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December 30, 2020 Vol. 40, No. 22 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
Glimpses of OPRF building design upgrade Time-lapse video, 3-D renderings show how campus will appear after phase one renovations are completed next year By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
months. Seasons changed, certainly, but the elasticity of time stretched the days into what felt like decades. The year also flew by, snapping like a rubber band sent soaring across the room, with many wondering, “How is it almost January already?” The passage of time feels particularly disorienting this year because so much happened, at a furiously fast pace, despite most of us not going anywhere and not seeing anyone. A revue, rather than a review, feels more fitting for 2020, as the year’s events read more like a Greek tragedy with several miserable plotlines unfolding over multiple acts, while the desperate audience yearns for the curtain to close.
Earlier this month, District 200 administrators, along with the district’s hired contractors and architects, gave the most complete picture yet of what Oak Park and River Forest High School might look like by this time next year. They also gave updates on the status of the roughly $32.6 million phase one Imagine OPRF projects, which include constructing or renovating classrooms, a student resource center, the south cafeteria, the main entrance, science labs and special education space, among other work. Josh Czerniak, with FGM Architects, the district’s architect of record, said during a regular meeting on Dec. 17 that they were able to reduce costs on work related to the phase one projects by approximately $260,000. The cost-savings, he said, came “through budget realignment work and value engineering with things that don’t really effect program or spaces. So, in this instance, we were able to make cost-reductions through revising the HVAC and electrical systems without sacrificing performance.” Ashley Stapleton, with Pepper Construction, said
See YEAR IN REVIEW on page 6
See OPRF CONSTRUCTION on page 10
2020 — what a year! Time raced, and stood still, as Oak Park adapted By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The world will collectively let out a sigh of relief when the clock strikes midnight, Dec. 31, 2020. While the new year won’t immediately solve many of the previous year’s challenges, it is hard not to look at the future with a sense of urgent hope – hope that maybe, just maybe, a fresh start will do us all good. As we reflect on what has been an objectively miserable year, it’s hard to comprehend that so much happened in just 12
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On Kwanzaa and multiculturalism
T
here was a time, during my years in colGregory — figures I considered at the time to be lege, when I didn’t believe in Kwanzaa. racial zealots — would hold forth in some church Indeed, I indulged in arguments against or auditorium on all manner of Blackness. it. I argued with these zealots in my head, that Many nights, I would lay on the bed inner argument once spilling out into a Black inside of my campus apartment under a desk Studies class, where I also argued with the profeslamp, highlighting passages from books on sor about why America was, indeed, a great multiethnic and multiracial melting pot, and why we the culture wars like Arthur Schlesinger’s Blacks should not stoke the flames lest we melt “The Disuniting of America: Reflections on the pot that contained our very essence, which I a Multicultural Society.” I also read any and believed at the time was still, beneath all of our everything by Black conservatives Thomas struggles, American. Sowell, Glenn Loury, John McWhorter and “How do you define multiculturalism?” the Shelby Steele. journalist and conversationalist Charlie Rose In the minds of those authors, Kwanzaa and once asked the late Schlesinger during a 1992 segCommentary its founder, the radical pan-African Maulana ment of his now-canceled show, which also once Karenga, represented what Schlesinger called a “cult of ethnicity” that would eventually culminate in the aired on PBS. Schlesinger had been on the show to debate Cornel West “disuniting” of America. on the “definition of multiculturalism in the context of By stoking our pride (long stricken by the experience of American society,” according to a summary of the segment being enslaved) with all of this talk of African customs, online, which you can access at: https://charlierose.com/ tribes, kings and queens, Blacks were also stoking the videos/20810. flames of racial separatism. Rather than a melting pot conI reference Rose and Smiley knowing full well that taining many parts melded into a cohesive national whole, they’ve both been canceled since the emergence of the an influx of so many invented ethnocentric holidays like #MeToo movement — both for alleged sexual misconduct. Kwanzaa would lead to our great melting pot itself dissolvWe don’t have to condone ing into molten obsolescence. the alleged behavior of What Blacks needed, McWhorter argued, is not to sepathese two men to watch rate and revel in their differences and in their victimhood the dialogues generated on and in some glorified, yet mythical past, but to try astheir respective platforms, similating into American society like other ethnic groups because the conversation is through sustained cultural achievement and economic sucbigger than them. Indeed, cess — critical for entry into the Great American Middle some of those conversaClass. tions that Rose and Smiley Fascinated by the prospect of Blacks’ volcanic flirtation facilitated were indictwith disunion, I would spend hours inside of the underments of the culture that graduate library at the University of Illinois at Urbanaallowed powerful men like Champaign watching old C-SPAN footage of former PBS them to thrive — an indicthost Tavis Smiley’s “State of Black America” segments, ment that West would make where people like Cornel West and the late comedian Dick explicit in his debate with Schlesinger. “When multiculturalism means teaching our kids about other continents, If you haven’t already, the 5th Annual Oak Park Comother cultures, other creeds, munity Kwanzaa Celebration is available for viewing other colors, I’m all for it,” Schlesinger told Rose. “When on the Oak Park Public Library’s YouTube page. it means teaching American history, for example, in such And a recent episode of the YouTube show “In Class a way as to give proper recognition to achievements of With Carr” on the Karen Hunter Show’s YouTube page groups that have been ignored or neglected in the way hisis a helpful primer on Kwanzaa’s origins. tory has been taught in the past — I’m all for that.”
MICHAEL ROMAIN
Watch this
But multiculturalism gets into trouble, Schlesinger continued, when it promotes and accelerates “separate racial and ethnic communities,” particularly when the United States “has been the only country on a large scale that’s managed to hold together for two centuries. You don’t kid around with that. I still hold the idea of a common culture with one people.” “Where do you depart from that, if you do?” Rose asked West. “There are those who say, ‘Push[ing] too far can lead to a kind of balkanization of America.’” “Any form of ethnocentrism or jingoism or chauvinism is immoral,” West said. “It’s wrong. Where we might disagree is first in the very term itself. I view the term multiculturalism as actually obscuring and obfuscating what is fundamentally at stake in this particular moment in American history and that is, in part, the pernicious and vicious effects of white supremacy, male supremacy, vast income inequality and homophobia.” Some 30 years later and four years into the presidency of Donald Trump, it’s more obvious than ever who won that debate. For me, arriving at West’s conclusion has not been so much an intellectual progression as a socio-culturalemotional one. Since enrolling in college roughly 15 years ago, I’ve had multiple encounters with the police, several potentially disastrous; I’ve known what it is to be unemployed and rootless in my prime working years through no lack of striving; and to be financially precarious in my late 20s and early 30s, despite a $120,000 college degree. I have lived through not one, but two, major economic recessions; two protracted wars; two existential acts of terrorism (9/11 and 11/16); the coronavirus pandemic; the Holocene mass extinction; an unprecedented era of income inequality; and planetary breakdown under the weight of climate change. A knowingness deeper than knowledge has disabused me of my earlier conservatism. I touched the melting pot and was burned. Read the full column at oakpark.com.
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Oak Park rounds out 2020 with 2,097 COVID cases
85 residents test positive in past week By JAMES KAY Staff Writer
For the first time in over two months, Oak Park had less than 100 residents test positive for COVID-19 in a week’s span. From Dec. 2328, 85 residents tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the Oak Park De-
partment of Public Health. Those who tested positive this week range in age from “less than 20 into their 80s,” according to the village’s website. The village also reported that a 78-yearold woman died after testing positive for COVID-19. She was a resident at Belmont Village of Oak Park, which is a long-term care facility. With this latest fatality, Belmont has had six resident deaths, 17 resident cases and 27 staff cases; Berkeley Nursing & Rehabilita-
tion Center has had 11 resident deaths, 47 resident cases, and 27 staff cases; Brookdale Oak Park has had two resident deaths, 11 resident cases, and 22 staff cases; Oasis of Oak Park has had 12 resident deaths, 23 resident cases and 12 staff cases; while Oak Park Arms has limited its resident fatalities to one with eight residents and four staff members testing positive. After averaging 17 new cases per week, Oak Park is now averaging 10 cases a week, according to Northwestern University’s CO-
VID-19 database. The village now has a 5.33 percent 14-day rolling positivity rate. River Forest had 15 new COVID-19 cases this past week. Its 14-day rolling positivity rate is at 6.18 percent but is only averaging three new cases a week now. Oak Park rounds out the year with 2,097 reported cases of COVID-19. Cook County Director of Communications Natalia Derevyanny announced on Dec. 28 that the county has had 7,995 COVID-19 related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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BIG WEEK December 30 - January 6 Winter Choir Concert View Virtually Anytime with Percy Julian Middle School and guests Brooks Middle School and D97 Choirs Emcee Emily Churchouse explains what goes into making virtual performances happen and more during this concert featuring Julian’s Jukebox, Do Re Mi’s, Men’s Ensemble and Daytime Choirs and a combined performance with Brooks’ and Julian’s Daytime Choirs as well as a song with all 10 D97 choirs. Wearing headphones or connecting to an external speaker or sound system is recommended for the best audio experience. View: youtube.com/watch?v=hqDmEjtCtks&feature=youtu.be
Winter Break Camp at RCRC Monday through Friday, Jan. 4 to 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ridgeland Common Sign up for one day or all. This camp features free-skate time as well as games and activities to keep kids engaged over winter break. All skating levels are welcome. Safety protocols in place – wear a mask and bring your own snack and lunch. $58; $88, non-residents, per day. Register: pdop.org. 415 Lake St., Oak Park.
Passport to Adventure Wednesday through Friday, Jan. 6, 7 or 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Longfellow Community Center Sign up for one or more to laugh, explore and try new things. The day includes games, crafts and activities. Optional extended care runs from 3 to 6 p.m. $40 - $88 per day. Register: pdop.org. 610 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park.
Snowy Pajama Storytime Tuesday, Jan. 5, 7 to 7:30 a.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Wear your favorite warm pajamas, bring a favorite cuddly toy and sip a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying some cozy, snowy stories and singing winter songs. Best for ages 6 and under. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Dancing at a Distance – “Resilient” View on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and MOMENTA’s webpage See Momenta of Oak Park’s newest digital dance videos created as part of a series for these times. “Resilient” is choreographed by Mei-Kuang Chen and performed by Momenta’s 2021 graduating seniors. Check back for new releases. View on social pages or here: momentadances.org/dancing-at-a-distance
Prisms of Winter Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Virtually with the OPRFHS Music Department See a performance from the typically sold-out show safely at home, featuring the school’s choirs, orchestras and bands. Free. Access here: events.absolutepros.live/ oprf-prisms
Sounds Good! Choir Concert
Winter Reading Program for Kids - #ReadGrateful Challenge
View Virtually Anytime Hear songs of the season sung and recorded remotely by a non-audition choral program for ages 55+. Besides holiday favorites, also hear “Shalom Chaverim” and “Calypso Lullaby.” Free. View the concert: youtube.com/ watch?v=p8KwlIfoU5A
Through Feb. 28, 2021, Online with Oak Park Public Library For kids of all ages — share an attitude of gratitude by reading together with people you love and cozying up with fun activities. Completing the challenge is as simple as reading an hour a week. Books, audiobooks, podcasts, listening to stories, magazines, newspapers — it all counts. Log 10 hours and get a Cozy Cocoa prize pack with treats and a journal (one per family). Each badge earned gets an entry into a raffle for gift cards to local Oak Park businesses. Register and start tracking: oppl.org/readgrateful
Writing Matters: Rachel Joyce
COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Town Hall
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m., Virtually with the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association See Elizabeth Berg in conversation with the author of the recently published novel Miss Benson’s Beetle and Booker Prize-nominated, The Unlikley Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Free. Register: nineteenthcentury.org.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Facebook Live with Loretto Hospital Meet with the clinical team who will answer questions and empower individuals with the facts to make personal, informed decisions. Panelists include Lois Clarke, M.D., Loretto’s Medical Director of Research; Shilpa Pulluru, M.D., Clinical Research Liaison; and Ali Ahmed, Ph.D., President of Affinity Health, Loretto’s clinical research partner. Vaccine trial participants will receive free health care for up to two years. View the town hall: facebook.com/Lorettohospitalchicago
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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Displaced persons in high places
pportunity or escape? It is not normal that the four top village and school administrators in Oak Park and River Forest all tried to find other jobs, or retired, during 2020. Two of them managed to pull it off. Two were stuck with consolation prizes in their job searches and remain in their offices on Madison Street. Now 2020 was not a typical year, but even allowing for COVID it is odd that the village managers of both villages and the superintendents of Districts 97 and 200 all searched for off ramps. The two who succeeded in decamping took traditional routes: Eric Palm, River Forest’s village administrator for a decade, moved up the career ladder taking the top job in Hoffman Estates, a Chicago suburb five times the size of River Forest. Ten years of plowing snow and picking up leaves off the same 20 streets, of balancing the same budget, listening to the same six people complain, well, it gets old. Palm had already fixed the sewers — managers love their infrastructure projects — and sent the last village hall typewriter over to the Oak Park River Forest Museum. The guy made a mid-career move that he had well earned. And River Forest is a plum job for a younger manager looking to make a mark or for a veteran looking to cap
DAN HALEY
a career. Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School, chose to retire when the current miserable, impossible school year ends come June. She came out of an early retirement to become OPRF’s interim superintendent back in 2016 and then took the permanent gig. Her husband, a retired police chief near St. Louis, came up to Oak Park initially. But he was lured back on the job and has been living in the St. Louis area along with their grown family. That would get old. Also possible that the glamour of being the head of District 200 wears thin after several years. This is one tough job both because the challenges around equity at that school are profound and because, as you may have noticed, we don’t all pull in the same direction very well. That said, this is a mid-course departure. Pruitt-Adams had turned over a lot of hard ground at OPRF, ground that no previous superintendent had the passion to till. But to mix a metaphor, the rock of authentic change on equity is just a tad up the steep hill. And Pruitt-Adams seemed profoundly invested in making that uphill push. There’s a school board election come April. The current board, strong backers of Pruitt-Adams, wants to choose her replacement. But the timeline is tight unless there is an internal candidate. Cara Pavlicek, Oak Park’s longtime village manager, and Carol Kelley, the superintendent of Oak Park’s elementary schools, both explored “new opportunities” in 2020. They were, of course, once-in-a-lifetime chances, couldn’t be passed up. “They recruited me, I wasn’t really looking.” And you can make that argument. I get that for Pavlicek
becoming city manager of Ann Arbor, Michigan seems like a great job. Progressive, university town, bigger this and bigger that, not Oak Park. Between her interim appointment in Oak Park and her long service in the top job, Pavlicek has already outlasted the average tenure of city managers. And then there is the April election which looks like a four-way slam for village president on top of the sitting village board which is on the spectrum from grouchy to cantankerous. Kelley, who remains a bit of an enigma to me after her six years at the helm of District 97 elementary schools, was a finalist to run the public schools in Madison, Wisconsin. Progressive, university town, not Oak Park. Both Pavlicek and Kelley were runners-up for the top posts in those fine Midwestern burgs. They had the misfortune of applying for jobs in states where the hiring process for public posts is rightly transparent. We could take a lesson in transparent hiring. So our reporters quickly sussed out their excursions to points North or East, covered their job interviews broadcast on Zoom and then reported on the unhappy outcomes. Pavlicek has been a strong, diligent manager and has done an exceptional job during COVID. But I don’t imagine she’ll be here a year from now. The orbit for city managers is actually very small. There is an opening in River Forest. She could be the Len Kasper of city administrators. Kelley? The incumbents on her school board are not running for re-election. Her connections locally seem oddly thin. We will see what this year brings.
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW YEAR IN REVIEW Jumpword subhed from page 1 Act 1, Scene 1: Cannabis The year started off with a bang, or should we say, a puff. When the legalization of recreational cannabis took effect on New Years’ Day, droves stood in line for hours outside Oak Park’s MedMen dispensary to get their first legal dose of pot. Ian, Columbia College Chicago senior who declined to share his last name, came to MedMen on New Year’s Day and recounted the experience to Wednesday Journal. “The line was, like, wrapped around the alley, down the block,” Ian said. “Everybody was happy. It was a good time. We were just at the weed store.” The long lines lasted well into January, with MedMen limiting hours for non-medical cannabis purchases from 8 a.m. to noon during the beginning months of 2020 to prevent product shortages. Act 1, Scene 2: Affordable housing Oak Park made headway on providing more affordable housing in mid-January with non-profit real estate company Community Builders breaking ground on the affordable 37-unit apartment complex at 801 S. Oak Park Ave. The beginning of construction not only represented new housing opportunities for renters in the village with full-time jobs making between $37,400 to $42,800 a year, but the finale of a years-long legal battle with neighbors. In December 2018, neighbors filed a lawsuit against the project, arguing that it violated zoning codes. Almost one year later, the lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Celia G. Gamrath with prejudice. The promise of more affordable housing in Oak Park came in February, when the village board voted to award a $260,000 grant to Icon Clark, the development company rehabilitating the vacant six-story structure at 855 Lake St. into affordable housing. With the endowed grant, the village of Oak Park subsidized the construction of an elevator to improve accessibility for future tenants and emergency responders. Act 1, Scene 3: Other housing The beginning of 2020 found Oak Park moving forward on a few other housing developments as well, including the American House/REDICO senior residence complex at 711 to 725 Madison Street. Despite public concerns about its sevenstory height and its traffic impact, Oak Park’s village board approved the project 6-1 during a Feb. 3 meeting, with Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla casting the singular “no” vote. Walker-Peddakotla’s opposition to the development stemmed from having no units set aside for affordable housing, despite Madison Street’s exclusion from the vil-
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM lage’s inclusionary housing ordinance. A controversial apartment complex on Madison Street backing up to Gunderson Avenue also snagged village approval this year, much to the dismay of neighbors. Act 1, Scene 4: Fair Share closes After 44 years, Fair Share Finer Foods, 6226 Roosevelt Rd., closed its doors permanently Feb. 24. The family-owned grocery store was a staple in Oak Park, not only for its Italian fare, but for championing the community. During the store’s heyday, Fair Share and co-owner Joe Salamone gave hundreds of kids their first jobs, sponsored scholarships for local students and donated funds to community groups. Following Wednesday Journal’s coverage of the closure, Tom Zapler penned an opinion piece to demonstrate the positive impact Salamone had on Zapler’s developmentally disabled son David, who stocked shelves at Fair Share. “As a parent of a 47-year-old developmentally disabled child, I can never adequately express how grateful I am for all the Fair Share family has done for David,” Zapler wrote. Act 1, Scene 5: COVID-19 begins At the end of 2019 and in the beginning months of 2020, COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, felt like a vague, overseas threat looming over the eastern hemisphere, until March when, seemingly all of a sudden, it was not only in Illinois, but the entire United States. Then everything fell like dominoes. Oak Park declared the virus a public health emergency during an emergency meeting on March 13, which became, unbeknownst to everyone at the time, the last inperson meeting of the year. On March 15, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that all restaurants were required to cease indoor dining. The ban went into effect two days later and was scheduled to end March 30, which now seems almost painfully naive, especially considering that the indoor din-
ing ban was reinstated Oct. 28 in suburban Cook County and is still in effect. Turns out, William Shakespeare was warning us all when he wrote “Julius Caesar.” Beware the Ides of March, indeed! Oak Park became the first municipality in Illinois to issue a shelter-in-place order on March 18, the same day that the village reported Oak Park’s first positive case of COVID-19. Pritzker issued a similar state-wide stay-at-home order on March 20, to which Oak Park subsequently deferred. The rest of March passed by in a hazy blur of hand sanitizer-soaked anxiety. People struggled to understand the ever-increasing restrictions and their exceptions, as well as what constituted essential travel (grocery shopping, prescription pickups) and essential businesses (grocery stores, food pantries, pharmacies, journalism outlets). April and May passed similarly. The village undertook initiatives to ease the
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
ADAPT AND DECLARE: Daniel and Guo Smalheiser’s wedding was retooled for a pandemic moment. Meanwhile young activists and artists created a Black Lives Matter mural on Scoville Avenue just south of Lake Street. The mural was vandalized and then quickly restored.
economic burden on residents who found themselves out of work or unable to pay for housing due to COVID-19. The village lifted parking restrictions, ceased water shutoffs for delinquent bill payers and strengthened its health department, helmed for most of the year by Public Health Director Mike Charley. The Village of Oak Park created the ad hoc Small Business Taskforce to help local businesses stay afloat, but businesses and non-profits continued to struggle to make ends meet. The Park District of Oak Park closed all of its playgrounds, sporting fields and courts to the public. Senior Services through the Townships of Oak Park and River Forest pivoted their operations as well, particularly its nutrition program, which saw an increase in participants beginning with the lockdown. From March 12 to March 31, Senior Services provided a total of 8,625 individual meals to between 350 to 400 local residents over the age of 60. Housing Forward abandoned the nightly homeless shelter model and began putting clients up in hotels, where they could social-
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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2020
ly distance and live more stably – a silver lining of the altogether bleak pandemic. Oak Park reported its first COVID-19-related fatality April 2. As of Dec. 23, Oak Park has had 46 COVID-19 deaths. Act 1, Scene 6: Lake Street The onset of COVID-19 in Oak Park lined up almost perfectly with the planned months-long Lake Street rebuilding and renovation. Work started March 3 on the expansive project, consisting of streetscaping, underground water and sewer repairs and replacement, street resurfacing, landscaping and new traffic signals. The work extended on Lake Street from Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue. The village received $3 million in federal funds for the renovation project, which had a total cost of $15 million. At times, the pandemic made construction easier to carry out. Fewer people on the roads made shutting down portions of Lake Street less of a hassle and construction crews could work quickly. The project did not progress without causing any difficulties. Restaurants on Lake Street between Oak Park Avenue and Euclid Avenue lost precious outdoor dining in September when the block was torn up for construction. Already reeling from the economic blow dealt by COVID-19, restaurants that had the room moved tables and chairs to back alleys. Those without the room relied on takeout orders, made all the more difficult by the block’s closure. The project finished on schedule and on budget right before Thanksgiving. The entire street reopened for traffic Wednesday, Nov. 25. Act 2, Scene 1: Homicide Oak Park was roused from the intense monotony of COVID-19 and plunged into despair in early spring when police found a beloved married couple brutally murdered inside their Fair Oaks Avenue home April 13. The tragic and gruesome deaths of Tom Johnson and Leslie Ann Jones, who died of multiple stab wounds, not only rocked the village of Oak Park, but the wider Chicago area. Lawyers and activists, Johnson and Jones were committed to advancing such causes as workers’ rights, fair housing and equity in their careers as well as their personal lives. Johnson served as a Chicago Police Board hearing officer, presiding over many highprofile cases including that of the four officers who attempted to cover up the 2014 police shooting of Black teenager Laquan McDonald. Outside of work, Jones devoted herself to making Oak Park more equitable, diverse and inclusive, advocating for public art and representation of multicultural artists. A truly remarkable pair, the husband and wife also opened their door, taking in several foster children, as well as raising their sons, over the course of their adult lives. As months passed, the grief has become tinged with frustration and even anger, as police have provided few and insubstantial updates regarding the murder investiga-
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YEAR IN REVIEW
tion, which is still open. Act 2, Scene 2: Police and racism Policing played a large part in 2020, nationally and locally. The conversation of racism in law enforcement took the forefront following the death of George Floyd, a Black man from Minnesota who died May 25 under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer. In the days following, civil uprisings swept the nation, including here. Despite a curfew imposed in both villages as limited looting took place, eight businesses in Oak Park and one River Forest business were vandalized over the night of May 31. The vandalism continued for a few days after. Others marched together in a show of support for Floyd, other victims of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Leaders from Oak Park and Austin led a large march from Oak Park Village Hall to Madison and Central. First United Church of Oak Park congregants led a march May 30, while resident Khari Reed led an educational BLM rally for children June 27. Village staff, Oak Park police and elected officials took a knee outside village hall June 3 to honor Floyd. Young Oak Park artists began working late in June on a 130-foot Black Lives Matter street mural on Scoville Avenue. The mural was defaced in July by vandals, who made it read “ALL LIVES MATTER.” Beloved by many, the mural was cleaned and repainted. Act 2, Scene 3: Police reform
While Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla has long maintained Oak Park police had a racial profiling problem, the village board committed to reforming its police department in light of Floyd’s death. Against the wishes of the Community Relations Commission, the village board chose National League of Cities on July 21 as the village’s equity training provider, prompting the resignation of six out of seven CRC members. The village hosted two virtual listening sessions in August, where residents shared their experiences with Oak Park police. The divisive “Guide to the Suspicious” was pulled from the police department’s page on the village’s website in August as well. Walker-Peddakotla put forward a resolution to defund the police department that failed to pass Aug. 25, as a crowd of pro-defunding demonstrators, mostly youths, descended on Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb’s home. Disappointed with the resolution’s outcome, the protestors smashed the mayor’s potted plants, threw eggs at his house, banged doors and windows and spray-painted sidewalks, which did not endear Abu-Taleb to the demonstrators’ cause. “People need to feel safe at home,” the mayor said. “And that’s why defunding the police will never happen on my watch.”
people flocked to Oak Park village hall to cast their votes early in the U.S. presidential election. Early voting was made all the more complicated by COVID-19 restrictions. People stood for hours in socially distanced lines that snaked all around village hall. With the U.S. presidential race over and done, campaign efforts began ramping up for the April 2021 municipal election. Represent Oak Park, a new coalition, announced Nov. 17 it was supporting Black village trustee candidates Anthony Clark, Juanta Griffin and Chibuike Enyia. Clark, Griffin and Enyia are joined in the race by current trustee Deno Andrews, as well as Stephen Morales, Ravi Parakkat and Lucia Robinson. Village trustee Dan Moroney announced his intention to run for village president Nov. 29 against Village Clerk Vicki Scaman, Cate Readling and fellow trustee Simone Boutet. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb announced Dec. 10 he would not seek a third term next year. Curtain Call: And with that this excruciating play has come to an end, so let us be grateful while we brace ourselves for what will surely be an eventful 2021.
Act 2, Scene 4: Elections Beginning Oct. 19, hundreds of
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
GATHERING STRENGTH IN A PANDEMIC: (Top) Friends and neighbors gather outside the Fair Oaks Avenue home of Leslie Ann Jones and Tom Johnson after they were murdered in their home. Little headway in the case has been announced by police. Early voters weathered long lines outside Oak Park’s village hall to register their vote in the November election. Joe Biden won Oak Park and River Forest handily. And, when Biden’s election was confirmed the following Saturday morning, Leo Go grabbed his flag and celebrated.
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
R I V E R
F O R E S T
Y E A R
I N
R E V I E W
A year like no other, like everywhere else
By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter
River Forest, like the rest of the world, was hit hard by COVID-19 in 2020. Schools closed (and then reopened), businesses shut down (and also reopened), and residents were urged to stay home — except when supporting the schools and businesses. Early on, the village, River Forest Township, and Township Senior Services stepped up to ensure the health and safety of older adult residents, partnering to make sure seniors in town had the services they needed. The COVID-19 Senior Citizen Response Program (available at 708-613-1642) organizes food and transportation and has a care management team. COVID-19 was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, but race relations were a close second in River Forest this year, with the death of George Floyd opening people’s eyes to systemic racism across the United States. Closer to home, though, resident and prominent developer Rob Palley allegedly assaulted, verbally and physically, a Black woman in the parking lot of River Forest’s Jewel on Lake Street. The story swept through the village, people angered and sad to learn that here, among their own, such things can happen. In response, and in a unique agreement, the towns of River Forest and Maywood united, bound by the Twin Cities Covenant, which will “guide the overarching spirit of our distinct towns to think as one and to interact in more collaborative ways.” The “ways” include taking a “regional perspective on commercial and residential investment/development.” That covenant is the external component of a two-part plan River Forest has put into motion to address equity in the village, which also includes a partnership with Dominican University using a “Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation” framework. The internal component of taking on the issue of equity, however, hasn’t been as simple. An internal group of 10 to 12 community and village staff members is being formed, but choosing them has been a matter of debate among trustees. Once established, that internal advisory group will provide guidance, feedback and advice to the village board. The village administrator will create an action plan, that focuses efforts on all village departments, and develop proper data points to measure equality and inclusion. The village may use a consultant with experience in the area of equity to assist in the formation and activities of the group.
Development After many meetings dating back to 2016, the River Forest Village Board unani-
ERIC PALM mously voted down the Development Review Board’s recommendation to approve the Bonnie Brae Place townhome project. Trustees cited concerns about density, parking and traffic in their comments. Adduci said, “None of us is afraid of development, but we want the right one,” she said. “I see everything wrong with this. The solution is to build within our zoning code.” The mixed-use condominium development at Lake and Lathrop, meanwhile, is slowly progressing, with environmental remediation being conducted and ComEd wires moved before actual construction begins. In June, the village approved an affordable housing plan, though some residents and trustees, including Patty Henek, were frustrated with the outcome. Some feel that the plan isn’t strong enough and doesn’t accurately reflect the current environment of the village. Henek, along with trustees Katie Brennan and Erika Bachner voted against the plan.
Village life The Ad Hoc Deer Management Committee, formed to address the problem of the increasing deer population in the village, met regularly through the year, discussing, in sometimes heated debates, how to word the survey that was sent out to residents. With survey results in hand, the committee is now analyzing the data and researching options. Another surprisingly hot topic in town this year was platform tennis, with park district board members, platform tennis club members, and residents expressing their feelings about a feasibility study to add more platform tennis courts and whether a hut should be conducted. Those in favor say the money would come from an account funded through memberships. Those opposed don’t want public land being used for a private sport. The feasibility study is going forward.
Leadership Village
President Cathy
Adduci
an-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
HELP ON ITS WAY: The annual Lemon-Aide fundraiser raised money for the Community Foundation’s COVID Rapid Response fund. Dominican students took part in a Walk of Solidarity on Division Street. nounced her intention to run for a third term in the April 2021 election. Trustee Patty Henek will oppose her in next April’s election to become village president. Village Administrator Eric Palm announced his departure. He will be taking a job in Hoffman Estates in early February.
Schools After some back and forth between inperson and remote learning, responding to COVID-19 levels and based on information
from local health authorities, elementary school District 90 in River Forest opened again on Monday, Dec. 14, with in-person instruction for students through grade four returning to the classroom, and middle school students beginning a phased-in approach. The schools are currently on winter break, and after break, full remote instruction will be held until Jan. 15 “to minimize the risk of post-holiday COVID transmission.” The plan is to resume the blended in-person instruction on Jan. 19.
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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So close to the end of this gruesome year. And so close to reaching our ‘stretch goal’ in fundraising. Our readers are generous and we are grateful. Since November began, we have been posting fundraising matches and more fundraising matches. Each time our readers have met that challenge. Last week, since we ran out of matches (maybe we’re not supposed to tell you that) we set one final goal of raising another $10,000 to help fund our independent newsroom for 2021. As of Monday morning, Dec. 28 we are half-way to that new goal. We’d like to get there, we’d like to beat it by the time 2020 finally gives up the ghost at midnight on New Year’s Eve. If you’re able, we’d appreciate your help. If you have already joined us as a member then our deep thanks. We love what we do across our seven neighborhoods from the West Side to the near west suburbs. We have plans to do more and better in the new year. Be part of it. With gratitude, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media
To donate, visit www.growingcommunitymedia.com/donate
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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OPRF CONSTRUCTION
panel video walls will welcome students, employees and guests in the reconfigured welcome center, which will also feature a terracotta-colored ceiling, new lighting, alcove seating and a “vinyl wall graphic that shows an image of Ontario Street [….] which used to be the main entrance to the building,” Denz said. The phase one projects should be completed “by the end of the first week of August,” said Czerniak. Once the south cafeteria and student resource center are complete, “the existing library, tutoring center and maker space will be vacated and those spaces will be transformed into new classrooms and science labs that are going into those locations in the northwest corner of the building,” he said. “That work will begin around December of next year and be completed in May 2022,” Czerniak added, explaining that the remaining capital improvement and health/ life safety work that is part of project one should be completed by the summer of 2023. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Sneak peeks from page 1
the firm will try to realize the D200 board’s vision of making the project inclusive, with a goal of ensuring that 15 percent of prime trade contractors on the phase one work are minority-owned businesses and 5 percent are women-owned business. In addition, they have a goal of ensuring that 15 percent of the construction workforce for each prime trade contractor comprises minority workers and 5 percent comprises women workers. Stapleton said 75 women- and minority-owned businesses have received an invitation to bid on work. Pepper will return to the board in January to present the winners of the bids, she said. Ronald Anderson, the district’s director of operations, said that a camera has been installed at the construction site, which allows anyone to see time lapse video of the site. The video, available on the district’s
website, shows viewers real-time footage that’s taken every 15 minutes. Currently, workers are in the excavation process on the site of the old cafeteria, which has been demolished. They’re also constructing partitions to protect the existing buildings from being exposed to the ele-
ments, Stapleton said. During the Dec. 17 meeting, Mike Denz, with FGM Architects, narrated 3-D renderings of what the new main entrance, student commons space and renovated classrooms might will look like. For instance, a new greeter desk and four-
Photo provided
CHANGES AHEAD: During a Dec. 17 District 200 school board meeting, FGM Architects presented architectural renderings of what the high school will look like this time next year. Top, the new main entrance will feature lower landscaping in order to open the space up visually. Middle, left to right, a special education classroom and the student commons balcony expansion. Bottom, a renovated science lab.
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Byline Bank surprises restaurants with gift card purchases $15,000 in spending a welcome surprise for local eateries By MELISSA ESLMO Oak Park Eats editor
Recognizing that local businesses and restaurants form the backbone of communities, Alberto Paracchini, CEO of Byline Bank, tasked Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park and River Forest Market President for Byline Bank, with purchasing $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants. Byline Bank committed the funds in hopes of making a difference at a critical time for many restaurants struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope is this effort, and a similar one in Evanston, will gain momentum and inspire others to participate in showing support for local establishments. In December, Goldschmidt operated like a jolly elf paying surprise visits to 68 Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park restaurants to purchase gift certificates on behalf of the bank. “I had my fill of lunch, coffee, dinner and desserts over the five days spent buying the gift cards than I have had in quite a while. It was a great change up to my week,” said Goldschmidt. “One restaurant said they were wondering and waiting to see if I would end up at their business.” Byline partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce as well as the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to help Goldschmidt spread the
love between communities. She visited breweries, restaurants and diners including One Lake Brewing, Robinson’s Ribs, and Georges’ Family Restaurant. She also stopped by coffee shops, bakeries and sweet shops including Wise Cup in Oak Park, River Forest Chocolates, Twisted Cookie in Forest Park as well as Oak Park’s, Spilt Milk. “I think this program is so amazing, and as a small business owner I cannot tell you what an impact that makes and how truly grateful we are for the support.” said Meg Svec, co-owner of Spilt Milk Pastry of the Byline Bank effort. Goldschmidt, who has more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry, also understands the struggles restaurants are facing firsthand. She and her late husband owned and operated the now closed China Night Restaurant in Forest Park for 15 years. “I know about the plight of restaurants after running China Night on my own for seven years,” said Goldschmidt. “It is great Byline wants to make a difference locally and preserve the feeling of a true community bank.” Byline Bank has accumulated a collection of hundreds of gift cards. To date no official decision has been made as to how to use or distribute them, but the impact of the considerable spend has not gone unnoticed. Courageous Bakery in Oak Park donates a portion of their proceeds to cancer research and sent an appreciative email to Goldschmidt stating the following: “Every purchase makes a difference in these difficult times. We are so grateful we have been able to stay open, both to be here for our community and also give back to a good cause.”
Photo provided
STILL #1: Byline Bank’s Susie Goldschmidt bought $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants including this purchase from Charlie Robinson at Robinson’s #1 Ribs on Madison Street.
Ignoring COVID limits, cigar lounge faces Oak Park action Cease-and-desist order planned for Cigar Oasis on North Ave. By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
During the pandemic there haven’t been many places where people could gather together, sit on soft leather chairs and couches, and smoke cigars and maybe watch a little football. But that’s what has been happening for the past few months in the midst of a pandemic at the Cigar Oasis cigar lounge, 6557 W. North Ave., Oak Park. But the gatherings may be coming to an end as the village of Oak Park is apparently set to issue a cease-and-desist order to Cigar Oasis for violating rules against social distancing and indoor smoking. Oak Park’s order, which village spokesperson David Powers said would likely be issued on Dec. 29, occurred only after inquiries from Wednesday Journal despite the fact that some neighbors have reportedly complained to the village about Cigar Oasis
for months. Oak Park police officers visited Cigar Oasis on Sunday afternoon when a substantial crowd was inside and a man was cooking in the lounge’s outdoor backyard patio. “The cease-and-desist order is expected to cite violations of the on-premises consumption prohibition and occupancy limitations,” Powers said Monday in an email to Wednesday Journal. “The business is not allowed to have customers inside smoking. However, as a retail business they can have up to four customers inside at one time for retail purchases, based on the state’s 25-percent retail occupancy guideline.” Those rules have been apparently been flouted at Cigar Lounge for months as many more than four people at a time are in the lounge frequently and many seem to smoke inside. On Dec. 20 a Wednesday Journal reporter visited Cigar Oasis and saw 10 to 20 people crowded in the front room sitting close together watching football and enjoying their cigars. No one, except for a hostess, was wearing a face mask. “I can tell them to social distance, probably
the people that were next to each other, I’m sure they were all together to begin with,” said Tony Chacha, Cigar Oasis store manager, when asked about the crowd. “We’re not the only place that’s open in the United States. We have social distancing. It’s a little hard to wear a mask smoking a cigar.” Cigar Oasis’s business license is for tobacco sales, but it is a lounge. Cigar Oasis’s Facebook page invites people to visit during Bears games as it did prior to the Nov. 29 Bears-Packers Sunday night game. The business model is based on people hanging out smoking their cigars. “It’s a lounge; it’s a cigar lounge,” Chacha said. Chacha said that the people want to get out and do things. “You can’t ask everybody to live in a bubble, can you,” Chacha said when asked if he thought it was safe for customers to congregate in his store during a pandemic. “We cannot live in a bubble. Life does go on. Everybody’s still has to go to work.” Despite not having a food license Cigar Oasis serves cappuccino and coffee, sells pop from a refrigerator and allows customers to store liquor in lockers they can rent,
Chacha said. Someone from the Urban Smoke Café, a barbeque place located a few blocks east on the Chicago side of North Avenue barbeques in the outdoor patio on Sundays. A cease-and-desist order is essentially a warning. Failure to obey the order can result in a misdemeanor which may result in a sentence of imprisonment up to one year and/or a fine of not less than $75 not to exceed $2,500 and possible arrest for such a violation. It can also result in the suspension or revocation of a business license, closure and civil liability. Some neighbors complained to the village months ago about Cigar Oasis but say nothing was done. “I felt very shut down,” said a neighbor who asked not to be identified because Cigar Oasis has allegedly been aggressive in the past trying to quiet criticism of the store’s practices. Some worry that Cigar Oasis is a super spreader location. “No one is ever masked in that place,” the neighbor said. “We love Oak Park,” Chacha said on Monday apparently before getting word that a cease-and-desist order was coming.
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
C R I M E
At 8:15 p.m., Dec. 25, an Oak Park man was approached by two men in the 800 block of South Taylor Avenue, when one of the men showed a handgun. While the victim fled, he heard approximately six shots discharged, but was unsure if they were directed at him.
Six shots fired on Christmas
Armed robbery Three men and two women hopped out of a vehicle and approached two people, then one of the men showed a silver handgun and took one of the victim’s cellphone and keys in the 300 block of South Harvey Avenue at 8 p.m., Dec. 22. The five offenders got back into their vehicle and fled. The estimated loss was unknown at the time of reporting.
Burglary ■ Someone broke into an apartment and took a Sony PlayStation 5 gaming system from underneath the Christmas tree between noon, Dec. 18 and 2:30 p.m., Dec. 21 in the 200 block of Chicago Avenue. The estimated loss is $1,100. ■ The passenger side window of a white 2017 Ford Edge was broken, and a pair of Maui Jim glasses were taken from inside the vehicle while it was parked in a carport in the 1000 block of Forest Avenue between
2 p.m., Dec. 20 and 10:41 a.m., Dec. 21. Police estimate the damage and loss to be $700. ■ A man was caught on video surveillance breaking the beveled glass panel to an apartment vestibule, entering the building and removing a package then fleeing in the 300 block of South Humphrey Avenue at 7 p.m., Dec. 21. Estimated damage is $400. ■ Someone broke into a residential garage by removing the window slats and then took a snow blower from inside between 10 p.m., Dec. 22 and 10 a.m., Dec. 23 in the 800 block
of North Kenilworth Avenue. The estimated loss is $500. Someone broke into an unlocked residential garage and removed a bicycle between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Dec. 24 in the 700 block of North Oak Park Avenue. The estimated loss is $1,800.
Motor vehicle theft
Someone took a Nissan Maxima parked in the 200 block of Harrison Street between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., Dec. 21. Chicago police later recovered and impounded the vehicle.
Theft ■ A package was taken from the lobby of a building in the 200 block of South Oak Park Avenue between noon and 11 p.m., Dec. 19. The estimated loss is $300. ■ Someone cut the catalytic converter off a vehicle in the 100 block of Wesley Avenue between 3:55 a.m. and 4 a.m., Dec. 24. The estimated loss is unknown. ■ An Oak Park resident was defrauded by an offender after the resident met the offender to sell a pair of white Converse tennis shoes; the offender transferred money to the resident, took the shoes and then canceled the payment at midnight, Dec. 18 in the 200 block of Clinton Avenue. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Dec. 21 – Dec. 25 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 30, 2020
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ART BEAT
Artistic expression survives COVID-19 From theater to choral groups, from visual arts to marching band, arts find a way
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2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
depicting essential workers. The challenge of presenting live music has been faced with various solutions. FitzGerald’s Nightclub, purchased by Will Duncan from retiring Bill FitzGerald in early March, started bringing music to neighborhoods with their Truck Concerts in early April. These evolved to Christmas Bus concerts for the holidays and will likely become a staple By MICHELLE DYBAL for the business after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, acArts Editor cording to Duncan, because of their popularity. The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest created a sumWhile 2020 turned everything upside down due to the emermer program, Music by the Numbers, where small groups of gence of COVID-19, the arts community showed incredible musicians, counting up through a nonenette, performed toresilience. Faced with everything from complete shutdowns gether at Cheney Mansion to deliver a virtual concert each to having the option to go on with small gatherings, but with week. Their autumn concert, with a larger group, was postadded difficulties specific to the arts, the challenges were poned however, as COVID case numbers rose. Unity Temple monumental. But so many local artists and organizations Restoration Foundation’s Chamber Music series’ spring rose up with creative ways to continue in some way. shows were canceled but resurrected as virtual programProving the show must go on were those working with ming in the fall. Two of the concerts were held as shorter youth in theater. Since things shut down in mid-March, Miversions and brought musicians of the CSO and Lyric Opera chelle Bayer, performing arts department chair and teacher together for one and The Avalon String Quartet for another. at Oak Park and River Forest High School, worked with her They also featured a virtual holiday show with Duo Diorama. team to come up with a solution to have a robust theater While OPRFHS went completely remote, The Marching program for the 2020/2021 school year. They succeeded in Huskies, 100-students strong, met outside, in-person and having as many plays as they would in a non-COVID year completed a mini season of marching and music-making, with all fall semester shows taking place virtually. The big later edited together into a show. There were no marching spring musical will take place too, and auditions were reband competitions or football games, but there were very cently held. happy masked marching musicians who got to do what they Student-focused theater school, The Actors Garden, was love with their peers. Curricular band and orchestra stuearly to the virtual play format. Dave Hudson, husband to dents met remotely and recorded themselves individually owner Gigi Hudson, wrote the play “The Show Must Go Onfor a compilation of some 400 musicians into the annual line,” and it sold worldwide. Ovation Academy, which runs Prisms of Winter Concert for 2020. out of Madison Street Theater, has continued for students The OPRF choruses were also part of those Prisms of both in-person and virtually. The theater was reWinter recordings, meeting remotely and remodeled and ready to be celebrated on March cording individually to create ensemble works. 12. That fundraising event was canceled, and Choirs throughout the village were indeed now rentals of the spiffed-up venue are down challenged by not being able to sing together with pandemic restrictions in place. That lack – a sure way to spread droplets. Retooling first of revenue only made things worse when thewas the Sounds Good Choir for those ages 55 ater board member and Ovation CEO Tina plus. Within weeks of the mid-March shut Reynolds entered a too cold building in Novemdown, they had pivoted to practicing virtually ber to find their outdated HVAC system had and continued with this for an engaging fall failed. A Go Fund Me was launched to remedy program to produce a virtual holiday concert. the situation. They are 89 percent of the way Pro Musica Youth Chorus took a different aptoward their $60,000 goal. proach and met in person this fall, with safety For those who look forward to some Shakemeasures in place, until the weather changed speare in the park, Oak Park Festival Theater in November, when they moved to virtual rehad no summer show in Austin Gardens. But hearsals until 2021 brings warmer weather they brought an original creation to home again. screens for the holidays, “Christmas Comes Author talks were greatly missed. Going but Once a Year.” Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater from up to four per week to hardly ever one, is a brought two thought-provoking, high-quality big loss. However, local best-selling author Elizplays into audience’s homes – “Methtacular” abeth Berg brought back her program, Writand “Rastus and Hattie.” ing Matters. Her plan was in the works before Visual artists continued to create, but where COVID hit, but the timing was brilliant nonethey exhibited and sold work was greatly imALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer theless. Partnering with the Nineteenth Cenpacted. The Oak Park Art League (OPAL) has COPING WITH COVID: Fitzgerald’s owner Will Duncan created a Stay-at-Home concert tury Charitable Association for the venue, the been shut down, offered a virtual gallery and opened with safety protocols, for example. To series. (Below) Master artist Carolyn Elaine, middle, at the new mural unveiling for events are brought virtually for free. Berg said she can bring authors from all over because raise funds, they decided to auction 17 paint- the Oak Park Area Arts Council. of the virtual format. Her first author talk in ings from their permanent collection including seum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. That show, The Long August was with Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain. two by OPAL founder Carl Krafft. The May auction through Dream, has been extended through May 2021, with the museThree months later, his debut novel won the Booker Prize. Toomey & Co., Oak Park, raised just over $20,000 for the um currently closed based on state-wide orders. And, while Although we may miss being in the room with an author, 100-year-old institution. OPAL’s centennial celebration was the Oak Park Area Arts Council Off the Wall summer mural feeling the intensity of live music, being immersed in the postponed to 2021 – another fallout from COVID-19. Local project was cancelled due to village budget cuts and to keep story of a live play or taking in visual art surrounded by artists and community art centers saw city-wide exposure, artists safe, a new mosaic mural went up in Oak Park in the others, the creative and talented minds of locals involved in such as Compound Yellow, Practice and Terrain Exhibitions fall reflecting the times, “You Are My Other Me,” addressing the arts have kept it as alive as they possibly could in 2020. exhibiting at Hyde Park Art Center’s, Artist Run Chicago 2.0 both the oppression of people of color and the pandemic in Bravo! and Jesse Howard having his first work featured at the Mu-
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
BEST BITES: 1. Kettlestrings 2. Happy Apple 3. Surf ’s Up 4. Café Tere 5. Duffy’s Tavern and Small Batch Barbecue 6. Pig and Fire 7. The Daly Bagel 8. Wise Cup 9. Poke Burrito 10. Popify 11. Bodhi Thai Bistro 12. Golden Steer Steakhouse 13. Khyber Pass 14. Citrine 15. Fitzgerald’s
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15 favorite bites bring a mouth full of memories
A hell of a year for restaurants but still we eat By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats editor
No doubt about it, 2020 proved to be a challenging year for our restaurants, but creative carryout solutions, resourceful chefs and devoted customers proved it was possible to keep things downright delicious in our little food-focused alcove. We know the struggle is not over for our independent eateries, but showing our support is the best way to help them through these difficult days. Enjoy this look back at 15 of our favorite bites this year -- and order some carryout to help our restaurants carry on. Opening weekend Burger — Kettlestrings, Oak Park: This scrappy tavern started slinging burgers in mid-March. Just days after eating this divine burger, topped with bacon jam and truffle aioli, COVID-19 changed the indoor dining scene making the Kettlestrings Burger our last dine-in restaurant meal of 2020. Veggie Galette -- Happy Apple, Oak Park:
This pastry delight from the Harrison Street pie shop appears on the menu from time to time and proved to be a favorite quarantine lunch. Savory roasted vegetable and goat cheese filling pairs brilliantly with Happy Apple’s wickedly good crust. Shrimp Po’ Boy -- Surf ’s Up, Oak Park: Head over to the North Avenue District to get your hands on this indulgent sandwich. The folks at Surf ’s Up know how to satisfy seafood lovers and their cheery service makes every customer feel like a regular. Russian Honey Cake -- Café Tere, Brookfield: Looking to eat your feelings? This bakery is an outlier, but the cake is worth the drive. Baker Teri Mortel’s layered confection has caramel notes and a surprisingly subtle sweetness making it truly unforgettable. A Forest Park Power Paring: In early March Duffy’s Tavern and Small Batch Barbecue hosted a “smoke fat and whiskey event” and served up a smoked old fashioned with a prime rib slider. The combo was a pre-COVID highlight. Lechon -- Pig and Fire, Oak Park-Chicago: Get in on this pop-up action! Pork belly is central to Pig and Fire’s Filipino menu. The meat, stuffed with aromatics and roasted
until it is at once both crispy and tender, was made more delicious thanks to hand delivery. “The Obvious” -- The Daly Bagel, Oak Park: Folks line up daily for these East Coast style beauties, and bagel maven, Amanda Daly, clearly knows how to pile lox, cream cheese, onions, and capers on a bagel. Chicken Kathi Roll -- Wise Cup, Oak Park: This diminutive Lake Street coffee shop also hosts Indian pop-up events. If you are looking for a spicy handheld meal, you’d be wise to snag a chicken kathi roll when you have a chance. Poke bowl -- Poke Burrito, Oak Park: Jimmy Chen has become a darling among restaurant owners in 2020 thanks to his tireless support for other local eateries, but his restaurant whips up a notable array of vibrant poke bowls. Blackberry-cherry pop -- Popify, Oak Park: Popify collaborates with Rare Bird Preserves to create their blackberry-cherry pops. Offered in the summer months, these refreshing hyper-local artisan popsicles are sold from a bike or delivered via porch drop making them proper pandemic fare. Tofu Salad -- Bodhi Thai Bistro, Berwyn: Vegetarians rejoice! Golden tofu makes ap-
pearances across Bodhi’s menu and this colorful salad earns top marks. Brimming with fresh veggies and an umami forward dressing this tofu dish is a total delight. Beef Medallion Family Meal — Golden Steer Steakhouse, Forest Park: The pandemic brought family meals to the forefront and Golden Steer has one of the best. Cooked to perfection, the unfussy steak dinner, comes with classic sides that remind us sometimes simple is best. Carryout Indian -- Khyber Pass, Oak Park: Ready for a ride! Chicken tikka masala, peas pulao, and naan can all handle a ride in the car making Khyber Pass one of the most rewarding carryout options of 2020. Pre-pandemic cocktails — Citrine, Oak Park: Funny how sharing well-crafted cocktails with friends last January felt normal. Thankfully Citrine is offering their drinks to-go until we can gather again. Burger Bliss -- Fitzgeralds, Berwyn: Chef John Manion of El Che served up the “mano de deus” burger at Fitzgeralds’ “Burgers are Best” pop-up this summer. Elevated in the hands of a capable chef this “two-handed” burger featured house-made pickles and potato chip crumbles. Nearly six months later we are still thinking about it.
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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Homes
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com
A year in homes Rocky year did all right by real estate
into luxury condominiums, complete with a car club, a high-end restaurant and a rooftop deck with killer views of the city.
By LACEY SIKORA
February
H
Contributing Reporter
ere in Homes, we started 2020 off with high hopes for the year in real estate, profiling a proposed luxury development and car club in Austin on Madison Street. Just when the spring market was hitting its stride, the pandemic hit, and real estate came to an abrupt halt as homeowners and buyers sheltered in place. But, the market came roaring back when stay-at-home orders lifted, and delivered a strong summer and fall to the near west suburbs as buyers sought out more space to work and learn from home and more yard to play outside. “Virtual” was the name of the game for the New Moms Kitchen Walk and the Infant Welfare Society Holiday Housewalk, while the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society postponed their annual housewalks until 2021. The year 2020 was one for the record books in more ways than one.
January At the beginning of the year, Oak Parker Greg Sorg of Pioneer Property Advisors had grand plans for the large warehouse formerly the home of Big O Movers on Madison Street just east of Austin Boulevard. Sorg, a car enthusiast, envisioned turning the George Kingsley-designed warehouse
In February, we spoke with long-time Oak Parkers Lea and Paul Beckwith about the appeal of the village’s new high rises. Paul Beckwith, a proponent of dense urban developments near the transportation hubs of Oak Park, said that life at the Albion on Lake Street had lots of advantages to homeownership. Chief among those advantages: no property taxes for a rental property, plenty of amenities and no maintenance to worry about in their empty-nester years.
March In March we talked to local real estate agents who reported that the early effects of COVID-19 on the real estate market were chilling. In spite of a robust start to the season, they noted that a lot of that momentum came to a halt with stay-at-home orders. Some of those looking to sell their homes temporarily removed their listings from the market. Many potential buyers were left at
FILE Photos
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW: In February, we visited with Leah and Paul Beckwith (above), who were relishing their move into The Albion, one of the new high-rise buildings in downtown Oak Park. The previous month, we unveiled Greg Sorg’s ambitious plan to convert an old Austin warehouse (left) into luxury condos and high-end car club.
June home shopping on the internet. As Oak Park and River Forest entered the first weeks of the pandemic, no one was certain what the future would hold.
April In April, the annual New Moms Kitchen Walk was the first big housewalk to pivot to a virtual format. Kitchen enthusiasts and supporters of New Moms bought tickets which provided access to videos from local kitchen designers offering up tricks of the trade and glimpses into some of their projects.
May
FILE Photo
SAVED: River Forest Women’s Club (above) got a new lease on life when it sold this spring.
In May, the River Forest Women’s Club in River Forest got a new lease on life. Designed by William Drummond in 1913, the club had been restored and turned into a single-family home by previous residents, who poured over $2 million into the restoration. The home first hit the market in 2012 for $1.575 million but failed to find a buyer. The home was in foreclosure when Elizabeth and Vladimir Barisik purchased it for $560,000 in the spring of 2020. The couple plan to continue restoration efforts and raise their family in the home.
In June, we covered the efforts of coopedup residents to turn their backyards into suburban oases. Left at home with nothing to do, Oak Park and River Forest residents added products to their backyards for summer entertainment. Pools were in high demand, as were swing sets and trampolines. Patio furniture and fire pits flew off the shelves as people looked to socialize in a socially-distanced manner.
July In July we delved into a controversial new development planned for 327-329 Home Ave. in Oak Park. Chicago-based developer Mazola Home Inc. and local architect John Schiess initially sought rezoning to transform a four-unit building in a R5 zoned district to a proposed sixteen-unit property. Neighbors and the Historic Preservation Commission opposed the plans, and the developer went back to the drawing board on the project.
August In August, River Forest’s affordable housing plan was the talk of the town. Resident and affordable housing advocate Dan Lauber and others in the village argued that See HOMES REVIEW on page 16
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HOMES REVIEW from page 15 the village’s proposed affordable housing plan lacked teeth. The village adopted the plan in June and continues to work towards exploring six concrete steps that will affect local ordinances and policies in furtherance of the plan.
September In September, we celebrated the neighborliness that is Oak Park with a look at the 700 block of North Grove Avenue. When storms strike, one side of the block often loses power while the other side remains powered up. Over the years, the west side of the street has built up a collection of heavy-duty extension cords to help their neighbors on the east side keep refrigerators and small appliances working until ComEd restores the power. Impromptu coffee and laptop charging stations on front porches kept the neighbors working from home and connected this summer.
October In October, we got a glimpse into one of Oak Park’s iconic Victorians when 139 S. Grove Ave. hit the market.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Designed in 1894 by architect H.G. Fiddelke, the 7,600-square-foot home retains much of its original details, including stained glass and seven different kinds of wood used throughout the home.
November In November, several local residents shared their multi-generational living arrangements. From parents and children moving to Oak Park to be near relatives, to longtime Oak Parkers downsizing to move across the street from family, to three generations of family under one roof, we heard stories about the many benefits of having family nearby.
December In December, we covered a Holiday Housewalk, which looked a little different than in past years. The major fundraiser of the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society, the Holiday Housewalk went online and provided virtual tours of incredibly decorated houses in Oak Park and River Forest as well as video experiences by several local experts on topics from yoga to flower arranging. In a year that brought home the value of good health, the Infant Welfare Society’s fundraiser for its Children’s Clinic reminded so many of the real reason for the season.
ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING
FILE Photos
MARKET MOVEMENT: The iconic, grand Victorian at 139 S. Grove Ave. (above) in Oak Park hit the market in October. In November, we looked at families (right) who embraced multi-generational living -- living either with or very near close relatives.
HOT DEAL
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
A safe & smart choice.
1522 FOREST, RIVER FOREST $895,000 :: 4 BED :: 4.5 BATH Brick Tudor with expansive yard.
Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.
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Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
7310 HOLLY, RIVER FOREST
1119 OAK PARK, OAK PARK
$849,000 :: 6 BED :: 5.5+ BATH Close to train.
Designer kitchen. Awesome yard.
$723,500 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN CONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org
708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com Limited availability!
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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To all of our residents, neighbors and friends,
Wishing you Hope, Joy and Peace in the New Year For over 35 years, Oak Park Apartments has been restoring and modernizing many of the area’s most beautiful and classic apartment buildings. In 2020, we welcomed over 800 new residents to the community. We are committed to making a home for them here in Oak Park and the near western suburbs.
F I N D
Y O U R
N E W
H O M E
T O D AY !
35 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 • (708) 386-7368 • OakParkApartments.com
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your Community your Foundation Please, give to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation's Annual Fund today.
OA K PAR K-R I V ER F OR E ST
Community Foundation
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is a unique and vital part of the fabric of our community. With leadership, advocacy, and perseverance, the Foundation has mobilized essential resources to help those most in need in our neighborhood and beyond. Our service to our local organizations, donors, and scholars has continued without interruption, pushing for a more just and socially equitable community.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Donate today at oprfcf.org or call 708-848-1560
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The Joyful Giving Catalog
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Everything you need for a better world: • More Art
• More Food
• More Compassion
• More Health
• More Education
• More Housing
• More Equity
• More Peace
Browse, read, share with your children. Give Locally – Give Joyfully!
Each of the organizations listed in this catalog paid a fee to participate. If you run a nonprofit and you would like to be listed here, or if you would like to sponsor a nonprofit to be listed here, please contact Lourdes Nicholls (Lourdes@oakpark.com) or Marc Stopeck (Marc@oakpark.com). African American Christian Foundation (AACF) AACF empowers young adults trapped by extreme poverty to spearhead them through education to become leaders in their communities. These are young people who persist and cope with immense traumatic hurdles as they strive to build a better future. Founded in 1985, AACF takes a holistic approach focused on positive youth development, goal setting, and opportunity. We encourage youth to take control of their potential through mentoring, enrichment and reinforcing life skills. Youth are engaged in internships, employment, secondary education, vocational training, and provided with supportive services that encourage achievement in all their endeavors. Youth enduring severe poverty face tremendous challenges, we need and count on supporters like you to join us to help them succeed. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at aacfworks.org\
Animal Care League Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery. Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague. org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.
Arbor West Neighbors Arbor West Neighbors is a grassroots organization of neighbors connecting to empower adults to thrive as we age in community. We support the residents of Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Austin as we age in homes of our choice. We envision multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and economically diverse communities where all older adults are valued, age with dignity, and enjoy opportunities for growth and engagement. Do you want to age with a purpose? Join us to share your collective talents, experiences and passion to broaden the image of aging. Learn more at: Arborwestneighbors.org
Beyond Hunger When the pandemic hit, we revamped our service model to keep everybody safe. Instead of inviting people to shop inside our food pantry, we now prepack boxes with nearly 80 pounds of groceries and pop them into car trunks or shopping carts for participants. We’ve added more home delivery recipients knowing that elderly and disabled individuals are more at risk for COVID-19. The contents of each box is tailored to meet the needs of our community. Along with food, we include toilet paper, toothpaste, and reusable washable masks. With your support, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this winter. Even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
BUILD Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, and so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit and donate at buildchicago.org/
Cluster Tutoring
Cluster Tutoring is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides free one-to-one tutoring to students in grades K through 12 from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Tutor-student pairs work together during the school year on reading, math, and other homework to prepare the student for a successful academic career. When Cluster started nearly 30 years ago, fewer than half of Chicago Public Schools graduated from high school. Now, all of Cluster’s seniors not only graduate but are accepted at colleges and other post-graduation programs. Donations go toward materials that help students learn. To learn more or to donate, visit clustertutoring.org.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood
Celebrating Seniors Coalition Since our inception a decade ago, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition has been passionate about dispelling outdated and inaccurate myths about what it is to be a senior in our society. At the same time, the Coalition has raised funds to help meet the basic needs of daily living for dozens of elders in our community. As we get to the “other side” of the pandemic and embark on our second decade, join us in Celebrating Seniors—those people 60 and over in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. Learn how you can join honor and support these esteemed elders at our updated website: www.CelebratingSeniors.net.
Support young children this giving season. For over 15 years, the Collaboration for Early Childhood has embraced the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to thrive. This year we sharpened our equity focus and responded to the needs of our community members affected by the health pandemic and national events of racist violence. We launched Ready, Set, Kindergarten! a virtual support system for 30 families whose children transitioned to kindergarten in the midst of COVID-19. We distributed 175 ‘Activity Kits’ to families of children with disabilities to enhance their at-home learning. We supplied 62 families in need with essential items, and the work continues. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids. org or follow us on Facebook.
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The Joyful Giving Catalog Concordia University Chicago Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts, Christ-centered, Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Founded in 1864, the University is located on 40 acres in River Forest, Illinois. Historically a college for teachers, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees through one of four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Graduate Studies. Professors are passionate about teaching, learning and preparing students for success in their chosen vocations. Beyond academics, Concordia offers NCAA Division III athletic teams, intramural sports, touring music ensembles and numerous student clubs and organizations focused on service, recreation, spiritual life and more. Currently, more than 6,400 students are enrolled. To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.
The Day Nursery
Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow. To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 708.383.8211 - Fax: 708.383.0692 Email: info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org
l u f y o J The ing Giv alog Cat A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited
The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory The Oak Park Conservatory began as a community effort to house exotic plants residents collected during their travels abroad. Completed in 1929, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory offers a rich atmosphere throughout three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. Toddlers through adults can participate in year-round educational and recreational programs, volunteer opportunities and special events. To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.
Growing Community Media Growing Community Media is dedicated to building community through independent, non-partisan local journalism. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Independent community journalism holds local governments to account. It connects neighbors. It is the credible source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across many platforms. Our mission calls us to build fact-based accountability and connection, conversation and civility, diversity and a sense of belonging. Join our mission by donating at growingcommunitymedia.org or contacting dhaley@wjinc.com
Hephzibah Children’s Association Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families. Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and
stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park. Make a difference with us at hephzibahhome.org.
Historical Society Forest Park The Historical Society Forest Park was founded in 1975 for the purposes of “collecting and preserving the rich heritage of Forest Park.” The historical society offers tours of Haymarket Martyr’s Monument in Forest Home Cemetery every Saturday in the summer, collect oral histories of Forest Park Veterans of Military service, hosts several historical events a year and celebrates Forest Park. For more information about the Society, its events and programs, or to donate visit forestparkhistory.org or mail us: Historical Society of Forest Park, PO Box 311, Forest Park IL 60130
Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers and our new facility is an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard called Oak Park River Forest Museum, selected by Illinois Association of Museums as Small Museum of the Year. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Come and check out featured exhibit “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing,” before it closes in 2021. We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2021 schedule of programs, our research center, and our knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755
Housing Forward Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises, and stabilize individuals and families through permanent housing. With offices in Maywood and Oak Park, we offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served over 2,000 adults and families across 20+ communities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our emergency shelter and
supportive services programs consolidated into a 24/7 Interim Housing model for clients on a path to permanent housing—including medical respite. This site joins Sojourner House and Ohana House in assisting individuals and families, plus two new housing programs focused on youth and veterans. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email giving@ housingforward.org or call 708.338.1724 ext. 262.
IWS Children’s Clinic Help us champion childhood health! The OPRF Infant Welfare Society and our Children’s Clinic have continuously been there for at-risk children and families since the start of the pandemic. We serve the dynamic whole health needs of children: sick visits, critical vaccines at well child check-ups, integrated behavioral health services, and preventive and restorative dental care, including for children with special needs. Together, we are ensuring the health and well-being of children in our community, including Oak Park, Chicago’s West side, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. IWS Children’s Clinic serves 3,400 children each year, and your generosity is key as our costs of providing care have increased substantially due to COVID-19. A gift of $50 pays for two essential vaccines. A gift of $150 provides specialized dental services. Champion Childhood Health – Give Today! www.oprfiws.org/donate or 708-4068661.
L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships. Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at www.larchechicago. org/opendoors
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Keeping Pets and People Together
H
ere at Animal Care League (ACL), we understand and respect the bond between pets and people. It is why we created the Pets and People Support Program (PPSP), a free/lowcost resource for community members, especially seniors, experiencing financial hardship. The function of this program is to keep pets and people together, an increasingly necessary objective as we respond to the current pandemic. We achieve this through harnessing the power of community and calling upon its members to help ensure that a lack of resources won’t be the determining factor of pets ending up in shelters; surrendering a pet is heartbreaking and the repercussions of which can take a serious toll on mental health, and the emotional trauma can last years. Since the start of the PPSP in October
Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to highschool youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management/and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youth providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation. To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-3443577.
New Moms
New Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and communities to achieve audacious possibilities for
2020, we’ve delivered over 100 care packages, including over 1,000 pounds of food! Helen and Cicily receive monthly care packages, prepared and delivered by ACL volunteers. After Thanksgiving, Helen made a special trip to ACL with Cicily to exclaim, “I’m very humbled and grateful for the support that [ACL] has given me, for Cicily.” Not only does the PPSP closely adhere to our mission of “... promoting the human/animal bond.” It’s also rekindling group volunteering during COVID, with businesses, schools, and scouting troops conducting virtual food drives to benefit the PPSP! Pet food and supply packages are available upon request for those residing within a 10-mile radius of Oak Park. And thanks to Beyond Hunger, care packages include food and supplies for both pets and people! In addition to care packages,
their futures. At New Moms, young moms take powerful first steps towards economic mobility and family well-being. Our 2-Generation Approach puts families experiencing poverty in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. We partner with families to construct the foundations of well-being by strengthening core life skills, incorporating early childhood development supports, building pathways to and preparation for education and employment, and expanding positive social networks and access to community resources. Learn more and donate at newmoms.org.
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits (80% of its usage is non-profit). During COVID-19 our building has been largely closed, but we have been connecting with our community with weekly Monday Enrichment Zoom programs. We are also providing community outreach to food pantries, shelters and first responders. We need your help keeping our ‘doors’ open. If you would like information about donating, please contact us at 708-386-2729 x 3 or epayton@nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make a donation at nineteenthcentury.org.
Helen and Cicily we also offer subsidized or free support services (veterinary care, pet fees, grooming, training, fence repairs, etc.) on a case-by-case basis as funds are available. To donate food and supplies or volunteer, visit our website at animalcareleague.org.
Oak Park Art League Celebrating its centennial in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. OPAL is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful community outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site art and programming with local social service agencies through our “Family stARTs” program. For more information about membership, volunteering, or to make a donation, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or director@ oakparkartleague.org. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing. Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and
And if you or someone you know is worried about meeting the financial obligations of keeping pets, know that ACL is always here to support pets and people in our community.
promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options. Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone. Support our work with a donation at oprhc. org/donate. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708.848.7150, inforequest@ liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302.
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is based on a powerful promise: to create an enduring institution where people can come together and pool their resources to meet our community’s most pressing needs — not just now, but forever. For sixty years, generations of thoughtful and caring donors and residents have empowered the Foundation’s work to safeguard and advance the community in which we live, raise our families and work. From helping donors with legacy gift planning, to managing donor advised funds, to strengthening local non-profits, we connect. Visit oprfcf.org or call Rhea Yap at 708-848-1560 to start a fund, discuss your charitable estate plans, or make a donation today.
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Oak Park and River Forest High School Alumni Association Through its Bobbie Raymond Summer Enrichment grant program, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Alumni Association helps current OPRFHS students experience life-changing experiential learning opportunities that advance their interests and knowledge in preparation for higher education and future career goals. All freshman through juniors are eligible to apply for awards, though students from under-resourced families receive greater consideration. For more than 20 years, students have traveled to destinations throughout the U.S. and the world, taking part in cultural exchanges, camps, and enrichment opportunities. The future outlook of these life-changing opportunities, and their accessibility for students most in need depends on your support today. Donate at https://tinyurl.com/oprfalumnidonate
OPRF High School Scholarship Foundation In May 2020, the Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation granted $140,000 in scholarships to 63 graduating seniors. Since 1924, the Scholarship Foundation has been an important and growing partner in the community, providing much-needed financial assistance to OPRFHS students as college tuition and expenses continue to increase. Please visit our website at www.scholarships4oprfhs.org. and make a gift to our General Fund to help increase the number and amount of scholarships we offer or to the College Knowledge Project (CKP) Scholars Fund that supports our CKP alumni, many of whom are first generation college students. We hope you will join us by investing in the future of OPRFHS students today and make a tax-deductible donation. Contact scholarshipsoprfhs@ gmail.com to learn more.
Oak Park Mutual Aid Oak Park Mutual Aid (OPMA) is a coalition of neighbors dedicated to directly caring for one another and those around us in greatest need. We provide direct community support including food, clothing and limited financial assistance. Our website and volunteer responders also share a collection of resources that can help support those living in Oak Park and the surrounding area during this difficult time. To date, we have
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raised more than $47,000 in donations and assisted hundreds of area residents. As the situation will remain difficult for the foreseeable future, we need your help through donations and volunteering! https://oakparkmutualaid.com/
One Earth Film Festival By taking care of each other, we take care of ourselves. That’s the lesson that the COVID19 pandemic and the growing social & environmental justice movements are teaching us. And that’s the Power of We! The One Earth Film Festival continues to grow and expand our circle of engagement. Save the date for our exciting 10th anniversary One Earth Film Fest, March 5-14, 2021. The Festival was born in Oak Park, and this year, we will be screening virtually to a national audience. Join us for quality films, engaging discussion, meaningful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $25 ($15 for students / seniors). For more information and to donate, visit oneearthfilmfest.org/give.
Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to enriching life and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We use a dynamic, person-centered and community-based approach to programming that serves to engage the voice of our participants, foster interdependent connections, encourage exploration, promote holistic wellness and healthy relationships. We are 95% privately funded so your support is more important than ever this year in keeping our mission moving forward. To join us in creating a more dynamic and inclusive community for all, visit opportunityknocksnow.org, 8020 Madison Street, River Forest, IL 60305.
The Parks Foundation of Oak Park The Parks Foundation of Oak Park promotes giving opportunities to support initiatives for the Park District. Our mission is to collaborate with residents, community groups and partner organizations to support exceptional projects that enhance and enrich our parks and community life.
The Joyful Giving TheCatalog Joyful Giving Catalog Thank You forHistorical supporting the Society of Oak Park and River Forest Joyful Giving catalog in 2020! These organizations operate 365 days a year and can ALWAYS use your support.
Growing Community Media
Growing Community Media is dedicated to building community through independent, non-partisan local journalism. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Independent community journalism holds local governments to account. It connects neighbors. It is the credible source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across many platforms. Our mission calls us to build fact-based accountability and connection, conversation and civility, diversity and a sense of belonging.
Happy New Year!
Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families. Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park.
Community of Our year of
generosity
Historical Society Forest Park A and the repeated outpouring of support – financial support, volunteer support – in a year when it felt as if the pins were being knocked out from under these virtuous enterprises. The non-profits of western Cook County accomplished so much for our friends and neighbors in this most difficult of years, and they have been able to do so thanks to the generosity of the people who call this region home. This section is once again produced in a partnership between the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation and Wednesday Journal, now itself part of a newly formed non-profit called Growing Community Media. We hope that even as we celebrate a little differently this holiday season, you will read the stories that follow and be inspired, before the year closes, to offer your support to the worthy and essential non-profits included in this Joyful Giving Catalog.
The Historical Society Forest Park
Antonio Martinez, Jr., President and CEO OPRF Community Foundation
– ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises, and stabilize individuals and Community Communit i y Foundation it F u Fo families through permanent housing. With offices in Maywood and Oak Park, we offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served over 2,000 adults and families across 20+ communities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our emergency shelter and supportive services programs consolidated into a 24/7 Interim Housing model for clients on a path to permanent housing—including medical respite. This site joins Sojourner House and Ohana House in assisting individuals and families, plus two new housing programs focused on youth and veterans. OAK PA P PARK-RIVER RK-RIVER FOR FOREST
The Joyful Giving Catalog
Make a difference with us resilience and at hephzibahhome.org. s 2020 draws to a close, we join together to mark a year that has brought unexpected adversity, and celebrate the great generosity of our communities in the face of great challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed so much of the strength of our character and the resiliency of our communities. It has also brought into relief the inequities which always have undergirded our systems but play out now, and more obviously, in the deeper impact of this virus on our neighbors of color and those of lesser means. This year our Community of Caring section reflects on the powerful work of an array of the non-profits that serve Oak Park and River Forest but also our neighbors in Austin, Berwyn and Proviso Township. We turned to the leaders of these organizations and asked what this year had taught, what was the impact on the people they serve, and how these neighborhoods have risen to support them. The stories are about reinvention on the run, innovations which will outlast the pandemic, the inspiring resilience of people in need who have been clobbered by COVID
2020
Giving
Hephzibah Children’s Association
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email giving@ housingforward.org or call 708.338.1724 ext. 262.
IWS Children’s Clinic
Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media
society offers toursOURNAL of Haymarket REVIEW J Martyr’s Monument in Forest Home Cemetery every Saturday in the summer, collect oral histories of Forest Park Veterans of Military service, hosts several historical events a year and celebrates Forest Park. W E D N E S D A Y
F O R E S T PA R K
IWS Children’s Cli year, and your ge of providing care due to COVID-19 essential vaccine specialized denta
Champion Childh day! www.oprfiw 8661.
L’Arche Ch
Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755
Housing Forward
Join our mission by donating at growingcommunitymedia.org or contacting dhaley@wjinc.com
Help us champion childhood health! The OPRF Infant Welfare Society and our Children’s Clinic have continuously been there for at-risk children and families since the start of the pandemic. We serve the dynamic whole health needs of children: sick visits, critical vaccines at well child check-ups, integrated behavioral health services, and preventive and restorative dental care, including for children with special needs.
Each of the organizations in this catalog paid a fee to
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participate in this year’s Season of Giving. If you run a at maywoodyou
For more information about the Society, its events and programs, or to donate visit forestparkhistory.org or mail us: We believe a commitment to equity and diversity is what makes our community strong. Historical Society of Forest Park, PO Box 311, Forest Park IL 60130 Our fundraising efforts enhance scholarship
funding to make it possible for all community members to participate in Park District pro-
We are the community’s story tellers and our new facility is an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard called Oak Park River Forest Museum, selected by Illinois Association of Museums as Small Museum of the Year. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Come and check out featured exhibit “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing,” before it closes in 2021. We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2021 schedule of programs, our research center, and our knowledgeable staff.
Together, we are well-being of chi including Oak Pa Berwyn, Cicero an
Barbara Cole, fo
nonprofit and would like to advertise in the future, please contact Lourdes Nicholls (Lourdes@oakpark.com) or Marc Stopeck (Marc@oakpark.com).
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
grams. Last year over 200 scholarships were provided to enable individuals and families to participate in park district programs. To learn more, and make a donation, visit parksfoundationop.org
PING! Providing equitable access to instrumental music for students in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools has been the mission of PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) for more than 20 years. PING! loans band and orchestra instruments to students in need, and provides music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for summer music camps, school music trips, and private instruction. In this challenging year of COVID, PING! is adapting these enrichment programs to fit the needs of our students learning at home. Community support for our PING! students this year is more important than ever. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit our new website at pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@gmail. com.
Pro Bono Network We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 24,000 hours of free legal assistance to over 4,300 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an impact the lives of many!
Proviso Partners for Health
trauma and promotes racial healing. The series recognizes the power and strength of self-discovery through peer support among people of color. Support our vision and expansion of this work by donating and visiting www. provisopartners.com/
Race Conscious Dialogues RACE CONSCIOUS DIALOGUES
For more information or to donate go to sisterhousechicago.org.
St. Angela School The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed for people who are white to deepen their awareness of identity, power and privilege, then develop tools for anti-racism work. The foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, with light readings to be done in preparation. This volunteer-based nonprofit was intentionally created for our community of Oak Park and surrounding areas. All discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness - our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. We invite your participation! Donations are appreciated as well www. raceconsciousdialogues.org/donate
River Forest Public Library Foundation
St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years— walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children. We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise. We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves. As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 6262655
Sweet Rest
River Forest Public Library connects our community with information and entertainment, with each other and the world. RFPL Foundation works to enhance the Library today and for the future through fundraising and advocacy. The Foundation fully funded major updates in the Children’s Room in 2019. We have provided support for the Lobby/ Circulation renovation, Summer and Adult Reading Programs, special programming, and the Anne Smedinghoff Memorial Garden. Help ensure a strong community and a bright future for River Forest Public Library with your gift. We gratefully accept cash, credit/debit, securities and bequests. Visit RFPLFoundation.org/donate.
Proviso Partners for Health (PP4H) is a community-led coalition to advance racial and economic pathways toward justice, community health, and well-being. COVID-19 disproportionately affects people of color and highlights the unmet mental health needs that Black/African American and Latinx residents have experienced for generations. In response, PP4H launched True You, a virtual series that gives voice to the historical and current racial
ty. Each successful and resilient woman is reaching towards her full potential by growing in self-awareness, self-respect and forgiveness, learning to embrace self and others, while building healthy relationships. She learns not only how to maintain sobriety, internalizing the 12 steps and building a support system, but also how to thrive in life. Each SisterHouse woman secures quality employment and stable housing. She makes plans for her future and acquires the skills, knowledge, and abilities to realize her dreams.
SisterHouse Founded in 1982 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, SisterHouse educates and empowers women to lead sober and fulfilling lives by providing a safe and structured spiritual living communi-
If you are curious about how to shift to an anti-racism, anti-white supremacist way of being, while considering what a world that accepts and supports Black women broadly and widely looks like, we invite you to join our community. The Sweet Rest subscription is designed as a set of 12 monthly emails that build on each other and invite the reader on a journey. The content is geared toward a white audience ready to change from within. The coaching emails, complete with monthly action items that compel readers to act without further traumatizing people of color, will deepen the justice walk of white people without further burdening the lives of people of color. Your monthly subscription dollars are used to create rest opportunities for Black women. This is the kind of restorative framework that we hope will move us toward a more equitable way of being. To learn more or to subscribe please visit www. sweetrest.net
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UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities. Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin. org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304
West Suburban Special Recreation Association West Suburban Special Recreation Association provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest & nine other surrounding communities. Join us for our Virtual Celebration Benefiting the Stars of WSSRA. Auction opens 9:00am November 30. View Auction Items or make a donation at https://one.bidpal.net/ wssrastars2020
Youth Outreach Services Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer skill development, therapeutic interventions, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. Through the past 60 years, YOS has offered outpatient, community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring and outreach, family therapy, crisis intervention services, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, in-school prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs. Help youth flourish by donating at www.yos. org/donate or text @YOSCARES to 52014. Or help empower youth to reach their goals, by calling 773-777-7112 to refer them for services.
The Joyful Giving Catalog
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
Julia and Joe, 20 years ago p. 28
Less for policing, more for social services
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.
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o those running for the Oak Park Village Board or President/Mayor in the spring, a suggestion: Promote radical collaboration with Oak Park Township. It’s a win-win-win. The majority of the American public, and certainly Oak Parkers, want a shift in the balance between local government expenditures on law enforcement and spending for social services — toward the latter. There is a profound desire, fiercely manifest in Oak Park, to spend less on policing and more on the supportive social services that divert or address the needs of those who are or would be more likely to become involved with the justice system. At the same time, taxpayers are eager, to say the least, for government to be more cost-efficient. That means a zero-sum village policy approach, i.e. spending on social service positions and programs that the village does not currently have, while reducing the policing budget, wouldn’t get there. But there is a solution: radical collaboration with the other units of local government, in this case especially with the Township. Many if not most of the services that Oak Parkers want to see more of, to help pre-empt violence and address the community’s needs, like at-risk youth or mental health services, are under the purview of the township, not the village. Unfortunately, the decision was made during the last village budget cycle to do exactly the opposite. After more than a decade of the village being an affirmative partner with the township and the other Oak Park (and River Forest) taxing bodies, to support our impactful Youth Interventionist Program, the village voted to step away from the partnership. The words “tone deaf ” came to mind with that decision, among others. The new board could not only fix that mistake, it can move affirmatively toward changing the balance, which our constituents strongly desire. Rather than wasting time and money trying to grow new arms of the government beast, to create village versions of services the township already provides, the village can become a pro-active funding partner in delivering township services that reduce the need (and costs) of policing. The truth is, township managers and staff are already the experts in the social service areas we provide and support, and we do it at lower overhead than the village could. The proof in that pudding is the township’s fiscal performance. In addition to winning statewide awards for the quality of township senior and youth services and those of the Community Mental Health Board and our innovative Prevention Services Department, we have held the line on exploding tax increases, and even recently voted not to collect some TIF funds that could have been collected, while winning the GFOA budgeting quality award every year for the past 16. We know how to do this efficiently — and we would like to be a more active partner with the village to address this urgent need for change. We can do this together. Let’s convene a summit of our boards to talk it through. We can work out a way to make the shift: less emphasis on policing, more on social services, at less cost to taxpayers. It’s what our constituents want and what they deserve. I hope the new village leadership in the spring makes it a priority. You can usher in a new era of radical collaboration to meet this critical challenge. Eric Davis is an Oak Park Township trustee.
ERIC DAVIS One View
See YEAR IN SHRUBTOWN on page 27
by Marc Stopeck
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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Thanks to those who serve on Oak Park commissions
As we close 2020, Oak Park’s Citizen Involvement Commission (CIC) wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the tireless work our many commission volunteers do. It goes without saying that serving on a commission requires both energy and effort. Volunteers spend countless hours attending meetings, spearheading projects, and donating their valuable personal time, all for the greater good of the village. With their stellar dedication, expertise, and unique talents, Oak Park volunteers contribute in vital ways to the overall success of the village’s governance. Their involvement directly reflects the kind of people they are — giving, compassionate, and actively involved. They serve as an inspiration to others, and their contributions do not go unrecognized or unnoticed. The CIC wishes for all volunteers continued success and the knowledge that their individual and collective efforts make Oak Park a better place. To all of you: Thank you, so much, for your service. We wish you a healthy, safe, and happy 2021. Oak Park commissions: ■ Aging in Place ■ Board of Health ■ Building Codes Advisory Committee ■ Citizen Involvement ■ Citizens Police Oversight ■ Civic Information Systems ■ Community Design ■ Community Development ■ Community Relations ■ Disability Access ■ Environment & Energy ■ Farmers Market ■ Fire & Police Commissioners ■ Historic Preservation ■ Housing Programs ■ Liquor Control ■ Plan Commission ■ Transportation ■ Zoning Board of Appeals If you are interested in serving on a commission, please contact Village Clerk Vicki Scaman at clerkscaman@oak-park.us or call 708-524-5672.
Oak Park Citizen Involvement Commission
John Troelstrup Conrad Terry Frank Pond Sandra Novack-Gottshall Greg Kolar Curtis Lott David Erickson Rebecca O’Brien
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
Euclid Methodist goes carbon-free
he planet is heading into trouble as the Western U.S. is burning and the intensity and number of storms are increasing in the South. You can definitely say carbon products are wrecking the planet’s climate system. We need to stop spewing planet-warming gases. One of the keys is the decarbonization of the U.S. electricity grid. Solar power is being called the new king in global energy markets and the cheapest source of electricity in history. Oak Park’s Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church took the lead in this de-carbonization in 2014 when it first installed a geothermal heating and cooling system, reducing its carbon footprint by 80%. Following geo-thermal, Euclid installed a 99-panel solar photovoltaic system on its roof, which reduced electricity usage from the grid by 27%. Now, working with the Interfaith Green Network, Euclid has joined with other congregations to commit to Nexamp’s Community Solar program that, in principle, makes Euclid Net Zero. Not only has Euclid de-carbonized its energy, which is saving the planet, but it is also saving its budget. In 2009 Euclid was paying $13,000 for gas and $7,000 for electricity. By 2014, gas and electricity had gone from $20,000 to $11,500. By adding new solar
panels in 2014, electricity came in at $5,300 and gas $1,500. Now we are adding community solar, which will further reduce our energy bill. And this is just our church building. We are now asking our congregation members to take the leap into community solar, with no panels, no cost and you save up to 20% of your energy cost. Community Solar brings construction and other green energy-related jobs to lowemployment regions of the state, and it supports Illinois farmers by paying them for their use of underutilized land. Some may wonder if we can claim “Net Zero” since we are still paying $1,500/year for gas. But we are balancing this carbon emission by absorbing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere by planting two trees, having a butterfly garden, a rain garden and two electric car charging stations in our parking lot. The Euclid Church motto is “Love God, Live Green and Liberate All.” We are definitely Living Green, plus helping to Liberate All. And I am sure caring for creation is Loving God. P.S. Check out the new documentary movie, I am Greta, to find out why we need to panic. (Hint: Our house is on fire.) Dick Alton is a member of Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church and the Interfaith Green Network.
DICK ALTON
One View
Standing in solidarity against racism As the Earth approached the longest night of the year, we witnessed in River Forest yet another example that our country’s long national nightmare of racism is far from over. The home of one of our neighborhood’s Black families was desecrated with trash and slurs and their Black Lives Matter sign was taken. We see the straight line between the centuries-old housing discrimination reinforced by threats and acts of violence endured by Black people on the greater West Side and this incident which violated the domestic sanctuary of a family already integral to this community. And though it may be beyond our power to hasten the Dawn, we can and surely must light the candles of truth and solidarity. We call on communities of faith to speak about and against the living legacy of racism that fueled this act of intimidation. We call on those responsible to come forward with remorse and repentance. We invite the community to new patterns of relationship which engender respect, appreciation, healing and transformation. The light of love and justice might still dwell among us, not only in our hymns and decorations, but in our hearts and actions. Yes, Black Lives Matter.
Claire Noonan (President), Rev. Katherine Paisley (Vice President), Rabbi Max Weiss (Treasurer), Rev. Hailey Braden Lynch (Secretary), Rev. Alan Taylor (Past President), Reesheda Graham-Washington, Cleo Hagen, Bob Hahn, Heidi Kieselstein, Rev. Warren Riley, Mazell Sykes, Rev. Sue Youngblood Community of Congregations Board of Directors
Wayfinding through the OPRF maze
Michael Romain, 1. In the Dec. 16 edition of Wednesday Journal, your page one article [It’s a-maze-ing – OPRF hopes to fix complicated room numbering system, News] used “wayfaring” where it should have used the professional engineering
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term “wayfinding.” 2. I have enjoyed several of your Commentaries. They have been a nice addition to WJ.
Steve Harris Oak Park
The urgency of clean energy
First of all, I would like to extend my appreciation for finding time to address this letter, and I hope that you, as a reader, will give serious consideration to my proposals regarding our climate. Studies conducted by scientists in recent years have shown that there is radical climate change taking place across the globe, including an average increase in surface temperature since the late 19th century, measured at approximately 0.07 degrees Celsius each year. Additionally, this increase in temperature has already shown consequences for ecosystems and their inhabitants, such as the danger posed to polar bears by the shrinking ice caps in the North Pole. While the difficulties that such changes have posed to mankind are manageable, the worst is yet to come, and it is estimated that by the year 2030, the damage to the Earth will be irreversible. Despite this colossal issue that we must face, and the challenges that it poses, we still have a chance to save this planet, our planet, before it is too late. While the greatest of our carbon emissions will be more of a challenge to overcome, you, as an average citizen, can cut back on your carbon footprint at this very moment. By opting for a bike ride rather than the use of a car, or simply by turning off the lights when you leave a room, there is a way you can help fight this crisis. For those in the government and members of our industrial community, the real challenge is the one you must face. In order to meet our 10-year deadline on stopping climate change, we will first of all be required to convert all energy sources in the form of fossil fuels into clean energy, such as hydropower, solar power, or wind power. However, given the massive dependence on energy from fossil fuels in our society, conversion will require our immediate attention and full dedication. I recommend that the government contracts the world’s leading experts in clean energy for assistance, and that we begin to make the switch before the end of 2021. While this may be an inconvenience to most in the short term, and a great challenge to all in the long term, by taking these steps we can ensure the future of not only the planet, but of ourselves. Thank you for listening.
Jack O’Neill
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2021 hopes and aspirations
o one could have predicted the abyss of 2020 when it took the stage a year ago. Clearly it has been an almost impossible challenge from start to finish. Globally, nationally, locally, COVID-19 had us by the neck throughout the year. What’s ahead in 2021 can’t be predicted until we understand when vaccines will be available widely — and fairly — enough and prove effective enough to begin to suppress this pandemic. Any look ahead comes with the proviso that normal may be far off and not exactly normal. So what are we hoping for in this welcome but uncertain new year? ■ Continued progress on equity at OPRF. The coming departure of Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams is an unexpected twist in what had been aggressive progress in recent years against the systemic racism that has left this school stuck in place. The current school board plans to hire a permanent replacement for Pruitt-Adams before the April election. We understand the rush. But a bad hire would be a disaster. That election is also critical to maintaining this school’s sharp focus on equity. ■ It’s a four-way race for village president in Oak Park. That’s a first. And with the pandemic likely upending some traditional routes of campaigning, we worry that divisive social media may supplant a necessary debate of complex issues.
■ Oak Park’s village government, whoever is elected as village president and as trustees, needs to focus on equity at village hall. There are many opportunities. The list ought to be topped by open and innovative talk about reimagining what public safety looks like in these towns and how our two local police departments can be positively remade to accomplish those goals. ■ The future of independent, locally owned retail shops and restaurants is imminently threatened by the one-two punch of the pandemic and online sales. Until their presence is radically diminished, we are not going to really grasp the many ways these entrepreneurs create and reinforce a culture of welcome and inclusion that defines our villages. We need to actively, consciously support these businesses so they are still with us when COVID isn’t. ■ Again, it will be determined by the pandemic but by autumn at the very latest, we need our children back in school full-time. Credit to teachers, to school technicians, to parents and to our kids for their persistence and adaptability in finding some value in virtual learning. But in real ways this will be a lost year. And those losses, we are not surprised to find out, are more profound for our Black and Brown children. There will be tech attributes that we carry over to the new normal. But it cannot replace the social and emotional connection of face-to-face learning. ■ The Twin Village Covenant between River Forest and Maywood is one of the bright outcomes of the racial reckoning our nation and our villages began to grasp in the aftermath of last summer’s murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. Two towns which have long been wary of the other, based simply on race and fear, found a connection last summer. Altogether remarkable. In 2021 it must become actionable.
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Four questions to ask each day
ne of the recurring themes of the last four years has been what we’ve lost. Mostly, a shared sense of truth. We are a nation disabled by polarized, warring truths. We have become two nations living separate realities. How do we move forward in 2021 to a post-Trump, post-pandemic world? I just finished a remarkable book, Why Not Me? Finessing Life’s Slings and Arrows, a collection of sermons by Rev. Donald Wheat, who presided and preached at Third Unitarian Church in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood from 1969 to 1996. His sermons will challenge you if you believe in God, but that doesn’t prevent him from quoting the Bible on a regular basis. In fact, he confesses to being “a Christian from the neck down.” He describes himself as a “religious humanist,” and if you think that’s a contradiction in terms, read this book (available at Book Table). In an indifferent universe, he insists, we have that much more incentive to come together, bear each other’s burdens, live a happy life, and strive to create a better world. He believes in human agency. His sermons take aim at illusions. He is funny, provocative, informative, but never arrogant, preaching without being “preachy.” He does his homework. His sermons sound like TED talks before there were TED talks. He doesn’t expect everyone — or anyone — to agree with him, except perhaps in his contention that none of us should take refuge in comfort faith and call it “truth.” He wants us, in other words, to follow the biblical injunction to “separate the wheat from the chaff.” As a preacher, Don Wheat was aptly named. In fact, he missed a golden opportunity for the perfect promotional blurb on the back cover of his book: “All Wheat, No Chaff.” In one sermon, delivered in 1987, titled “A Famine of the Worst Kind,” he quotes the Old Testament prophet Amos, famous for the line cited by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” But Wheat is more interested in a different Amos prophecy: “Behold the days are coming that I will send a famine on the land. Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but shall not find it.” That predicament afflicted America in 1987, he said. It applies even more to America in 2020. Wheat defines “the word of the Lord” as “whatever inspires you, whatever gives you sustenance,” whether you find it in the Bible, poetry and song, great speeches from the past, even media editorials. His quote from Chicago-born playwright David Mamet is especially relevant in 2020: “Who is going to speak for the American spirit? For the human spirit? Who is capable of being heard, of being accepted, of being believed? Only that person who speaks without ulterior motive, without hope of gain, without even the desire to change, with only the desire to create.” He also quotes Flora Lewis from a New York Times op-ed: “Faith is necessary and irrepressible. But without a message of wisdom and humility in
human affairs, it can turn vicious.” It certainly has turned vicious. What we need, therefore, going forward, is not “truth” so much as wisdom, tempered by humility. Wheat delivered a number of sermons praising such secular “saints” as Lenny Bruce, Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Sanger, H.L. Mencken, Oscar Wilde, and Lillian Hellman, truth seekers all. At this juncture, however, we would do well to turn to another secular saint, Abraham Lincoln, for guidance. I recently engaged in a lengthy back-and-forth with a conservative friend via email and the only thing we could agree on was Lincoln, in particular: “malice toward none, charity toward all” and “the better angels of our nature.” This is our common ground, dialogue’s starting point. Here is the context for these touchstones: First inaugural address, March 4, 1861 (with the Civil War looming): “We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” Second inaugural address, March 4, 1865 (with the Civil War ending): “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.” Lincoln reached out to his polarized opposites in 1861. They did not reciprocate, yet reaching out was the right thing — with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in our ability to see the right, but recognizing the limitations of our grasp of “the truth.” Wisdom, balanced by humility. We will succeed only if our exchanges with one another pass the “angels” test: Does it reflect “the better angels of our nature” or our “lesser” angels? A large percentage of Trump supporters identify as followers of Jesus Christ, who said, “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.” If I am your enemy, then love me, and I will try to do the same. What we need now is wisdom, not “truth;” charity, not malice. With those Lincolnesque notions in hand, we can move forward into 2021 and beyond, rehumanizing those we have dehumanized. My New Year’s resolution? Every day, I will ask myself four questions: ■ Am I living on the side of malice or charity toward all? ■ Are my better or lesser angels showing? ■ Am I humanizing those with whom I disagree? ■ How will I love my enemy? In his 1987 sermon, Don Wheat put the challenge to his congregation this way: “Let us be carriers of the word that speaks to the needs and condition of others. And let us hope — no, let us pray — that someone shall bring us that word in our hour of need.”
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W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crow, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea, Debbie Becker Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, 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.
Remember disagreeing without being disagreeable? I was not present at the Oak Park Plan Commission meeting on Dec. 16 when the chair, Iris Sims, resigned in the middle of the meeting. I am only aware of what Wednesday Journal reported concerning the comments of Ms. Sims and the other commissioners. I can state that I was a member when Colette Lueck, and Linda Bolte chaired the commission. They were excellent moderators and during their terms,
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
when we dealt with many contentious issues, the debate was always respectful. We disagreed and moved on. What has changed? It was only 10-15 years ago, but they were much pleasanter times, when people could disagree without being disagreeable.
Gary Belenke
Former OP Plan commissioner
Visit us online at www.OakPark.com
‘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
H O W
T O
R E A C H
U S
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. A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2020 Growing Community Media, NFP.
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
Julia and Joe Who knew an old family photo might become a collector’s item! The attached photo is of my son Chris Meister and his daughter Julia Meister along with now soon-to-be President Biden. Julia, who was about 2½ at the time, is now a junior in college. They were at the home of David Wilhelm in Chicago, and Biden took to Julia in a big way, maybe with memories of the daughter he lost in the car accident years earlier. For Julia, not so much as she looks like she could use a nap. As she grows older, Julia seems to be drawn to the printed word. She was a co-editor of the yearbook when she was at OPRF High School and almost single-handedly produced her college yearbook at Wellesley when it was about to die because of lack of interest. It came out midsummer and might become a collector’s item in the year of COVID. It was dedicated to her maternal grandfather, Jim Fleischer, who died about 18 months ago. He had been editor of the University of Illinois yearbook years ago when he was a student there. I truly think he inspired her as she enjoyed looking through it when she visited him and heard his stories. One cannot cuddle up with a computer or iPad the way one can with a picture book with your grandfather next to you!
Joan Meister Oak Park
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Why Anderson is the best
PROVIDED
PRESIDENT-TO-BE: Joe Biden met Chris Meister (upper right) and his daughter Julia during a meet-and-greet two decades ago.
As we debrief from our first, and hopefully our last, “Covid-Christmas,” we take time to show appreciation for loved ones we could not be with this year. In reflection, I realize that I probably would not have made it through this year without my friend, Anderson Kennedy, an OPRF 2020 graduate who currently works at the Careful Peach Boutique on North Boulevard. He is one of the kindest, funniest, most confident people I have ever met. This year, Anderson gave me an amazing assortment of items from Careful Peach, and I struggled to think of ways I could return my gratitude for the holiday season. I decided to dedicate this article to him because to say he’s newsworthy is a complete understatement. If you live in Oak Park and do not know Mr. Kennedy, I honestly feel sorry for you because he is larger than life. When you are with Anderson, you are at home. He treats everyone he meets with the same respect and hospitality no matter their age or background. He is the kind of person you would find people surrounding at a party for the chance to hear his great stories and alluring wit. There is something magnetic about him, and I find that I am most like myself when I am in his presence.
HAPPY H APPY H HOLIDAYS OLIDAYS
&
HAPPY H APPY N NEW EW Y YEAR EAR
Anderson pays great attention to detail. With his skills of photography and decorating, he is consistent in making things look their best. With this, he is also an expert in making people feel their best, because he understands the importance of confidence and gratitude. As someone with poor taste (his words, not mine) I can always count on him to completely revolutionize the energy and appearance of any circumstance. He approaches every situation the same way: with an enthralled sense of fearlessness. He is the man who will stand up for the underdog, hop the fence, and talk back to the rude employees at the local Jewel Osco. If there is anyone who has the courage to do something, it will always be his choice to go first. I look up to him for it. With that said, Anderson, (if you are reading this) I hope you find this a suitable gift for such an amazing person like yourself. You are an icon and there are so many people out there who love you. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and I hope you know how grateful I am for giving me the privilege to call you my friend.
Margaret Korinek Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
A year to look forward to
Here’s a 2021 sonnet: Shall I compare thee to a bird’s sweet song? Awakened by the joy of morning light, For last year’s daily grind hath been too long, Harsh winds doth shake cold demons of the night. The nest we crave feels broken and forlorn, On wings of freedom fallen from the sky, The shell ofttimes is crushed when we are born, And souls’ sweet dreams too often left to die.
O B I T U A R I E S
Rich Means, 78
A fixture in progressive politics With his wife Anne at his side, Richard (Rich) Kenneth Means, 78, of Oak Park died peacefully of complications of COVID-19 after a short illness, and despite superb clinical care by the staff of Rush Oak Park Hospital. Born in Champaign in 1942 to the late Kenneth and Josephine Miller Means, after the war, the Means family settled in Western Springs, where they became active citizens for decades. Along with his father, two brothers, and four nephews, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. A gymnast in high school, he won a meet against Indiana Jones, aka Maine East trampoline opponent Harrison “Harry” Ford, which he considered his greatest athletic accomplishment. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1960. After attending the University of Illinois, Shimer College, and the University of Stockholm, he graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with degrees in political science, sociology, and psychology. His university year abroad in Stockholm had a major impact on his life, exposing him to liberal ideas about the pro-active role of government in fostering a civil society that serves all. He considered Sweden his secondary home. After graduating from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 1968, he received a Ford Foundation Fellowship in postgraduate studies in criminal and civil rights law. He was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Chicago Bar Association, in which he was active for decades. Twice past chairman of the Chicago Bar Association’s Election Law Committee and past executive director of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, he regularly contributed chapters on election ethics and recount law to the Illinois Bar Associations Election Law Manual and was viewed by many colleagues as one of the pre-eminent experts and election attorneys in Illinois. In 1968, he began his long journey through progressive politics, serving on the campaign staff of presidential candidate Sen. Eugene McCarthy at the time of the infamous Democratic National Convention in Chicago. During
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Good news for Oak Park voters
Full rich and clear your chorus fills the air, We shall not cease to harken when you call, And join with voices, loud and clear we dare, One choral chant to save us from the fall. Fear not as breath is ever drawn by thee, Fear not your voice will always set us free.
the campaign, he was a volunteer driver for such liberal luminaries as Ambassador John Kenneth Galbraith and writer Gore Vidal. He was also tear-gassed by the CPD in Grant Park and lived to tell the tale. In 1969, he became staff counsel for Gov. Richard Ogilvie’s Office of Human Resources, where he was responsible for the development of legislation as well as policy administration of legal aid and anti-poverty programs. In the early ’70s, he established a private practice representing candidates and political organizations in election law matters, civil rights, and civil liberties litigation, representing conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War. In 1974 he joined the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Bernard Carey as an assistant state’s attorney, responsible for election law administration, including overseeing a unit that investigated and prosecuted election fraud. His proudest professional accomplishment was serving as election lawyer for Harold Washington’s successful Chicago mayoral campaign in 1983, after which he served as a senior attorney and supervisor in the Department of Law for the city of Chicago. In 1990, he left government law to again establish a private law practice focused on his first love in the field of law — supporting free and fair elections in a healthy democracy. He abhorred corruption in local and state politics and worked to expose it whenever he uncovered it. He represented political candidates of all persuasions — including several presidential candidates — regarding ballot access, political campaign strategy, recounts and election contests. He was active in other civic organizations as well, including serving for 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Community Renewal Society, an agency concerned with issues of urban policy and, particularly, equity for minorities and the poor. He was past president of the Lincoln Park Conservation Association. A member of the liberal advocacy group Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) for more than 50 years, he served as Illinois Chapter Chair of ADA, as well as a past state chairman of Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI). He proudly picketed the White House as a member of the ADA national board on the night of the Kent State Massacre in 1970. He served for over 30 years as a member of the Advisory Board and founder of Project LEAP (Legal Elections in All Precincts) and was dedicated to the cause of voting rights, participating in the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Selma-to-Montgomery March for voting rights for African-American citizens in 2015. As a resident of Oak Park for the past 16 years, he was a member of Unity Temple Uni-
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
Val Gee
Oak Park
For Oak Parkers hungry for local good news, here it is: In what must be a historic first, four well-qualified residents are candidates for Oak Park Village President in the upcoming April election. They have taken different paths, but bring a wealth of experience in local government to the campaign.
tarian Universalist Congregation (UTUUC). A fan of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture since his high school days, an enthusiastic lover of jazz and folk music, a gourmet cook, and a connoisseur of films, he and his wife hosted the Wednesday Evening Film Society at their home, now in its 15th year, where many stellar dinners, conversations, and films were savored by their wide circle of friends. His was a rich, impactful, full-throated life — he tried to live out his values every day in the work he did for his clients and the community. An adoring grandfather of Logan, Eve, and Soren, he never tired of going to baseball games, school performances, swimming, Family Game Nights, or making special blueberry pancake breakfasts for overnight guests. Besides his wife Anne, Rich is survived by his son Chris (Michele), daughter Annika (Andrew) Rothbaum, and son Alex Means. He was the much loved older brother of James (Linda) and Dexter (Lynne) Means as well as Margaret “Peggy” (James) Newman, and brother-in-law, uncle, and friend and colleague to many. A virtual Celebration of Life service through Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation will be scheduled for late January. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the UTUUC Abundance Fund @ www.unitytemple.org, Beyond Hunger @ https://www.gobeyondhunger.org or Americans for Democratic Action @ https:// adaction.org.
Patricia Liska, 95
Teacher, traveler and matriarch Patricia Ryan Liska, 95, formerly of River Forest and Oak Park, died on Dec. 26, 2020. Born in Chicago on Dec. 13, 1925 to a large Irish clan, she was raised in Obregon, Mexico, where she mastered Spanish and became bi-lingual at an early age. The Ryan family returned to Chicago and settled in Oak Park. She attended Trinity High School and Rosary College (now Dominican University). After graduation, she married Bob Liska and together they raised their six children in River Forest, and she began her second career teaching special education in the Chicago Public Schools for 25 years, putting her Spanish and writing skills to great use. She traveled the world with friends and family, including many domestic and in-
In alphabetical order (not ballot order), they are Simone Boutet, Dan Moroney, Cate Readling, and Vicki Scaman. Stay tuned,
Galen Gockel
Village trustee (2001), District 97 school board member (1971), and two-term Township Assessor
ternational trips with children and grandchildren. She missed Antarctica only due to bad weather. She had a keen sense of humor and loved her Irish heritage. She embraced her faith and respected all others. She loved watching and interacting with children of all ages, playing tennis at the Oak Park Tennis Club and bridge with friends, and dining at restaurants. A voracious reader, and member of several book groups, she devoured stories of people, events and places that whetted her thirst for relationships and travel. She was the family matriarch with a healthy dose of wanderlust, experiencing life to its fullest. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her son, Tom; her sister Honey (Dick) O’Hara; her brother, Bill Ryan; and her sisters-in-law, Fran Ryan, Marion (John) Ford, and Lorraine (Rollo) Christiansen. She is survived by her brother, Larry (Nancy) Ryan; her sisters-in-law Jane Ryan and Jeanne (David) Stein; her sons Pat, Mike, Paul (Kathy), and Dan (Pam) Liska; and her daughter, Mary (Dan) Phelps. She was Nana/Gram to Jennifer Coolidge, Danielle (Paul) Eisenbacher, Tommy (Rachel) Liska, Katie (Brett) Novey, Maggie (Chip) Jessopp, Dan (Elizabeth) Phelps, Kate (Patrick) Smith, Beth (Drew) Seward, Bob Liska, and Sam Liska; and Bingo to Elise and Jacqueline Novey, Chase, Molly and Mac Jessopp, Tommy, Lulu, and Jojo Phelps, Emily and Claire Smith, Kay, Jack, Billy and James Seward. A celebration of life will be held on June 25, 2021. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Trinity High School in memory of Patricia Ryan Liska, 7574 W. Division St., River Forest, IL 60305. Arrangements were handled by ConboyWestchester Funeral Home.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020 New local ads this week
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. 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. First review of applications will be January 20, 2021.
Senior M&A Consultant (Mercer (US) Inc. - Chicago, IL) Provide leadership & infrastructure dvlpmt, mgmt & improvement. Reqts: Bach deg or a foreign equiv in Buss Admin, or a rel + 6 yrs of progressively resp exp in the job offd or a rel. Must have 6 yrs of progressively resp exp w/: Working on multiple workstreams & multinational consulting projects; Dvlpg detailed project work plans across multiple workstreams, incl ability to identify & manage key dependencies; Working across various areas of HR, incl benefits, compensation, workforce, labor, culture, & compliance; Dvlpg & executing on scope of work & proposals using product & mkt knowl; Analyzing workforce demographics, identifying trends & assessing risks using MS Excel, IBM SPSS, & OrgVue; Analyzing labor costs; reviewing & analyzing projected finl statements, balance sheet, income statement, & trial balances to understand costs; Identifying potential risks & fin’l implications of transactions on human capital rltd expenditures; Interpreting data to conduct compensation benchmark studies; & Project mgmt. 10% national & intl travel is reqd to various & unanticipated company & client sites. MMC invites applicants to submit resumes online at http://www.mmc.com/careers/mmc. php using Keyword # R_105158. EOE.
BUSINESS MANAGER PART TIME The River Forest Park District is seeking applications for a PT Business Manager working 20 hours a week. Starting Salary $26.45$31.26/HR. A full Job Description can be reviewed at www.rfparks. com/job-opportunities PART TIME HELP WANTED SPOTLESS CARWASH at 7343 Roosevelt and 7802 Madison St in Forest Park is in need of an attendant. We are looking for someone who likes to be outside and is friendly and likes people. The duties are to meet and greet customers, spray their wheels and perimeter of the car with soap, wipe the windshield with the sponge on a handle to prep a car before entering the automatic bay. Make change, sell tokens, automatic and self serve wash instructions, keep the lot, equipment room, and perimeter clean, and empty garbage cans. Pay is $11.00 per hour. The hours an attendant is on duty are 9-5 on weekdays 9-4 on Saturday and Sunday. If you can fit any of these hours on a part time basis we can work with you. Please come to 7343 Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park to pick up anapplication. 708-771-2945.
SUBURBAN RENTALS
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio OAK PARK–1053 Lake St. *Entire 3rd Floor, 1275 sq. ft. OAK PARK– 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room office suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK 2BR 2nd floor, 5 large rooms, 2 bedroom w/ 1 car garage. Stove, refrig & water included. Walk to transportation. No Pets. Tenant pays own heat & electric. 1 mo. security. $1100. Avail. now. 630-279-8111 OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
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PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday February 4, 2021 for Project: 21-20, Oak Park Avenue Water and Sewer Main Improvements- North Contract. This legal notice replaces the notice published last week. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the installation of ductile iron water main, including valves, domestic service lines, fire hydrants, a private lead water service replacement option, and precast valve vaults; installation of sewer main, precast manholes, drainage structures, and sewer services; pavement patches at utility excavations, curb and gutter, sidewalks, restoration of landscaped parkway areas, and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday January 14th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 7441090 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal December 30, 2020
Starting a New Business in 2021? Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342
P
PB
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
CLASSIFIED
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES
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: Y20005443 on December 14, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of ARISE LIFESTYLE & FITNESS with the business located at: 1135 HANNAH AVE 2, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: IYIOLA ADEBAJO 1135 HANNAH AVE 2 FORST PARK, IL 60130, USA
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 19 January 2020 at 7pm in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall , 517 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park, Il. the Forest Park Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a Public Hearing regarding a request for a conditional use for drive-thru facilities at 7201 Madison St. legally described as follow:
Published Forest Park Review 12/23, 12/30/2020, 1/6/2021
LEGAL NOTICE
Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Monday February 1, 2021 for Project: 21-19, Oak Park Avenue Water and Sewer Main Improvements- South Contract. This legal notice replaces the notice published last week. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the installation of ductile iron water main, including valves, domestic service lines, fire hydrants, a private lead water service replacement option, and precast valve vaults; installation of sewer main, Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) lining of combined sewer main, precast manholes, drainage structures, and sewer services; pavement patches at utility excavations, curb and gutter, sidewalks, restoration of landscaped parkway areas; brick parkway removal and replacement; implementation of a detour; and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Monday January 11th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 7441108 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
LOTS 10 AND 11 AND LOT 9 (EXCEPT THAT PART DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 9 IN BLOCK 4 IN C. AND J. SCHLUND’S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 25, 26, 27, 28, 38 AND 39 IN RAILROAD ADDITION TO HARLEM; THENCE ON AN ASSUMED BEARING OF NORTH 00 DEGREE, 00 MINUTE, 00 SECOND WEST ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 9, A DISTANCE OF 10.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 44 DEGREES, 55 MINUTES, 31 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 14.16 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 9; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES, 51 MINUTES, 02 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 9, A DISTANCE OF 10.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; AND EXCEPTING THAT PART KNOWN AS PARCEL OB20058 IN CASE 96L50409, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 9; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES, 07 MINUTES, 05 SECONDS EAST (ASSUMED), A DISTANCE OF 8.50 FEET ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE THEREOF TO A POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 42 DEGREES, 54 MINUTES, 06 SECONDS EAST, A DISTANCE OF 47.79 FEET TO EASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 9, SAID EASTERLY LINE BEING ALSO THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF HARLEM AVENUE, (ILLINOIS ROUTE NO. 43); THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREE, 46 MINUTES, 24 SECONDS EAST, A DISTANCE OF 24.50 FEET ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE; THENCE SOUTH 44 DEGREES, 10 MINUTES, 20 SECONDS WEST (SOUTH 44 DEGREES, 55 MINUTES, 31 SECONDS WEST, RECORD), A DISTANCE OF 14.16 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY LINE; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES, 07 MINUTES, 05 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 23.00 FEET ALONG SAID SOUTHERLY LINE TO SAID POINT OF BEGINNING); ALL IN BLOCK 4 IN C. AND J. SCHLUND’S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 25, 26, 27, 28, 38 AND 39 IN RAILROAD ADDITION TO HARLEM IN THE EAST ½ OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 7201 Madison St, Forest Park, Illinois. PIN(s): 15-12-436-017-0000, 15-12436-018-0000, 15-12-436-019-0000 The applicant is Jay Javors for Chipotle
Published in Wednesday Journal December 30, 2020
Further information can be obtained by calling the Department of Public Health and Safety at 708-615-6284.
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Published in Forest Park Review 12/30/2020
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified suppliers at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2021 for the following:
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
local employees...
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
happy employees!
Village of Oak Park 2021 Water & Sewer Repair Parts and Materials Bid Number: 21-108 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal December 30, 2020
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-428-043-1019 & 16-18428-043-1064. Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3161076
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Wednesday Journal, December 30, 2020
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