WJ_FPR_Education & Enrichment Guide 080923

August 9, 2023 B1

E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E

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Education

Fall 2023

and

Enrichment

Guide

local schools | early learning | tutoring programs

B2 August 9, 2023

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An exceptional Montessori education for over 35 years

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NOW ENROLLING

For Fall 2023

For over 35 years, WSMS has provided an authentic AMI accredited Montessori education in Oak Park.

We offer half day, extended day, and full day programs for children ages 3 to 12.

Join us for a tour and ignite your child’s curiosity for learning.

RSVP today at www.wsms.org/tour

1039 S. East Ave., Oak Park, Illinois | 708.848.2662

est Suburban Montessori School has been providing an exceptional Montessori education in Oak Park for over 35 years. We value kindness, hard work, and the spark or enthusiasm required for real learning to take place. The children who attend WSMS are on a path toward independence. Our graduates are confident, strong minded, outside of the box thinkers.

They are kind, respectful, and curious.

West Suburban Montessori School embodies the educational principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori (18701952), an Italian physician who dedicated her career to the study of children. Following Dr. Montessori’s guidance, we focus on the whole child at WSMS, including the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development of the child.

• Montessori environments have mixed ages: Primary (ages 3-6), Lower Elementary (ages 6-9), and Upper Elementary (ages 9-12)

• Children actively engage in their learning. The guide gives lessons to the student, and the student continues the work independently.

• Hands on learning happens in Montessori environments. The Montessori materials are made to be touched and manipulated.

• Montessori students have freedom of movement. Movement is vital for all children.

• An AMI credentialed guide in each classroom is key. Montessori guides focus on redirection, honest conversation, and encouragement of their students.

• Uninterrupted work cycles are paramount to Montessori classrooms. Students work at their own pace, learn to concentrate deeply, and develop interests in a full range of subject areas.

West Suburban Montessori School is accredited by the Association Montessori International (AMI) to educate children from 3 to 12 years of age.

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Please join us for one of our upcoming in-person orientation events: September 14th, 2023, 6:30p.m.

First United Church 848 Lake Street, Oak Park September 18th, 2023, 6:30p.m.

Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church 744 Fair Oaks, Oak Park You can submit a volunteer application at learningedgetutoring.org/enroll/. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Kalnitz at kara@learningedgetutoring.org or 773-378-5530 for more information.

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Become a Learning Edge Tutor!

or over 30 years, Learning Edge Tutoring has been providing tutoring to students who come from the Austin neighborhood. Our mission is to contribute to the lives of Chicago-area students through free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships.

We strive to help our students improve their foundational reading and math skills, provide homework help, and foster enduring relationships. We are currently recruiting new volunteers who are interested in becoming a tutor. Tutors are assigned to work with the same student for 30 weeks throughout the school year. They attend tutoring one night per week on either

a Monday (Oak Park), Tuesday (Austin), or Thursday (Oak Park) evening from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. or participate in our Monday after-school program at St. Catherine-St. Lucy School (3:15p.m. to 4:15p.m.). The only requirements to volunteer are a willingness to help a young person and the ability to pass a criminal background check.

Please join us for one of our upcoming in-person orientation events: September 14th, 2023, 6:30p.m.

First United Church 848 Lake Street, Oak Park September 18th, 2023, 6:30p.m.

Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church 744 Fair Oaks Ave., Oak Park You can submit a volunteer application at https://learningedgetutoring.org/enroll/. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Kalnitz at kara@learningedgetutoring.org or 773-378-5530 for more information

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August 9, 2023 B3

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LMS/ International Mansion: every child has a gift to be shared

ur school can be best described as a ‘Homeschool in School’ style program. We have a full dynamic Spanish Immersion curriculum and are listed

by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students.

We are a small school with only 30 students total between Preschool and 8th grade.

What sets us apart?

- Fluency in Spanish Achieved within one year during Preschool years, or within two years during Elementary School years. The Spanish language is spoken throughout as the target immersion language. Academic classes are

all taught in English and/or Spanish and English. If weather permits, many of our academic classes are done outdoors.

- Student to teacher ratio: some classes are one on one, two to one, with a maximum of six students to one instructor.

- Daily schedule is customized and flexible.

- Professional and passionate instructors.

- Guest tutors with real life experience.

- No test to enter, no traditional testing.

- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.

- Weekly reports sent to parents.

Current subjects, but not limited to, are: • Penmanship • Reading/writing • Math • Science • Geography/history • Logic/coding • Theater (improv, superhero stage combat, musical theatre) • Martial arts

• Art (including painting, clay art, comic book art and more) • Music (Rock band, intro to most instrument, harmony, chorus) • Social emotional discussions/Life skills • Spanish immersion spoken through out the day and taught in lesson format.

Russian immersion taught in lesson format.

• Intro to Foreign languages (Hebrew, Italian, chinese, japanese, korean, etc.)

• Physical education: Archery/Ice Skating/ Soccer, and more.

• Chess and board games.

• Architectural design

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Ascension School Enriches Minds, Bodies and Souls

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preschool, every classroom has access to iPads, chrome books and students are exposed to comprehensive STEM opportunities throughout the year.

With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, our faculty recognizes the individuality of each child’s development and has the opportunity to work with our students one on one to help them achieve their academic goals. Our students experience a well-rounded, Catholic education that enriches their minds, bodies and souls.

Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion.

or over 110 years, Ascension has provided an excellent Catholic education in the spirit of love, kindness, respect, and inclusion. The strength and support of our Ascension community is notably present in the students’ academic, social, and spiritual education. Our goal is to create a positive atmosphere where students can grow in a safe, challenging and faith-filled learning environment.

This year Ascension is one of only 15 Chicago schools entering its second year school partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry. Beginning in

We offer both full and half-day programs for our preschool children. Our preschooler’s day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, fine motor and gross motor development. Ascension School also has an Extended Day Program which offers before school and after school care for our preschool to grade 8 students.

Learn about what Ascension School can offer your child with a private tour at school.ascensionoakpark.com.

Every child has a gift to be shared • Pre-K through 12th Grade. Private/ Independent school since 1994.

Specializing in very smart children that cannot sit still • Private Music Lessons • Foreign Language Lessons • Academic Tutoring

The Language & Music School at International Mansion 509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park info@internationalmansion.com Text us at: (708) 296-3244 • InternationalMansion.com

Since 1994

B4 August 9, 2023

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Introspect YouthYouth Services, Inc. Inc. Introspect Services, Introspect Youth Services, Inc. Introspect Youth Services, Inc.

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August 9, 2023 B5

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Forest Park School District 91

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orest Park School District 91 is abuzz with excitement as the start of the new academic year approaches. With the first day of school on August 21st, just around the corner, educators and leaders are eagerly anticipating the beginning of a thrilling journey filled with growth, learning, and exploration.

This year, Forest Park School District 91 is proud to introduce several exciting new programs aimed at enriching the educational experience of its students. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated STEAM program, set to engage students from 3rd to 8th grade. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics will come alive in hands-on and innovative ways, sparking a passion for critical thinking and problemsolving across various disciplines. The district is committed to equipping

its students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Superintendent Alvarez, school board members, local officials, community members, parents, and staff will gather for the ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this significant milestone scheduled to take place at 5:30 pm on August 23rd. They will express their gratitude to the community for its support in making this innovative project a reality and highlight the importance of STEM education in shaping the future.These labs will serve as hubs for innovative projects and experiments, engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The district aims to create an immersive and dynamic learning environment that nurtures creativity and curiosity.

Forest Park School District 91 is

also eagerly welcoming its new staff members, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the district. Alongside them, the district is excited to have its dedicated returning staff members back, ready to nurture students’ growth and guide them on their educational journey.

The commitment of the staff to the well-being and development of their students is a driving force behind the district’s success.

To ensure a smooth start to the academic year, all families are encouraged to complete the registration process as soon as possible. Visit fpsd91.org to get started today. This helps schools adequately prepare for the arrival of students and ensures a seamless transition into the new school year. The administration is actively working to streamline the registration

process, providing online support and resources for parents to access easily.

If you have questions email register@ fpsd91.org.

Adding to the excitement, Forest Park School District 91 is organizing a Back-to-School Picnic at the park district on August 15th, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Families can look forward to a fun-filled evening with a range of activities, fostering a strong sense of community among students, families, and staff. The event will also offer valuable resources and support for families during the registration process, including assistance with online registration.

As the first day of school draws near, the entire community stands united, and ready to embark on this educational adventure together.

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August 9, 2023 B7

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Full-Day Kindergarten Comes to District 90

istrict 90 students will begin the 2023-24 school year on August 24, which also starts the District’s full-day Kindergarten program. Five current District 90 teachers -- Tammy Brenneman, Amy Driscoll, Barb Garvey, Kathryn Stasys, and Lori Suzuki -- worked throughout the end of the prior school year and during the summer to transform the kindergarten program.

With nearly 50 years of experience teaching kindergarten, the teachers expect the beginning of the school year will focus on helping young learners acclimate to a full-day program, build their stamina for learning, and adhere to classroom and school routines. “There’ll be more time for everything that happens in school – more time for cooperative learning and developing friendships,” said Amy Driscoll.

Lori Suzuki added, “There’ll be more time to devote to both academic and socialemotional learning development.”

All five teachers expressed a common A Tradition of goal regarding their students. They strive to instill a love of learning in each student.Excellence and Equity A Tradition of Tammy Brenneman said it’s simply magical Excellence and Equity watching kindergarten students become Full-Day Kindergarten independent learners. “Kindergarteners go from not knowing letters to reading books, Evidence-Based Curriculum Full-Day Kindergarten from not knowing numbers to adding and 82% of Faculty/Instructors with Evidence-Based Curriculum subtracting,” Barb Garvey added. Further, Masters Degrees or Higher it’s such a joy to see their delight as they 82% of Faculty/Instructors with Inclusion Preschool Masters Degrees or Higher learn new things, said Kathryn Stasys.

Full-Day Kindergarten Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc.

Inclusion Preschool This transition to a full-day kindergarten program reflects District 90’s commitment Evidence-Based Curriculum Many Extracurricular Activities Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc. to equity, social-emotional learning, 82% of Faculty/Instructors with incorporating teacher-facilitated, playMany Extracurricular After-School Program with Activities Masters Degrees or Higher West Cook YMCA based instruction, and adequate time for After-School Program with Inclusion Preschool student interventions and support during West Cook YMCA the school day. A full-day kindergarten Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc. program ensures that District 90 provides The 2023-24 School Year a strong academic foundation for all Many Extracurricular Activities students.

Starts August 24, 2023Year The 2023-24 School

A Tradition of Excellence and Equity

Welcome back to school!

After-School Program with Starts August 24, 2023 www.district90.org // 708-771-8282 West Cook YMCA www.district90.org // 708-771-8282

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The Day Nursery’s mission welcoming all children

he Day Nursery welcomed Charles Standards, assesses progress, and engages with parents to practice skills at when he was 3 years old, he spent home. We are committed to each child’s most of his young life at home educational path, that ensures they are with his family during the pandemic, kindergarten ready. The Day Nursery like so many other children. He joined builds an equitable foundation for a his teacher and new friends with a lot successful future of distrust of - for all children. grown-ups from Charles practices his past trauma, and numbers, letters, and was very shy with is an amazing artist! other children.

The Day Nursery His challenges worked with his mother, a single mom with being in a new place and selfof two, to find resources for the family regulation interfered with his ability to and empowered them to actively stay learn his letters and numbers, and grow involved with Charles’ learning process. socially and emotionally from a toddler The Day Nursery’s mission is to provide to a preschooler. As an accredited and exceptional early childhood education Gold Circle rated program, The Day in an environment that welcomes all Nursery is one of the only year-long, children, enhances individual strengths full-day programs that provides working and fosters the academic, socialfamilies affordable and top-rated early emotional and physical development childhood education. Our teachers build 95% on of Day transition into Kindergarten with that leads to school readiness. curriculum based theNursery IL Earlychildren Learning the skills for school success.

Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.

The 2023-24 School Year Starts August 24, 2023 www.district90.org // 708-771-8282

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B8 August 9, 2023

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Concordia University Chicago’s Local Business Advantage Program

ervice for the common good is a longstanding value of Concordia University Chicago—giving back to the community is an important part of who we are.

One way we seek to live out that principle is by providing employees of local businesses with discounted access to our nationally recognized online degrees as well as customized

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August 9, 2023 B9

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Terra Incognito Studio and Gallery has called Oak Park home for over 30 years.

Terra Incognito Studio andproudly Gallery has proudly called Oak Park home for over 30 years. We welcome you to make it your studio as well.

TerraIncognitoStudio.com

We invite you to join our community and experience what Terra Incognito has to offer:

We offer the following: Adult wheel throwing classes Kids classes and camps Private space rental with 24/7 access - Adult wheel throwing classes Birthday parties - Kids classes Corporate team building events - Private space rental with 24/7 access Private parties

- Birthday parties Corporate team building events Give us a call and join our-community!

- Private parties - Gallery/Artist Shows

246 Chicago Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 708-383-6228

Give us a call and join our community!

246 Chicago Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302

708-383-6228 TerraIncognitoStudio.com

Terra Incognito is not just a pottery studio

T

erra Incognito is a community of potters ranging from novices to artists-in-residence and has been part of the Oak Park community for over forty years. Numerous national ceramic artists started

at Terra. The legacy of our studio is something they take great pride in, continuing with current and future potters.

One advantage of joining the community at Terra Incognito is that working with clay can be a type of meditation, some people even use it as a form of therapy. When creating, people can experience mindfulness or a mini vacation from the world. Calming one’s mind and body from current happenings and circumstances, being conscious of the present and worrying about nothing else. The community at Terra is strong and flourishes because members say they feel a sense of peace and get a much-needed break from the chaos of life at the studio.

Terra Incognito has classes for everyone’s schedule and ability from beginners up to professional artists. Evening classes are offered MondayThursday, morning classes are on Tuesday and Friday. Classes run for 8 weeks, 3 hours per class, and are open to any skill level. Students are taught throwing on the wheel, glazing techniques etc. The experienced teachers at Terra make sure to work with each person individually to help bring out each student’s potential.

B10 Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review, August 9, 2023 S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Taste of Elmwood Park is back Four days of fun, food, friends and family

By GCM STAFF

The Taste of Elmwood Park is returning this week. Experience the best of Elmwood Park at the family-friendly event, Aug. 1013, in Central Park at the corner of Fullerton and 75th Avenues. The festival has it all – beer, wine, arts and crafts, rides, games and, of course, plenty of food from some of Elmwood Park’s finest restaurants. All together and you know why it’s been an unmissable event for over 30 years.

“The Taste of Elmwood Park is an iconic summer festival, and we are happy to welcome people from all over the Chicago region to celebrate all of the delicious food that our village has to offer,” said Lauren Gruber, Elmwood Park special events coordinator.

Providing all that delicious food are 23 different restaurants and vendors, includ-

ing several from Elmwood Park’s famous Restaurant Row along North Avenue. Come hungry and grab a slice of pizza from Armand’s then head over to the Café Cubano booth for an authentic Cuban sandwich.

Don’t forget to top it all off with some of Grecian Kitchen’s loukoumades, Greek donut holes garnished with chopped walnuts, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. If you’re looking for an insider tip, pair the loukoumades with a side of gelato from Massa Café Italiano, another of the festival’s exciting food vendors. It’s a Mediterranean fusion treat you don’t want to miss.

It’s not just about the food though. There will be live music throughout the festival, so attendees can dance the days and nights away in between all of the good food Elmwood Park restaurants offer. The performing acts play a wide variety of tunes across decades and musical genres, from classic rock and ‘70s disco to soul, country western and swing – something for everyone

to groove out to. Over at the Taste Lounge, the festival’s premium cocktail bar sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, local dj’s will be spinning records, so the dance party never has to stop. Stop by the lounge throughout the four-day festival.

Dancing isn’t the only way to get blood pumping during the festival. Roll into a fun, food and fitness-filled good time with the Taste of Elmwood Park’s bocce tournament, which starts at 5 p.m., Aug. 10. Take part in “Fitness at the Festival” to jumpstart the body, mind and fun. Join the owners of ReNew Studio at 11:30 a.m., Saturday morning, for a full-body and high-energy workout. Tennis shoes are a must. Don’t forget your yoga mat Sunday morning!

Head over to the festival for mats and mimosas, a blend of yoga and barre exercises, with the Barre Studio at 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning.

Of course, no Taste of Elmwood Park festival is complete without its now annual meatball eating contest. The meat-

ball consumption competition made its festival debut last year, with ESPN 1000’s Carmen DeFalco serving in the venerable role of contest host. The contest was an instant success as 12 randomly selected contestants scarfed down meatballs from Rosebud Restaurants, vying for first, second and third place prizes. This year, one of those contestants might just be you, so save some space in your stomach at 4 p.m., Saturday, in case you are the one to go down in history as the meatball eating champion.

FILE

Taste of Elmwood Park in 2022

Elements can be used together or individually as needed.

Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review, August 9, 2023 B11

Must use only brand S P O N S O R E D colors/outlines including: all white, all black other brand color combos as needed

C O N T E N T

LOGO CLEARSPACE. The logo should always have an appropriate amount of clear space surrounding it.

This space should always use the same proportions and shouldn't be occupied by extraneous elements.

Dine -in / Carry Out Delivery Catering/Bar / Banquet Chinese • Thai • Japanese Cuisine • Hibachi Steak House

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

• FREE PARKING • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FACEBOOK

Jim Peterik and The Ides of March performing at the Taste in 2022.

Participating restaurants and vendors: 75th Avenue Market featuring Sergio’s Seafood Armand’s Pizzeria Café Cubano Caputo’s Fresh Markets Caruso’s Circle Tavern Donny G’s Elmcrest Banquets Fit to be Fried Grecian Kitchen Gringo & Blondie Taqueria Jimmy’s Red Hots Johnnie’s Italian Beef Maria’s Mexican Restaurant Massa Café Italiano New Star Rosebud Restaurants Russell’s Barbecue Spizzico Pizza & Pasta Strawberry Slushies Top Butcher Tri Café Union Tap

Sponsored by: Wintrust Bank Chicago Metro Paramedic Services Inc. Power Parking Pan American Bank & Trust Harlem Irving Plaza Tito’s Handmade Vodka George Gullo Development Corporation H&H Electric Company Bath Planet of Chicagoland Laborers’ International Union of North America Storino, Ramello & Durkin Attorneys at Law Allstate Provant Insurance Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. D&P Construction Co. Inc. Jim and Pete’s Italian Standard Fencing Company First Security Trust & Savings Bank Byline Bank Lakeshore Recycling Systems Utility Dynamics Corp.

John Neri Construction Calumet City Plumbing Westway Coach

708-453-8242

Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:30am–10:30pm Sunday 12:30pm - 9:30pm

7444 North Avenue • Elmwood Park FAX 708-453-3044 • NewStarRestaurant.com

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on OakPark.com

LOCATED IN THE NORTH AVE BUSINESS DISTRICT

B12

Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review, August 9, 2023

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Wednesday Journal, August 9, 2023

B13

Climate Ready Oak Park initiatives rolling out Village bans fossil-fuel heating/appliances in new construction; may promote parkway planting

By LACEY SIKORA

I

Contributing Reporter

n August 2022, the Village of Oak Park adopted Climate Ready Oak Park, a comprehensive and long-range plan meant to address the global climate crisis.

Among the commitments embraced were a pledge to decrease communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, to achieve community-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to establish 30% of Oak Park’s land as green infrastructure or enhanced park management.

Fossil fuel ban in new construction On June 20, the Oak Park Village Board voted to approve an electrification ordinance, following the recommendations of

not renovations to existing the Environment and Enhomes, but she states that ergy Commission and the it is possible that the village Building Code Advisory will eventually require that Commission, which makes gas-fueled appliances and all-electric new construcmechanicals be swapped tion part of the building out with electric in older code. buildings undergoing major With this change, Oak renovations.

Park becomes the first town in the Midwest to ban fossil fuels in new residential and Parkway plantings commercial buildings.

The ordinance takes efAnother part of achieving FILE fect in January 2024 and the goal of increasing Oak was one of the steps iden- MARCELLA BONDIE KEENAN Park’s green infrastructure tified as needed to help the is a goal of having 30% of village achieve the goal of plantings to be native plants. having net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions “In addition to being in a climate change by 2050. emergency, we’re also in a biodiversity Marcella Bondie Keenan, Oak Park’s emergency,” Bondie Keenan said. chief sustainability officer, says that inMost of the green space in Oak Park is stead of using natural gas for stoves or owned privately or by the Park District of heating, anything that would require gas Oak Park. The parkways, which are public will now be required to be all-electric in property located between the sidewalk and both new homes and in commercial con- the curb of the streets, are the primary opstruction. portunity for the village to reach its biodiAt this point, she says that the ordi- versity goal by 2030. nance only covers new construction and On Aug. 1, the Oak Park Environment

and Energy Commission considered draft language that would amend village code to allow residents to plant on the parkways throughout the village and to promote the placement of native and pollinator plants in the parkway. The commission had several questions for village staff, so the vote was tabled until village staff could provide more information.

As the draft language is finalized and before the issue goes to the village board, residents can weigh in by responding to an online survey at engageoakpark.com/ parkway-planting-ordinance.

While the language of the proposed ordinance was not available as of press time, the FAQs accompanying the survey lay out a few parameters of the plan.

The planting of “designated exotic weeds” or “noxious weeds” will not be permitted. The homeowners adjacent to the parkway will be responsible for the upkeep of the plantings in the parkway. Plantings near intersections will not be permitted to exceed 30 inches in height, and in other areas, the height should not exceed 36 inches.

See CLIMATE on page B15

B14

Wednesday Journal, August 9, 2023

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CLIMATE

B15

community.

Looking ahead, Bondie Keenan says that the village is considering other initiatives to help meet its climate goals. The Oak Park Environment and Energy Commission is beginning to discuss night-sky pollution and rates for trash, recycling and composting that might encourage more residents to compost.

“These conversations are just starting,” Bondie Keenan said.

Other initiatives from page B13

The village would be permitted to disturb the plantings for any necessary utility or other work and, except in cases of emergency, will attempt to notify the homeowners adjacent to the parkway of the planned work two weeks in advance.

Bondie Keenan says that at this time, the ordinance will give homeowners permission to plant in the parkways but will not require replacing turf with plantings.

“Even urban areas can have an impact,” Bondie Keenan said.

“This opens up all that parkway land, which is mostly turf.”

Details are still being worked out and responses to the community survey will be considered in MARCELLA BONDIE KEENAN determining what percentage of Oak Park chief sustainability coordinator plantings should be native plantings and what kind of educational materials will be provided to the

“In addition to being in a climate change emergency, we’re also in a biodiversity emergency.”

LACEY SIKORA

While many Oak Park homeowners have already planted up parkways in place of lawns, the practice is actually not allowed by village ordinance. However, that could change to encourage transforming parkways into areas where native plants and pollinators thrive.

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Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review, August 9, 2023

SPORTS Winding road leads to spot on Illini football roster Former Fenwick lineman Engbers a preferred walk-on in Urbana

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The road to a spot on the University of Illinois football team has been unique for Joep Engbers, a recent graduate of Fenwick High School.

Engbers was born in Singapore, but his parents are from the Netherlands, where he grew up and has citizenship. He then moved to Indonesia, then Papua New Guinea.

After moving to the Netherlands so his parents could marry, Engbers came with his family, which includes three sisters, to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania for two years. After a short return to Indonesia, they came back to the U.S. to stay.

The family moved to Waco, Texas, in time for Engbers’ high school freshman year. It was at Bosqueville High School that he got introduced to American football. Engbers immediately fell in love with the sport and decided it was something he wanted to pursue.

“I made varsity my freshman year,” said Engbers, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman. “My mother told the coach I wouldn’t play varsity. It took about three weeks to convince her to let me play. I missed one game and eventually started that season.”

But Engbers wanted to improve his game in order to attract collegiate offers, and after his sophomore season at Bosqueville, he transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. There he faced top-quality competition that helped to hone his skills.

While at IMG, Engbers and his parents made another life-changing move.

“When I was at IMG, my parents were still in Texas when my dad got a job offer in the Chicago area,” he said.

“They were ready to leave Texas, and we moved to Oak Park. They told me about Fenwick, and I thought it was a good school.”

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOOTBALL/ 247SPORTS.COM

Joep Engbers After talking with Fenwick player Mirko Jaksic (a University of Dayton signee) and meeting with head coach Matt Battaglia, Engbers opted to join the Friars for his senior season.

He made all-conference in the Chicago Catholic League/ East Suburban Catholic Conference and was named the White Division Lineman of the Year. He also got honorable mentions on the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area Team and the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 5A All-State Team.

Moreover, Engbers did great in the classroom, meriting honors for both the CCL/ESCC White Division and IHSFCA Class 5A All-Academic teams.

“I bonded with the team and never looked back,” he said.

“It was an adjustment being a Catholic school, and I had to catch up on my theology courses. But I loved [Fenwick]; it was like a family.”

“I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to coach Joep,” said Battaglia after the season on Twitter. “As good of a football player he is, he’s an even better person and teammate. Wherever Joep goes, I know he’s going to dominate on and off the field and be a great representative of what Fenwick High School and Friar football are all about.”

Engbers, who played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in Frisco, Texas, after the season, received several NCAA Division I offers, including from Ball State, Brown,

Dartmouth, East Carolina and Kent State. But he opted to become a preferred walk-on player at Illinois, because he had more than football in mind.

“I can see myself growing at Illinois,” said Engbers. “I talked with [defensive line] coach [Terrance] Jamison, and he said there was a chance of earning an eventual scholarship. Also, academics is a big thing. I’m going into business, and Illinois is such a great business school. It was a no-brainer and being close to home and my family being able to come here is a plus.”

Last year, Engbers initially started exclusively on offense, but became a two-way star by the end of the Friars’ season. He’s working as a defensive tackle as Illinois started fall camp Aug. 3, and he knows he’ll need to continue to put in the work in order to eventually make a contribution to the Fighting Illini.

“I need to buy into the program, take everything to heart and be coachable,” Engbers said. “I need to look at film and study plays and be the most physical person on the field and not let up.”

Engbers already has a supporter on the team in wide receiver Eian Pugh, a member of Fenwick’s 2021 IHSA Class 5A state championship team.

“There’s one locker between his and mine,” he said. “We see each other daily, and we’ve talked about our experiences at Fenwick.”