’s 5A quarterfinal at Nazareth Academy on Nov. 13, defensive end Suleiman Abuaqel intercepted a screen pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown that effectively sealed the Friars’ 28-17 win.

Here are a few other notable highlights from the 2021 athletic year: ■ OPRF baseball made a strong postseason run, falling to New Trier 9-8 in a thrilling sectional final at the school. This game, along with the Huskies’ regional title win over Von Steuben the previous week, marked the return of the general public to athletic events, creating an exciting atmosphere.

■ Bob Osborne’s return as Trinity’s softball coach was a success as the Blazers won a Class 3A regional title. Among Trinity’s wins was a dramatic 14-12 walk-off over OPRF at Triton College on May 31 as Jessica Hoffman belted a game-winning three-run homer.

■ Fenwick boys basketball saw a change in leadership as Tony Young came from Marmion Academy to replace Staunton Peck, who stepped down after spending eight seasons with the Friars, including the previous three as head coach.

■ OPRF experienced numerous changes with its athletic department. Longtime Athletic Director John Stelzer retired July 1 and

was replaced by Morton’s Nicole Ebsen.

There were also a few Huskies’ coaches who either retired or stepped down. In girls basketball, Carlton Rosemond replaced J.P. Coughlin, and baseball coach Joe Parenti stepped down.

Most notable was the retirement of softball coach Mel Kolbusz after a 35-year career at OPRF, including the last 29 seasons as the program’s leader.

Under his guidance, the Huskies won three state championships.

Replacements for Kolbusz and Parenti have yet to be announced.

■ Fenwick girls basketball coach Dave Power, who announced this season would be the final of his 45-year career, recorded his 1000th career victory Nov. 19 as the Friars defeated Taft 50-19. He’s one of only three coaches in Illinois history (Dorothy Gaters and the late Gene Pingatore are the others) to reach this illustrious mark.

■ The Fenwick boys cross country team won the IHSA Class 2A state championship, the first Chicago Catholic League team to achieve this feat. Also, OPRF senior Josephine Welin won the IHSA Class 3A girls cross country individual title.

■ The OPRF field hockey team returned to prominence as the Huskies reached the state final for the first time since 2008. OPRF lost the title game to New Trier 4-0, but it didn’t diminish what coach Kristin Wirtz described as a “great season.”

■ Fenwick’s girls tennis won its first state trophy in program history as the Friars finished third in IHSA Class 1A. The OPRF boys soccer team won its first sectional title since 1996 and advanced to the Class 3A Barrington Supersectional, where the Huskies fell to Fremd 1-0 on a late goal. And OPRF boys golfer Nate Bibbey shot a career-low 69 to place seventh at the IHSA state meet Oct. 8-9.

All this happened during a pandemic, which continues to disrupt high school athletics. Earlier this month, OPRF announced that athletics and other extracurricular activities would be temporarily suspended due to a rise in cases at the school. After a vocal student-led protest Dec. 4, the school resumed extracurricular activities three days later once protocols were modified.

With a new COVID variant resulting in a dramatic rise in cases nationwide, it’s inevitable there will be more postponements coming. But for the sake of the students’ mental health, I hope the postponements are just that, and won’t lead to something more dramatic, like season cancellations similar to the spring of 2020.

My hope is that these young men and women can have as close to a normal high school experience as possible. Will it happen?

Only time will tell.

MELVIN TATE

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

19

Those we said goodbye to in 2021

p. 23

A letter to my family

Y

et again, my family is separate at the holidays. Perhaps you’ve had a similar situation in which your family has also been separated because of this horrible pandemic. This year, I wrote the following to my family … my son and daughter, their partners, their children, and their children’s children.

Dear Family, I am so sorry the pandemic has interrupted our plans for the holiday. Your decision not to travel, was a correct one, although I am very disappointed. Furthermore, I have great sadness that my four young great-grandchildren will know even less about who I am, and was. Therefore, I will describe what I look like now, and what their “Gigi” was like years ago.

I have thin grey short hair that once was thick, long, black hair. I have pink slits for eyes which were once wide and hazel-colored. I have some dark spots on my checks that were once part of a peaches-andcream complexion. I wear bifocal glasses to see anything, when once my young eyes saw everything well. I have hearing aids, when once I perhaps heard more than I should have! I use a walking cart for my every step, when once taking long strolls was a passion of mine. Now, at age 97, I am barely 5 feet tall, when I was 5-2 for about 80 years of my life. I am chubby, weighing almost 140 pounds when most of my adult life I was 20 pounds less. I also have a twisted and painful right leg that causes me to stand and walk in a bent over position rather than with the straight posture I once had.

Although these physical changes over the years are to be expected, I try to maintain an optimistic, accepting view of life. My positive attitude is challenged by today’s social and political discord. I see our democracy being destroyed by lies, greed, hate, racism, and violence, fostered by ex-president Donald Trump. His evil influence threatens our future.

Now I look to you, my dear ones, under the wise tutelage of your parents, to be strong proponents of our democracy and a kind and peaceful future.

When you think of your “Gigi,” just know I am and was a loving great-grandma who appreciates all life and nature. I desire preserving our freedoms, the care of our beautiful land, and have a sincere love of people — all people.

My love and concern for all of my family is now and forever, Grandma/“Gigi” Harriet Hausman, 97 years young, is a longtime resident of River Forest and a proud member of the ACLU.

HARRIET HAUSMAN One View

E

Waiting to exhale

very day during the pandemic, I wake up hoping for a sign that this dystopian reality is fading. Desperately seeking good news, I check my iPhone news alerts, read the crawl messages at the bottom of the TV channel that I’m watching, and finally I meditate.

My meditation is focused primarily on positive affirmations. I know I’m not alone. I realize that, along with my fellow Americans and others around the world, we are experiencing a pernicious and relentless virus that has engulfed humankind. COVID-19 is an invader army of deadly mist and molecules outflanking even our brightest scientists. It does not respect age, ethnicity, wealth, religion or political ideologies.

This invisible enemy is testing mankind in ways that modern man has never been tested. Our bodies, mind and spirit are under attack. To our credit as a species, we humans are forging ahead, keeping our chin up, so to speak, and waiting for this plague to end. However, a major contributor to my feeling of floating anxiety is that it looks like there is no end in sight. Having to keep dealing with COVID-19 and its variants is mentally draining. In addition, the impact of the virus on human behavior and interactions is scary.

People are snapping, losing their cool, and in some cases killing themselves and others over the smallest infringements. Everywhere we encounter people with frayed nerves, short tempers, rude behavior and an outburst of “cussing and fussing.” The challenge faced every day as we go out to shop, eat or work is that we don’t know who among us is about to snap. Unfortunately, there is no useful profile

that can be used to give us a heads-up on who is poised to snap. Trying to determine where to go and when to go is a crap shoot. The next meltdown could be in church, at school, in the supermarket or even at home. Still, we must carry on.

If only someone could predict the end of this scourge, it would augur well for both our physical and mental health. We have been conditioned

by Hollywood movies to watch deadly aliens and plagues that scare and titillate us, but it ends in two hours or less. Yet this new COVID-19 reality has flipped the script — it’s riding roughshod for the past two years. And instead of fading, this virus is rebooting. The question facing us is, “How do we cope going forward?” In the spirit of sharing some behavioral changes that have helped me cope, I would suggest the following: 1. Accept the fact that COVID-19 has its own timeline — this is not a movie 2. Avoid overdosing on the “talking heads” that masquerade as journalists or politicians with opinions, not facts 3. Vet everybody and assume they might be a carrier — family, friends, in-house service providers, et al.

4. Travel only when necessary and to places that are trying to control the virus 5. Go for a mindful and tranquil daily walk into nature 6. Listen to soothing and/or uplifting music 7. Connect with a higher power — meditate, chant, pray or think positive thoughts.

My list is not intended to be exhaustive or definitive.

In summary, we’ve been holding our breaths (both figuratively and literally) for the past two years, just waiting to exhale.

KWAME SALTER

20

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

O U R

V I E W S

I

My COVID Christmas

awoke to an empty Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, I managed to find an at-home test at the River Forest Walgreens, and the result was positive.

I remember when the word “positive” meant something … positive. The world is topsy-turvy with COVID. After going almost two years avoiding the virus, taking all the precautions, finally getting snared felt like a failure. The rest of the afternoon was spent emailing the people I had contact with last week. If I missed anyone, I apologize. I did attend two dinners with large gatherings the weekend before. It was, unfortunately, a more social week than usual for me.

The upshot was that my extended family canceled their Christmas get-together and the eagerly awaited gift exchange. Several friends changed their holiday plans. I felt pretty lousy about all that.

So when I woke on Christmas morning, the day ahead seemed an empty vessel. But before my feet hit the floor, I thought, “Every day begins as an empty vessel.” I did not have one of those Hallmark moments of grand determination — “I’m going to make this my best Christmas ever!” — but I did take comfort in the fact that most Christmas literature and media involve out-of-the-ordinary holiday scenarios, so I quietly resolved to keep an open mind and pay attention to whatever might fill my empty stocking.

I knew I’d be spending the day alone and wondered how many other people were doing the same this year and what they might do to make it special.

In the age of social media, of course, “alone” is a relative term, and when you live alone, you can’t ignore it because people will think you’re dead on the floor.

Several of my brothers checked in and were very nice considering I had ruined their Christmas dinner plans. In fact, they were positively supportive. One said, “I’m a Cub fan, so I’m used to saying, ‘Wait till next year’.” He also provided my mantra for the day, wishing me, “Merry Christmas Anyway!” which applies to so many of us, given the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas Anyway. My mantra went into my empty vessel.

I’m one of those who tries to make the best of bad situations — probably to a fault. My Christmas spirit hadn’t been this high in years, but this was certainly dispiriting. However, I didn’t wallow, mostly because I already felt pretty crummy (cold-like symptoms) and really didn’t want to go out of my way to make it worse.

Besides, people were sending best wishes and high hopes for my recovery. In my largely blessed life thus far, I’m usually on the side sending best wishes. Being on the receiving end, the object of people’s unvarnished goodness, is quite something. Even though I hear about it all the time, and even see it in action (one of the privileges of being a journalist), feeling it directly is positively medicinal.

When my next oldest brother (I have five, speaking of being blessed) checked in, we conjured stories about our childhood Christmases, including the famous story of “the hand.” He stayed awake — or woke up, can’t remember which — and looked out our

bedroom, down the long hallway to the Christmas tree, and suddenly saw a hand reach out, holding a gift. Another inch and he would know if it was Santa. What would you do? Would you amble down the hallway and say hi or would you, as my brother did, dive back into bed and pull the covers over your head? My brother couldn’t believe I still remembered that incident, but he doesn’t recall how many times he’s retold the story since.

I put all those memories in my empty vessel.

Next, I played Santa myself. I couldn’t visit my grandsons, so I wrapped their presents, arranged them under my tree, filled their stockings, and put half-eaten cookies on Santa’s plate (actually a plate-shaped ornament that they designated Santa’s cookie plate) and emailed photos of each to show what was awaiting them after I conquered COVID. Christmas will be extended a bit this year. We could hold it on the Epiphany (in spite of Trump and his minions misappropriating Jan. 6 with their glorious insurrection).

In the afternoon I took a walk because the sky was cloudless with temps in the high 40s. That doesn’t happen very often on Christmas Day around here and I wanted fresh air in my lungs. I avoided people like the plague (literally), though many were out and about. Passing by our former family home at Jackson and Elmwood, I hoped to see what window the new family’s tree might be visible from. As on Thanksgiving, however, they were celebrating elsewhere, so the house was dark. For 39 straight years those windows were warmly lit every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Watching the glow of waning day, I missed my parents, but counted myself lucky — and hoped to remain so since contracting COVID is a vivid reminder of one’s mortality.

I have no wish to join them in the land of the ancestors. As I neared home, I noticed that the sunlight is already staging its comeback; we’re in the upswing of the year. “It’s definitely brightening up,” my dad always used to say.

It all went into the empty vessel.

When I got home, because I was too preoccupied the previous day, I checked the mailbox. It was filled with Christmas cards, reminding me of the many quality people I am lucky enough to know (another perk of journalism).

I made a modest supper and treated myself to a celebratory glass of wine, then watched the movie “Top Hat” with Astaire and Rogers, which I had never seen before. Ginger didn’t “do it all backwards in high heels” as the famous line goes. She was, in my view, an equal partner. They danced side by side or dervishly whirled so you couldn’t really tell who was leading. Wonderful dancing, but a supremely silly film. I enjoyed it anyway.

Before I went to bed, I found my old watch fob with the belt clip and attached it to my brand new pocket watch, a very welcome early Christmas present, which, of course, made me think of the classic O. Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi.”

My pocket is full again.

And so is my empty vessel.

KEN

TRAINOR

COURTESY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST

Don Offermann’s legacy

R

iver Forest, Forest Park and Oak Park have lost a true gentleman with the death over Christmas of Don Offermann.

Where do you know Don Offermann from?

Maybe you were in his English class at Oak Park and River Forest High School starting in the 1960s or on a track team that he coached with passion and empathy. He rose up the ranks at OPRF, serving as English Division Chair, principal and then, because he was a healer, he was named superintendent to replace a deeply unpopular and controversial leader who was pushed out the door.

You might know Offermann if you have any ties to Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest where he was an elder of welcoming and abiding faith. He served on the boards of local nonprofits too numerous to list, but including West Suburban Hospital, during one of its perilous ownership transitions.

He was the casual cofounder of a local group of runners, the OWies, which marked its 50th anniversary not long ago.

Why OWies? Because it started when Offermann and a former track team member started running together in the early mornings and began each run just outside Offermann’s house at Oak and William in River Forest.

After his retirement from OPRF, Offermann was snapped up for a second career in community banking by Art Jones, another gentlemanly retired superintendent, who had landed as a community connector at locally owned Forest Park National Bank.

Jones, Offermann and one or two other Forest Parkers played a quiet but vital role in the rejuvenation of Madison Street when they formed the Windmills, a small LLC that began to acquire key but long-vacant parcels along the street.

To say they were patient investors is an understatement.

They held retail spaces open by the months and years waiting for the right tenant, almost always independent, local and female led.

Gracious, smart, kind, loyal. You could go on for a while listing Don Offermann’s virtues. He lived with intention and purpose. He made these three towns, his hometowns, better places. And he will be deeply missed.

He also provided my mantra for the day, wishing me, “Merry Christmas Anyway!”

V I E W P O I N T S

OPRF, look at data critically Facts don’t care about our feelings. However, if OPRF High School ignores facts for much longer, more than feelings will be hurt; less student opportunity will be the result.

We all understand that one of the best things any community has going for it is a vibrant, dynamic, diverse and energyfilled high school that educates our young adults fully while creating community goodwill.

We are fortunate to have such a high school. However, many believe OPRF is at an inflection point. I hope our local school leaders begin to look at issues less politically and more critically before much of that goodwill, and taxpayer generosity, is gone.

Our OPRF leadership, many of whom have long been involved with OPRF in varying roles or in board seats, recently “discussed” the State of the District at the Dec. 16 District 200 Board of Education meeting.

For me, it was uninspiring and much of the same.

While the meeting alluded to a lengthy document, the actual board discussion was void of meaningful challenge or deliberation to help our students. Administrators offered few answers but several admissions.

M

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

SOURCE: BOARD DOCUMENT

In fairness, OPRF is still a high-performing district. Yet trends do matter, and the trend is currently not our friend. The students in our community who need our support are not getting it. Families are beginning to look at non-public school options more and we somehow are being told that there is nothing to really see here; just move along.

I offer two graphs below that suggest there is something to see here. A picture tells a thousand words.

Ross Lissuzzo River Forest

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

Moment pattern particle wave

oment.

When we zoom in and focus on a single person’s life, it appears to us as a series of discrete moments. Each person is born. She encounters her childhood, learning from each experience. He moves through adolescence, developing his sense of independence and individuality. They grow into adulthood, perhaps having children of their own. They mature, they age, they die. Each of these moments is its own story, with the individual as the protagonist.

Pattern.

When we step back and take in the life of our planet over the course of its history, it appears to us as the ebb and flow of patterns — the rise and fall of landscapes and creatures over eons. Flourishing leads to extinction leads to flourishing. Warm periods lead to cold times lead back to warm. Spring leads to summer, to fall, to winter and back again. When we step back even further and take in the history of our universe, we see stars born, growing, dying. Supernova becomes nebula, the birthplace of new stars. Patterns repeat themselves, beyond time that can be reasonably comprehended by the human mind.

Particle.

From our macroscopic viewpoint, the components of matter such as protons, neutrons, and electrons seem to be particles. We talk about them like the bricks and mortar that we use to construct a building: one atom of carbon is made of 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.

We connect atoms to create molecules, we connect molecules to create substances, and we combine substances to create the world through which we all move.

Wave.

At the ultra-microsopic level, electrons and other particles exhibit some properties of waves, scattering, bending, and overlapping like waves of light. Scientists describe each particle as having a corresponding wave function, which is more difficult to detect the larger the

object. In fact, all objects can be described with wave functions, including our own bodies and all the entities around us. This seeming paradox is called the wave-particle duality, and it forms part of the foundation of the scientific theory of quantum mechanics.

The stuff of our universe is neither fully a particle nor completely a wave. Life is neither fully the collection of one creature’s moments nor solely the repeating patterns of untold time. In each case, it is both. Moment and pattern. Particle and wave. They are complementary ways of understanding that which is incomplete on its own.

In the United States, we love the individual story, the individual moment. We love the concreteness of the object that we can hold in our hands, or at least experience and measure directly. To value something in our supercapitalist economy, we must be able to count it, weigh it, and control it. Things and people are worth what we can extract from them. This obsession with measured worth has led us down dangerous paths, where we exchange the intrinsic, evanescent value of all beings around us for the illusion of security and permanence we get from the things we believe that we own. We reach and try to grasp what we can hold as individuals or families, rather than considering the benefit of the larger group, the society, the collective.

This paradox of particle and wave is the tension we feel between the individual and the collective. In this country, we have overturned the balance toward the side of the individual — the particle — and away from the collective — the wave. We must find our way back toward a balance between, an integration of, these two ways of existence. We must let the seeming paradox guide us to an acceptance that we are not one or the other. We do not alternate between one and the other. We are both — simultaneously.

Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining.org.

JIM

SCHWARTZ One View

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

In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital.

We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing.

Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay.

If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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

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ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

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State’s Attorney policies: Law enforcement’s worst enemy

nyone who has known me over the years will tell you that I have had a considerable problem with the policies of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office under Kim Foxx.

To be clear, my problems have been with Kim Foxx’s policies, not the individual prosecutors.

My objection to her policies go back years and covered everything from traffic and drug offenses to violent criminal acts to her policy during the height of the pandemic.

During this time, the State’s Attorney’s Office put out an operational order to their assistant state’s attorneys (who were working felony review) stating they did not have to come to police stations during the felony review process but work remotely, if possible.

This was a tremendous change from what they had previously done. When I wrote a letter to Chief Judge Timothy Evans and Kim Foxx, they completely disregarded it.

I requested that police officers be able to bond prisoners out from the station on lowlevel felony crimes; again this was rejected.

Any street officer or detective will tell you that the felony review process in Cook County (referred to by police officers as the felony rejection process) is totally flawed.

First of all, the State’s Attorney’s Office, being the prosecutor, is supposed to work with the police. They are not the public

defender’s office. They are not a private defense counsel.

They are prosecutors who are under state statute and oath to prosecute cases of criminal acts that have the evidence to bring forward those charges.

Kim Foxx and her administration have, without question, ruined the relationship between the State’s Attorney’s Office and police officers. Ask any police officer in Cook County, privately and off the record, and they would vouch for my statement.

They would be fearful of making such a statement in their official capacity as a police officer, because they would likely be severely disciplined or even lose their job.

In light of the Jussie Smollett case, and the 60-page report that came out from the special prosecutor, you should know that this is not a one off — it happens routinely.

The political views of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office play into the felony review process without a doubt. Many times the Cook County office will reject the charges outright, even though the Illinois State Statute is different.

They also have devised this scheme called the “CI,” Continuing Investigation.

What that really means is that the State’s Attorney’s Office does not believe the officer has enough evidence to move forward with the case, despite what the statute says, or they want the officers to do more investigation and give them a specific list of items they want handled. However, this is impossible to make happen in the 48-72 hour period that police officers can hold defendants before they appear in bond court.

Small suburban police agencies in Cook County can never make this happen. While Chicago PD may have eight, 10, or even 12 detectives working on a single case, it would be rare for a suburban police department to have any more than two working on a case, unless they are being assisted by a task force, and that’s uncertain.

At times during my career as police chief in Riverside (now retired), Kim Foxx and her top aides, simply marginalized what I had to say, laughed, and told me my views were ridiculous — that they did not represent what the general public wanted.

However, they never once said my views did not represent what the state criminal statutes were and what their obligations

TOM WEITZEL

Happy New Year and pick up the trash I am a lifelong Oak Parker (son of Anne and Dick Murphy, from south Oak Park). I grew up on the 800 block of South Grove, behind what is now the Ale House and formerly Baar’s Dime Store. I have watched the evolution of Oak Park and have always noticed a dichotomy between North and South Oak Park. This is the first time I’ve ever reached out to “complain” about anything Oak Park. But here it is: I’ve lived at 431 Clinton, for the past 22 years.

Over the years there have always been tenants on Madison (Robinson’s Ribs and Walgreens, before they moved) that didn’t keep their garbage contained to their cans or generally kept their area tidy.

Recently Robinson’s moved and the Dollar Tree has moved in. Since their arrival, the garbage in their lot and the surrounding area has increased. A week and a half ago, my wife and I reached our tipping point. We’ve been picking up blowing garbage on our block for a long time now.

But now their garbage can is overflowing with garbage with customers just throwing their garbage “by” the can.

All of this garbage then blows around their parking lot and onto surrounding residential properties. I have gone into Dollar Tree to see if they would clean up or empty the can and the only response from their manager was that this isn’t their can or responsibility (though the can is in their parking lot next to their store).

I am not sure what laws/rules Oak Park has for this type of pollution in a residential neighborhood, but I doubt residents of North Oak Park (maybe folks at North Avenue) would have to deal with this. We have contacted the village to see if they can address this, but eight days later and no change, just more garbage on the neighborhood lawns and in their bushes. We have let the village know that we’ve

were as prosecutors. And by the way, the general public wants its police leaders to follow the law.

Make no mistake, I am not a believer that every time police call felony review for approval of felony charges they should agree — just that police only want a fair shake. When they call felony review, they want to present the facts and get an up or down vote on whether felony charges will be approved. However, what is happening now is they are being rejected for political ideology. The result of this, in the long run, are that officers will be less likely to call felony review and just charge people who have misdemeanors and bond them out.

After all, they will just be getting I-bonded (signature bond) at the Cook County Bond Court anyway.

There is a tremendous amount of apathy toward law enforcement today. There are bad cops — arrest them and send them to prison if they are guilty. There are poor leaders — get rid of them. There are police chiefs and sheriffs who do not deserve or belong in those positions — replace them.

But in the same vein, it is time to make a change in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office too.

Tom Weitzel is the retired police chief of Riverside. He is an OPRF High School graduate.

It’s up to the village board now

Regarding the 7 Van Buren Plan Commission vote: So despite the reservations and concerns of two Plan Commission members, Iris Sims and Paul Beckwith, the building plan was approved. Have we not noticed that once a plan is approved it very probably will never get better? Jon Hale asserts that we should not “let perfect be the enemy of good.” I do not think this plan is even good, much less perfect. All the doubts and concerns about lack of parking, few affordable housing units and height of the building should be resolved by the architect before giving anyone the go-ahead. If he/she is unable to do so, this is then a deal breaker.

It is now up to the village board to demand a design in keeping with Oak Park’s needs.

Shelly Uslenghi Oak Park

SUBMITTED

Best omicron variant information?

seen rats in the alley and believe there are health risks with all the garbage and used masks blowing around the neighborhood.

I have included some pictures to illustrate the current issue. I’m hoping you and the Journal can shine some light onto this issue.

We look forward to hearing from you and we wish you and yours a very happy, healthy and safe holiday,

So far, this is the best source I have found: On YouTube, Dr. John Campbell in England presents the latest COVID science data from around the world almost daily.

For example, look at “First Omicron Science,” published on Dec. 19.

Oak Park

Oak Park

Steve Murphy

Robert Sullivan

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

I N

CARL SCHALK

THOMAS RILEY

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M E M O R I A M

SHERLYNN REID

MARY DALY LEWIS

JOE CITARI

MICHAEL POEHLMAN

BEN WILLIAMS

DORIAN MCGEE

GREG WHITE

BOB WALSH

ROY HLAVACEK

CEORIA COATES

TERRY DEAN

ED GALVIN

In 2021, we said farewell to many who made Oak Park and River Forest what they are today. Here are just few of those we will remember: ■ Carl Schalk, 91, composer and longtime music professor at Concordia University in River Forest.

■ Thomas Riley, 94, former River Forest fire chief.

■ Sherlynn Reid, 85, longtime head of the Oak Park Community Relations Department, champion of the District 97 CAST program, member of numerous civic organizations, and early integrator of Oak Park in the 1960s.

Daly Lewis, 73, former president of the District 97 Board of Education, professor and dean at Aurora University.

Business bygones A number of local business owners died in the past year. The list includes:

■ Mary

■ Joe Citari, 57, star baseball player on OPRF High School’s 1981 state championship team, played nine years in the minor leagues, coached and mentored young athletes.

Poehlman, 60, co-founder of the CAST theater arts program at Percy Julian Middle School and headed Dominican University’s Performing Arts Center with his wife, Jill.

■ Michael

■ Ben Williams, 87, Percy Julian Middle School principal who started the CAST Theater program.

■ Dorian McGee, 16, Oak Park and River Forest High School student, found shot and killed on a street in North Lawndale.

DOLORES REGISTER

DENNIS KONSTANTOS

■ Greg White, 68, served 24 years as Oak Park Township clerk and 10 years as deputy clerk.

■ Bob Walsh, 92, longtime owner of Logos Bookstore and member of the St. Giles Family Mass group.

■ Roy Hlavacek, 83, co-founder of the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park.

■ Ceoria Coates, 95, started a busy and successful acting career for 35 years, after she retired.

■ Terry Dean, 47, education reporter for Wednesday Journal and editor of the Austin

KEITH TAYLOR

Weekly News for 10 years.

■ Ed Galvin, 88, Hall of Fame basketball coach for Fenwick High School.

■ Saki (Dennis) Konstantos, 36, popular manager of George’s Restaurant.

■ Dolores Register, 88, founding director of the District 97 Multicultural Education Center.

■ Roy Burton, 78, Village Laundromat ■ Mike Trant, 74, founded Duffy’s Tavern in Forest Park ■ Bess Poulos, 94, pioneering woman real estate broker in River Forest ■ Gloria Onischuk, longtime proprietor of Under the Ginkgo Tree B&B ■ Robbin O’Harrow, 65, owner/ operator of Munch vegetarian/vegan restaurant ■ Timothy Eggert, 73, former owner or Competitive Foot athletic store ■ Jerry Levinson, 86, former owner of Oak Park Cyclery ■ Mary Lynn Mullins, 91, owner of Landmark Realty

■ Keith Taylor, 72, award-winning artist/illustrator for everything from greeting cards to political commentary, former president of the Oak Park Art League.

O B I T U A R I E S

Frank Christian, 101 Sold a casket for a pope

Francis Robert Christian, 101, died peacefully at home with his family in River Forest on Oct. 31, 2021, shortly before his 102nd birthday. He was born at home in Chicago on Nov. 5, 1919.

His father emigrated from Rende, Italy and his mother from Massa E Cozzile, Italy.

He attended St. John’s Military Academy in Wisconsin as a young man, finished high school

there, and also attended Northwestern University. He was passionate about family, food, and life, loved beautiful cars, and was an avid golfer.

A family man, he raised five children and many grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was known for his charismatic personality and generosity and will be remembered for frequenting local restaurants and making friends with everyone he met. He loved to tell stories that were both humorous and filled with life lessons. He also loved a good cannoli (especially the cannoli cake from Ferrara Bakery), all things chocolate,

and ice cream.

He owned Merit Company, which produced caskets in Chicago. He took over from his father after returning from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. The company made three special ornate solid bronze caskets called the Italian Renaissance. One was sold to a Pope, one to a man in San Francisco, and one is currently in a museum.

Frank Christian was the husband of the late Ruth Ann (nee Hoppe) who died in 2010. They are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.

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Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Glorious goat is the G.O.A.T.

G

Our recipe called for potatoes, oat is a glorious meat, but Roberts further suggested we more strongly flavored could use yam instead. Though than beef, as versatile as yams are frequently thought to chicken, and containing be, basically, sweet potatoes, yams fewer calories and less and sweet potatoes are different cholesterol than either beef or tubers. Yams are starchier, drier, chicken. It is the most popular and less sweet than sweet potameat in the world, and it’s eaten toes; you have to serve them in a everywhere, including Latin soup or gravy because they need America, Africa, and India. that extra moisture and flavor.

Goat, however, is not eaten As Roberts showed us around very much at all in the United his family’s market, several States. people came in: four or so of Recently, I got a hold of 5 whom were Jamaican, Roberts pounds of raw goat meat, and we Local Dining told us, and one of whom was decided to make a Jamaican goat & Food Blogger from Guadeloupe. This Guadecurry. loupian customer was looking for The recipe called for some breadfruit, which they usually harder-to-find ingredients — like stock at Kingston Market Caribbean & Afripigeon peas and Jamaican curry seasonings can Groceries.

— so we stopped by a place I’d been biking Roberts told us that “in a few weeks” they past for years: Kingston Market Caribbean & would be moving the store about a block African Groceries (1401 S. Fifth, Maywood). north and opening a carry-out counter for Inside the market, owner Ramone Roberts “real Jamaican food, not Americanized vergreeted us and, when he found out we were sions of Jamaican food.” That sounds excelmaking goat curry, had some suggestions for us. His first suggestion was to use his favorite lent, and we’ll be back for some of that.

At home, we marinated the goat overnight, brand of curry powder. and then stewed it with various spices and “You want curry flavor, then this is it. It the yam. There are many goat curry recipes really pulls you over the line,” Roberts said online, and our recipe was a combination of with a smile while miming a person pulling several. us over the line.

DAVID

HAMMOND

Ramone Roberts, owner of Kingston Market in Maywood Goat is particularly good for curries because the stronger flavor of the meat stands up to the powerful spice profile of the curry.

Even if you’re not going to be making goat curry, you’ll enjoy a visit to Kingston Market Caribbean & African Groceries. We found lots of cool seasonings and teas. Because this little grocery will soon be moving to a bigger space, many items are marked down by 30% — so you can take home some less familiar ingredients for even less of a financial com-

mitment.

Curry goat is hearty and warming, which is just the kind of meal we want as winter draws us in.

If you want to pick up some goat meat close to home, they frequently have it at Mario’s Butcher Shop (5817 W. Madison, Chicago) and sometimes at Costco (but you need to purchase it in 15-pound boxes … too much, probably, if you’re a first-time eater of goat meat).

support our local economy. shop online. in-person oprfchamber.org

PHOTO BY DAVID HAMMOND

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

Growing Community Media

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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HR AND RACIAL EQUITY The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of HR and Racial Equity in the Human Resources Department. This newly created position supports the management of activities and operations of the Human Resources Department and collaboratively develops and drives an organization-wide racial equity and social justice strategy, ensuring timely execution of objectives, and continuously monitoring the progress towards reaching milestones.

The incumbent will lead and provide subject matter expertise to the leadership team in the development and implementation of equity initiatives, both internal and external. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Position opened until filled.

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST Part time or Fulltime Medical Receptionist for an OB Gyne Office in River Forest Nye Partners in Women’s Health Please email resume to: yvonne@ nyepartners.com POLICE RECORDS CLERK The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

SANITARIAN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak- park.us/jobs.

Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department.

This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from January-mid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

River Forest Public Schools District 90 River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking to hire a School Psychologist for a full-time position for grades PreK-4th starting in December 2021. To qualify, candidates must have a valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in School Psychology (PreK-4). A Master’s Degree is preferred as well as 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving with school and District teams. The right candidate will facilitate MTSS meetings, including individual and grade-level planning meetings.

Integrate D90 practices around equity and inclusivity into daily work and relationships with students, families and colleagues.

PART-TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Part-Time Community Service Coordinator (up to 10-15 hrs./week) in the Adjudication Department.

Thisperson monitors individuals who have been ordered to provide community service in the Village, coordinates with organizations that provide community service opportunities, etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Open until filled.

Civil Engineer 2 - TranSystems, Chicago, IL. Work as a Senior Drainage Engineer in roadway, highway, structural, and transit engineering projects. Professional Engineer License required. Travel required 10% of the time. Apply at www.transystems.com, Job Code# 1155. EOE

Duties include: Completing appropriate psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability. Identifying and assessing the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment. Using assessment data about the student and his/her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Responding to parent and teacher requests for evaluations in accordance with Illinois law and maintaining compliance in accordance with Illinois special education law.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application availableat district90.org.

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

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

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

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

Call Stacy for details:

773-626-6332

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

26

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

CLASSIFIED

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

MARKETPLACE CARS WANTED

WANTED TO BUY

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS

SUBURBAN RENTALS

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

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

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

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com CICERO 3724 S 53RD CT

Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored

A beautiful 2 flat in South Cicero off 35th st. Features include 3 bedrooms, central air, garage parking.

Modern appliances include dishwasher. Utilities separate. $1,700 per month plus security. Lease with option to buy possible.

708-383-9223 or 773-676-6805

Cars Motorcycles Cars & & Vintage Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars: Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT

Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

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

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HOME SERVICES Domestic / Import Cars: HANDYMAN LANDSCAPING ELECTRICAL Mercedes, Porsche,ELECTRICAL Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, A&A ELECTRIC Mopars Let anMustang American & Veteran do your work

Ceiling Fans Installed

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

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

Collector James

630-201-8122

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

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

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

708-296-2060

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal

brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost 708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

ROOMS FOR RENT

Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave.

Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

A 1,635 Sq. Ft. Retail Space for Lease (END CAP) Recently Updated/remodeled.

Heavy traffic area. **Discounted Rate-Limited Time!

If Leave message, Include: Your Name, Number & Type of Business.

TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

WOODWORK Terry's

Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood

and fiberglass since 1977.

Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty!

References available.

Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

Reach the people making the decisions.

Place an ad in GCM Classified!

Call 773/626-6332

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008380 on December 16, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of LOFTON SNOW REMOVAL with the business located at: 6127 S. UNIVERSITY SUITE 1058 CHICAGO, IL 60637. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DARRONTE LOFTON 6947 S. NORMAL AVE CHICAGO, IL 60621, USA Published in Wednesday Journal December 22, 29 2021, January 5 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008331 on December 10, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of WORLD TRAVELER EXPERT with the business located at: 1009 FLORENCE AVE, EVANSTON, IL 60202. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CHAN RICHARDSON 1009 FLORENCE AVE EVANSTON, IL 60202, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal December 22, 29, 2021, January 5, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE BID NOTICE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP Youth Services Electronic Health Records System The Township of Oak Park does hereby invite bids for the furnishing of (1) Electronic Health Records System for the Youth Services Department that is HIPPA compliant For details and specifications, please see www.oakparktownship. org or call Megan Traficano, Youth Services Director at 708-445-2727 ext. 130.

Published in Wednesday Journal December 29, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following projects: 2022 SEWER CLEANING AND TELEVISING PROGRAM The services for this contract shall consist of work necessary to thoroughly clean and televise approximately 110,000’ of the sewer system in various locations throughout the Village of Brookfield. The services shall include sewer cleaning, television inspection, removal of waste and other necessary work to properly complete this project in accordance with the specifications and bidding documents.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 12th day of January, 2022, in the office of the Village Manager in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 10:00 A.M. on the same day,

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

PUBLIC NOTICES Wednesday, the 12th day of January, 2022, at the Village Hall.

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not be less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid or a cashier’s check or certified check, made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield and in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery.

At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum duly issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be mailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS Published in RB Landmark December 29, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE BINA Notice The President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois will hold a public hearing on January 10, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Community Room of the Municipal Center, 400 Park Avenue, in River Forest, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell general obligation limited tax bonds, in an amount not to exceed $550,000, to pay for public infrastructure projects within the Village, payable from non referendum bond proceeds in accordance with provisions of Section 8-5-16 of the Municipal Code, which will not exceed one half of one percent of the assessed value of all taxable property located within the Village.

By: /s/ Jonathan Keller Title: Village Clerk Published in Wednesday Journal December 29, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2019-RPL11 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.THOMAS P. QUINN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF VANESSA FUDGE (DECEASED), JOSEPH BERNARDI, VILLA OAKS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VANESSA FUDGE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2021 CH 00225 426 N. HARVEY AVENUE, UNIT #1SE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 18, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 20, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 030R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 426 N. HARVEY AVENUE, UNIT #1SE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-102-0201008 The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $29,183.68.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in or-

der 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, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 313858.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 313858 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 2021 CH 00225 TJSC#: 41-2661 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 # 2021 CH 00225 I3183852

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

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.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2005419IL_615363 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204 TJSC#: 41-3006 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 12 CH 25204 I3184301

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK, JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 030R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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27

28

Wednesday Journal, December 29, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

As a local community bank, we offer financial solutions tailored to this area.

Season’s Greetings

FROM YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY BANK

ASK US ABOUT OUR GRAND OPENING SPECIAL, AND YOU CAN GET UP TO

WHEN YOU OPEN A NEW TOTAL ACCESS CHECKING AND STATEMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

Get FREE ATMs nationwide!2

TOTAL ACCESS CHECKING Only $100 required to open.

Start saving with us today!

STATEMENT SAVINGS

No required minimum to open.

To get

$300

3

✓ Enroll in online banking

✓ Activate e-statements through the bank website ✓ Have at least monthly occurring direct deposits totaling $500 or more each month for the qualification period4

To get

500

$

1

Visit the branch or go to bankoakpark.com/welcome to redeem this offer.

$200

5

✓ Deposit $15,000 of new money6

✓ Maintain a minimum balance of at least $15,000 on the last business day of each of the 3 consecutive calendar months following the calendar month your new account is opened7

151 N. Oak Park Ave. | Oak Park, IL 60301 708-948-0405 | bankoakpark.com

Oak Park Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A. 1. General Bonus Information. These Total Access Checking and Statement Savings account bonus offers are valid for new accounts opened January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. These Total Access Checking and/or Statement Savings account bonus offers are not available to existing or closed checking and/or savings account customers of Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’) and its subsidiaries or its active employees. Limit 1 bonus payment per customer, regardless of the number of accounts opened. If you qualify for this Total Access Checking and/or Statement Savings account bonus offer, you are ineligible to receive the same bonus offer or any other interest rate offer in the same product from any other WTFC location. 2. Free ATMs. There is no WTFC transaction charge at any ATM in the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Sum surcharge-free networks. Other banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges at their machines. Surcharge fees assessed by owner of other ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed. Reimbursement does not include the 1.10% International Service fee charged for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental United States. 3. Total Access Checking Account Bonus Information. If you qualify for any other WTFC savings offer it may be combined with this Total Access Checking account bonus offer. Your new account must be open, in the same product, and have a balance greater than zero to receive the bonus payment. Balance is determined as of the end of each Business Day as the funds currently in your account including deposits and withdrawals made in the Business Day. The $300.00 bonus payment is subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting and may be considered income for tax purposes for the tax year in which the bonus was paid. 4. Total Access Checking Account Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open a new Total Access Checking account, (ii) tell us you are aware of this Total Access Checking account bonus offer at account opening; (iii) have at least monthly occurring direct deposits totaling $500.00 or more each month made to your new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month your new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’). For example, if you open your new account in January, you would need to have “Direct Deposits” made to your new account in February totaling $500 or more and in March totaling $500 or more; and (iv) enroll in online banking and activate e-statements within the Qualification Period. A direct deposit is defined as any payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization that is made via an electronic deposit. A direct deposit does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, online banking/telephone transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from other accounts at other financial institutions or ATM/debit card transfers and deposits. After you have completed all the above bonus qualifications, we will deposit the bonus payment into your new account within 30 calendar days after the Qualification Period. BANKER INSTRUCTIONS: Enter offer code WFC00DMTA300 during account opening. 5. Statement Savings Account Bonus Information. If you qualify for this Statement Savings bonus offer, you are ineligible to receive this Statement Savings bonus offer or any other savings interest rate offer from any other WTFC location. If you qualify for any other WTFC checking offer it may be combined with this Statement Savings bonus offer. Your new account must be open, in the same product, and have a balance greater than zero to receive the bonus payment. Balance is determined as of the end of each Business Day as the funds currently in your account including deposits and withdrawals made in the Business Day. The $200.00 bonus payment is subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting and may be considered income for tax purposes for the tax year in which the bonus was paid. 6. New Money. New money is defined as money not held at any WTFC location. 7. Statement Savings Account Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open a new Statement Savings account; (ii) tell us you are aware of this Statement Savings account bonus offer at account opening; (iii) deposit $15,000.00 or more of new money, defined as money not held at any WTFC location; and (iv) maintain a minimum balance of at least $15,000.00 on the last business day of each of the 3 consecutive calendar months following the calendar month your new account is opened (‘Qualification Period’). After you have completed all of the above bonus qualifications, we will deposit the $200.00 bonus payment into your new account within 30 calendar days after the Qualification Period. We will use your balance in your new account as of the last business day of each of the 3 calendar months to determine if the minimum balance requirement was met. Fees may reduce earnings. A maintenance fee of $5.00 will be imposed every month if the daily balance on any day of the month falls below $200.00.

Transaction limitations may apply. BANKER INSTRUCTIONS: Enter offer code WFC00DMSA200 during account opening. A listing of WTFC locations can be found here: wintrust.com/locations.