THANKS TO YOU, GCM SETS DONOR RECORD Details on pages 2-3
W E D N E S D A Y
January 10, 2024 Vol. 44, No. 28
$2.00 @wednesdayjournalinc
@wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE A GCM GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
ABOUT THIS SECTION
/ Ã Ì Þ Ã«iV > ÃiVÌ v VÕÃià Ü>ÞÃ Ì }À Ü >V > ` À Ü i Ü iÀà « Ì i Ài>ÌiÀ 7iÃÌ - `i° / à À Ü } Õ ÌÞ i` > «À iVÌ Ã vÕ `i` LÞ > }À> Ì vÀ Ì i V>} Õ ÌÞ /ÀÕÃÌ° - >Ài Þ ÕÀ Ì Õ} ÌÃ Ü Ì À > LLÃ] ÕÀ i` Ì À] >Ì iÀ >J }À Ü }V Õ ÌÞ i` >° À}
Advice from an Expert: +EƂ Ü Ì Austin resident and realtor Camella A Sutton
PROVIDED
Camella Sutton tours a high rise rental building in Millenium Park.
By DELANEY NELSON
Special Projects Reporter
ÕÃÌ Àià `i Ì > i > -ÕÌÌ Üà wÀÃÌ > ` Ü ÛiÀÜ i } Ì i «À ViÃà v LÕÞ } > i V> Li° 7 i à i > ` iÀ ÕÃL> ` L Õ} Ì Ì i À i Óä£Î] à i ` ` ½Ì Ü > Ì i à > ` ÕÌà v Ì i >âi Ì >Ì Ã i Ü iÀà « > ` Ài i` > Ài> Ì À Ì i>` iÀ Ì À Õ} ° Ü] -ÕÌÌ Ã Ì i Ài> Ì À i « } «i « i >V iÛi i Ü iÀà « p > ` à i Ü> ÌÃ Þ Õ Ì Li i « Ü iÀi` Ì À Õ} ÕÌ Ì i «À ViÃÃ] Ì ° 7 i -ÕÌÌ Ü À à >à > Ài> Ì À Ì À Õ} ÕÌ > v Ì i V ÌÞ > ` à i v Ìà ÃÕLÕÀLÃ] à i ÌÀ iÃ Ì v VÕà ƂÕÃÌ ] Ü iÀi à i½Ã Ûi` à Vi à i Ü>à > `° ƂÕÃÌ 7ii Þ iÜà ë i Ü Ì -ÕÌÌ >L ÕÌ Ì i V> Õà } >À iÌ > ` Ü >Ì Ì iÝ «iVÌ vÀ Ì i LÕÞ } «À ViÃð
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Austin Weekly News: 7 Þ ` ` Þ Õ «ÕÀÃÕi > V>ÀiiÀ Ài> estate? Camella Sutton: Ü> Ìi` «i « i Ì Ü] Ì Ã ÕV >L ÕÌ Ài> iÃÌ>Ìi] LÕÌ Ü Ì >`Û> Vi] > ` Ài> Þ Ì i i Ì } Ì >Ì iÛiÀ } ià >Ü>Þ Ã > ` p Ì >Ì½Ã Ì i Ì } Ì >Ì «i « i w} Ì v À iÛiÀÞ `>Þ° - ] Ài> Þ ÌÀÞ Ì Ü v VÕà i`ÕV>Ì } «i « i Ì i Li iwÌà v Ü }] v Ü iÀà « >à > Ü i°
See CAMELLA SUTTON on page B4
Special section INSIDE
Some migrants to be redirected ‘No notice’ migrants who come to Oak Park will be sent to a ‘landing zone’ in Chicago By LUZANE DRAUGHON
Bali Tie
Staff Reporter
The city of Chicago “landing zone” is a designated area where transportation vehicles with migrants are able to drop off the new arrivals. A Dec. 7 Oak Park memorandum outlines protocols for sending any new asylum seekers away. This includes sending buses with asylum seekers to the “landing zone.” Asylum seekers who arrive in Oak Park, according to the memorandum, will not be allowed to disembark from a bus and will be advised local shelters are at capacity. The driver will then be directed to the “landing zone” at 800 S. Desplaines St., Chicago.
Antony Wood with the Hindu god Ganesha, known for removing obstacles and bringing good luck STORY BY GRACE HARTY, PAGE 16
multiple companies quality coverages multiple companies educated agents quality coverages educated agents
See MIGRANTS on page 6 TODD A. BANNOR
“Experts at getting you thecoverage best insurance for the most Delivering best-in-class and service—since 1957! efficient use of your money.” –Customer since 2005 AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE | PRIVATE CLIENT
AUTO | HOME | PRIVATE CLIENT | BUSINESS | LIFE
www.forestinsured.com | 708 383 9000 www.forestinsured.com | 708.383.9000
2
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Note from the Publisher
Our readers step up as GCM beats $250K goal As 2024 begins, all of us at Growing Community Media have nothing but gratitude to our readers who helped us reach and exceed our ambitious year-end fundraising goal of $250,000. This is, by far, our largest campaign ever and it sets the stage for a strong 2024 in our nonprofit newsroom. Nearly 900 of our neighbors made an investment in GCM during our three-month effort. Here is the list. Deb & Tom Abrahamson* Jim & Rose Adamec Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa Jahred Adelman Susan Adler Paul Aeschleman Jeffrey Weissglass & Jeanne Affelder Skyler Aikerson Jill & erson Leland & erson Mamie & ry Doris Angell Ann & Gene Armstrong Michelle Arnold Laverne Arp Roberta Asher Associated Bank N.A. Fund, a fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation Babou Fund at Schwab Charitable Cecelia Bacom Carolyn Baird Nick Baker Karen & Mike Baldwin Kathryn Balk Judy Banks-Johnson Timothy Bannon Todd Bannor David Barker Brad Bartels Katherine Bateman Jean Baugh James Baum Sandra Baumgardner Marion & Jonathan Baumgarten Mary Beach Susan Beach Debbie Becker Paul & Leah Beckwith Jordis Bednar Stephan Benzkofer Jean Berg Lin Beribak Linda Bernat Nancy Bernhardt Ruth Bernhardt Annie Berni
James Berton Margaret Bertucco B Best Family Fund Vicki Bielanski Mary Bird Hilda Birney Jack Bizot Sara Blair Marc & Dorie Blesoff* Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin William Bobco loretta bober Marcin Bogacz Linda Bonner Alice Boomhower Karen Borgstadt Barbara Boril Mark Boroughf Elizabeth Botts David Boulanger Melissa Bowen John Bowes Anne Bowhay Gary Boxell Mary Boyaris Tom Braam Martin Bracco Thomas Brean Mark Breen Glenn Brewer & Karen Haskins-Brewer Richard Brey John Brofman Patrick Brown Kevin Brubaker Craig Brumund Kathleen Bucholtz Cedes Buck Sara Buehler Daniel Burke T.J. & B.J. Burke Miriam Burkland Denise Burns James Burns RJ Busky Megan Butman John Byrne Joyce Callahan Susan Campbell Felicia Cannon Patrick Cannon Charles & Verna Capouch Mary Carol Carey Mark Carroll
Siusan Cartland-Bode Michael Cassin Marilee Castaneda Javier Castro Jette Castro Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore Joyce Champelli Emile Charest John Chase Noel Chavez ALK Snow Fund, Chicago Community Trust Nancy Chmell Judy Chrisman Lauretta Christensen Lesley W. Christien Thom Clark Amanda Clark Nancy Clark* Ellen Cleary Kelly Clissold Barbara Coats Mary Beth Cobleigh-Beal Donald & Frances Coe Kristen & Mark Coe Midge Cogan Joseph Coglianese Marty Colchamiro Bonnie Coleman Michelle Collins Roy & Michele Collins Gary Collins* LaVerne Collins* Judith Compton Kathleen Corcos Michelle Cordogan Therese Cormack Catherine Costello Alice Cottingham Jon Coughlin Ann Courter Jolyn Crawford Brian Crawford* Mary Ellen Creighton Stephen Crilly Jack Crowe Joyce & Kevin Cullinane Timothy Cunningham John & Susan Curran Jeff & Ann Currie M/M Curtin Norma Cutsforth Ellen Cutter
*These are GCM boardmembers and 2023 Matchmakers
David Cwik Wendy & Al Daniels Katherine Danko Diane Dannenfeldt Jack & Mary Darnall Nancy Darnall Judy Das Gupta Rupa Datta David King & Associates Dan Davidson MJ Davidson Joshua Davison Judy Davy Pam & Pat Deady Mary Ann DeBruin Melinda Degucz John Dempsey Janel Dennen* Ted Denning William Depriest Richard Deptuch Peter Devlin John Dickens Paul Dickerson James Dickert Mary Dickie Joshua Ditelberg Timothy Divis Collete & Douglas Dixon Mary Dodd-Lieberman Greg Domanowski Mavis Donahue Clara D’Onofrio Mark Donovan & Mary Ludgin Andrew Doten Mary Dowling Jay & Katie Doyle Susan Doyle Jan Dressel Suzanne Dubin Carol Dudzik John Duffy Mary Duffy Pelzer John Dumas Margo Dumelle John Dwyer William Dwyer Ella Eastman Matthew Ebbing Judith Eckberg Erika Edmonson Jenni Edsell Culvin Edwards Steve & Andrea Edwards* Pat Eichenold Christine Eichinger Ardyth J Eisenberg Susan Elfant James Elsener Craig Endicott Victoria Engelhardt Louise Engert Wendy Epstein Heidi Ewell Deborah Fallahay Angela Farnham Karen Faust Carrie Felix Margaret Ferroli Lane Kim Fideler Robinson Yolanda Fields John Filipkowski Geoffrey Fingerhut Elizabeth Fischer
Lynne Fisher Liz Fitzgerald Caitlin Fitzharris Michelle Fitz-Henry Heather Fitzpatrick Kristin Flanders Michael Fleisher Cheryl Flinn Allan Flynn Deirdre Flynn John F. Flynn Jennifer Ford Maureen Ford Melissa Ford Michael Fortman Jeffery Foster Chris Frantisak Kim Freeark Elizabeth Freeland Leslie Fulton John Gagliano Judith Gaietto-Grace Thomas Gallagher* Judith Galleazzi Agustina Gandarilla Elizabeth Gardner John Garofalo Marian Garrigan Mark Gartland Jim & Louise Gates Christine Gavlin Paul Gegenheimer Tony-O Georgeson Mina Gerall Eric & Angela Gershenson Jake Gerstein Bettina Getz Joan Gibbons Elaine Petkovsek & Jim Gill Michael Gill Bradley Ginn Dale Glowacki Monica Glowinski Jeanne Goedert Alan Goldberg Katie Frankle & David Goldman Craig Goldwyn Brian Gomoll Good Heart Work Smart Allen Goodcase Michael & Peggy Goodman Norma Goose Kantor Gregory Gordon Erika Gosker Sudhanva Govindarajan Joyce Gradel Anthony Graefe Kathleen Graffam Beverly Graham John Grant Bruno Graziano Beryl Greenberg Susan Greenberg Marjorie Greenwald Bill & Judy Greffin* Chris & Kori Grumboski Anthony Grzeskowiak Michael Guerin Joan Gumbel William Haddad Carol Hafeman Dan Haley John & Julia Haley* Mary Haley*
Kathleen Hall Matthew Hall Josephine Halpin Kristen Halverson Brian Hameiser Judith Hamje Nancy Hammond Michael & Janet Hanley Bruce & Kathy Hansen Suzanne Haraburd* Scott Hardesty Mathew Hargrave Carolyn Harris Roberta Harris Steven & Lenore Harris Nancy Hartman Robert Havey Richard Hay Carolyn Hayes Thomas Healey MaryAnn Heard Eilene Heckman Robert & Nancy Heezen Linda Heffernan Mary Heidkamp Beth Heiferman Philip & Patricia Heil Joel Heinz Ray Heise Frank Heitzman Gordon Hellwig Anne Hennessy Joan Henzl Rosemary Hepner Tom Herbstritt Meg Herman Stephen Herseth Nancy Hess Diane Hettasch Edgar Hiestand Lisa Higgins Lynne & Bill Higgins David Hilbert Ellen Hildner Katherin Hillmann Jerry Hills Carolyn Hobaugh Charles Hoch Leslie Hodes Lynn & Alan Hoffstadter* Barbara Hofmaier & David Heim Thomas Hogan Lilian Hohmann Deborah Holdstein Tom & Nancy Holmes Dean Holub Chee-Young Kim & Andrew Hoog Case & Pat Hoogendoorn* Stephen Hopkins Colleen Horrigan Allison Houha Judith Frei & Lawrence Howe Gary Howell Kimberly Hoyt Janice Huang Marge Hubacek Marsha Hubbuch Kristen Huber Michael Hughes Ruth Huston Bonnie Hutchison Kathy Hymson
Mary Ann Irvine Amy Jacksic James Jackson Erik Jacobsen Daina Jakofsky Stuart Jamieson & Brenda Barnes Edward Jepson* Jason & Tina Johns Elaine Johnson Erik Johnson Steve Johnson Janis Johnston Marcile Jones Mary Ann Jorfan Bernice (B.C.) Juettner Barbara Kahn Kara & Robert Kalnitz Sophie Kaluziak Jon Hale & Lynn Kamenitsa Sandra Kanak Bob Kane Robert Karrow Sandra Karuschak Art Kazar James Keen Keitel Bouman Family Fund of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Colleen Keleher Margaret Kell Randall Kelso John Kelty Susan Kelty Pam Kenney Donna Kenyon Kathy Kernan Janice Kieckhefer Jeffery Kiel Therese Kielp Philip & CarolJean Kier Geralyn Kilcoyne Cynthia Kleidon Jonathan Klem Susan Klock Troy Klyber Dennis Kmiec Ken Knasiak Dan Knight Pauline Koch Paul & Patricia Koko Michael Kolkebeck Mindy Kolodziej Barbara Kolowski Wendy Kopala Alice Kopan Rich Kordesh* Michael Koss Nancy Kovach Jay Kozie Lorraine Kozon Alan Krause Renata Krempl Daniela Krivak James Krohe Michael Kruley Marie Kruse Ellen Kuner Laurian Kyritz Claude L’Heureux Linda Labelle Terri Lackey Hans Lagoni Mary Lally Mary Lambke
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Amy Landefeld Neil Lane Kathy Lareau Leslie Lauderdale Karl Lauger Lucas Laurel Dennis Lavelle Nancy Leavy Ralph Lee John W. Lee III Ginny Lee-Herrmann Madonna Leen Lynn Leinartas Patrick Leone Dan Lesser Deborah Levine Deborah Levine & Kimberly Becker David Lewis Lydia Lewis-Brandt Daniel Lheureux* Arthur Lifshin Gloria & Gerald Lindaur Elizabeth Lippitt* Ross Lissuzzo Thomas Litwiler Jane Llewellyn Phil & Zan Lofgren Elan Long Lois Thiessen Love Martin & Cathleen Lucas Carlotta Lucchesi Kathryn Lucht Sandra Luckins Cathy & Larry Lund John & Nell Lurain James Lynch Marjorie Lyon Daniel MacDade Denise Mackey Klancic Jessica Mackinnon Karrick Major Michelle Major Alicia Malloy Mary Anne Manley James Mann Sharon Manuel James Marciniak Kate Marek Catherine Marienau Mark Maroney Aida Marranzini Suzanne Marshall Richard & Linda Martens David Martin Mildred Martin Marylen Marty Elaine Marzal Myrtle & R.G Mason M Massarello Roger Masson Ann Masur* Frank & Patricia Matousek Alex Matthews Laura Maychruk
Jane McClelland Anna Clare McDermott Judith McDevitt Joseph McDonald Sheila McDonnell Mary McEnery Laurene McHatton John McIlwain Donna McKune Richard McLeese Bob Mead Christopher Meglan Jean & John Meister Joan Meister Teresa Melcher David Mendell Patricia Menges Alan Meyer Veronica Meyer Ben Meyerson Charles & Pamela Meyerson Mike Michaelsen Melissa Mickelberry John Mihelic Bart Miller Dorothy Misleh Carole & Larry Mitchener Mohr Oil Co. Patricia Montroy Betty Moore Maurice & Toni Moore D. Morawski Candice Moretti Leigh Morgan Mary Morgan Lucinda Moriarity Lindsay Morrison Gloria Morrissey Robert Moser Woody Mosgers Mary Movrich Sharon Moyer Elisabeth Muhlenberg Karen Mullarkey Kerrins Maria Mungai Karen Muriello Anne Murphy Dennis & Bunny Murphy* Margaret Murtagh Donna Myers* Zachary Nauth Donald Nekrosius* Brendan Nelligan Mary Ellen Nelligan* Alison Nelson Diane Nelson John Neu Eugene & Louisa Newberry Carolyn Newberry Schwartz Michelle Newman Bill Niro Robert Novalich Donald O’Brien Adekunle & Kathy Onayemi Thomas & Christine Ondrla
Paul Oppenheim Bridget Optholt Karen Osborne Donna Oswald Jewel Otten Elizabeth Overland Kathryn Owens Lorraine Owles Jennifer Packheiser Barbara Pagniucci Lynne Palmore John-Paul Paonessa Allen & Georga Parchem Dan Parker Steven Parker Susan Parker Robert & Susan Parks Elizabeth Parsons Barbara Paterick John Patrick Julie Patterson Libbey Paul Beth Pecenka Mary Pellegrini Pamela Penney Jeanne Peppler Priscilla Perkins Janet Perryman William Peterman David Peterson Lauren Peterson Joan & Jeffery Petertil Edward Petrick James Petrzilka Sharon Phillips Diane Pickard-Richardson Liz Picone Danielle Pierro Susan Piha Thomas Pivarski Mary Plunkett James Podraza Mike & Lynette Poirier Mike Poleski Frank Pond Al Popowits Joyce Porter Mary Ann Porucznik Deborah Postlewait Teresa Powell* Aldona Prackaila Margaret Prechel James Prescott Allison Price Marvin Price Paul Price Margaret Provost-Fyfe James Pryor Lorelei Przybylski Susan Purdie Susan Quinn The Quinn Pasin Family Philanthropic Fund R.P. Fox & Associates Inc. Joan Radovich
N. Raftery Brenda Rakers Carol Rao Constance S. Rapps Diane Ratekin & Tom Yates Edward Rausch Shirley Redmond Nancy Reed Vicky Rehill David Reisberg Frederick Reklau Ruth Reko Mary Reynolds Lisa Ridolfi Gayle Riedmann Peter Rijks Elizabeth Ritzenthaler John & Katie Roberts Susan Roberts Cyndi Robinson Patrice Roche Andy Rodriguez George Rogers Katharine Roller Ron Roman Anne Rooney Alice Rose Lindsey Roseen Diana Rosenbrock Amy Rosenthal Barbara Rossa Jennifer Royer Karen Rozmus Mark Ruda Dolores Ruffolo Kathy Russell Ann Marie Ryan Michael & Linda Ryan Steven Spiewak & Beradette Ryan Paul Sakol Susan Saliny Glenn Sameshima Silvana Santilli Marian & Bob Sassetti-Kent Steve Saylors Meredith Schacht Carol Schaffer Mike Schech Lynn Scheir James Scherrer Marianne & David Schiavone Abby Schmelling Tyler Schofield Thomas Schouten Robert W. Schramek Janet Schroeder Jeff & Linda Schroeder Kathleen Schroer Dale Schuette Rich Schuler James Schwartz Laurie Schwartz Sylvie Schwartz
Schwarzbach Family Foundation Mark Scott Norah Scott Judith Scully Sear’s Pharmacy G R Segal Sandra Seim Benjamin Sells Dorothy Seman Clancy Senechalle Robert Senechalle Lisa & Jason Sensat Lynda & Paul Shadrake Rupa Shah Matthew Shanahan Joel Sherr Darnell Shields* Louis Shorr Brendan Short Renee Sichlau Nancy Sidman Mary Pat Sieck Brooke Sievers Kimberly Silver Dawne Simmons Peggy Sinko Victor Skade Renee Slade Joan Slanina Diane Slezak Helene Slowik Adrienne Smith Barbara Smith Chris Smith Leslie Smith Mary Kate Smith Mike Smolarek Louise Snyder Edward Solan James Soldat Joan Soldwisch Jacqueline Solfronk Sheila Solomon* Alec Harris & Carollina Song Gisela Sonka Doug & Martha Sorensen Sharon Spooner Susan Sporte* Rachel Stark Amy Stearns Michael Stefanik Ruth Stefl Heather Stelnicki Louise Stevens Jill & Dave Stewart Linda Stewart Max Stewart Gary & Maura Stockmann Laurie Stokes Isaac Stopeck Joni Strand Riverside Strategies Maureen Stratton Kirsten Straughan
Pamela Strauss Robert Streit M/M Strohl Catheve & Gary Strokosch David Strom David & Elisabeth Strong Meghan Strubel Daniel Sullivan Mark Sullivan Fran Sullivan* Carrie Summy Michael Surratt Richard Swanson Theodore Tamul Christine Tanner Pamela Tate Melissa Taub John Taylor Martin Tellalian Glena Temple Cheryl Terhorst Margaret Thayer The Conroy Family The Jaklevic-Schuster Fund The Maura O’Hara & Robert Wielgos Charitable Fund The Sachem Company The Smylie Family Charitable Fund at Schwab Charitable The Wilkinson Mango Family Fund Mary Thomason Judy Thompson Kaia Thompson Laura Thompson Mark Thompson Cecelia Thornton Dana Todd Marne Trevisano Campbell Robert Trezevant* Rogene Tubman Beverly Tuck Robert Tucker J. Turko Anne Kelly Turner David Ubogy Carol Ungaretti Linda Valentine Van Deurson/Iseli Fund Laurie Van Wieren John Vander Laan Doug Varn Jane Verry-Hastings Cristine Vesely Lorene Vickery Donald & Mary Vogel* Kathleen Vogt Laurie & Karl Volz Sandy Vomacka Janice Von Arb Mary Sue Voth Walter Wahlfeldt Mark Walden Gordon Waldron
Mary Walke William Wallace Marietta Walsh Pam Walsh Margaret Walsh* Debra Walters Joan Monica Wanat Brandon-Dawson Warner Barbara Watkins* Deborah Watrach Vicki Watts Theresa Wawzenek Rosemary Weber Susan Weber Zarine Weil Eric & Tina Weinheimer* Terrie Weir Marc Weiss Nile Wendorf* Norah West Michele Wheeler Patrick White Jonathan Wilder Dina Wilensky Deborah Wilhelm William C. Brauneis Fund Carolyn Williams Suzanne Williams Timothy Wilson Camille Wilson White Jim Wisuri Mark & Victoria Witt Jerry & Betty Wojtak Susan Wolfe Kenneth Woods Mark & Randi Woodworth Nancy Woulfe Donald & Celine Woznica Kathy Wyant Kevin Wyderka David Yamashita R. Yankow Dean Yannias Catherine Yen* Victor Yipp Stephen Yogya Cosmas Zachos Margaret Zak Karen Zaremba Julie Zeller Steven Zeller Mary Ziegler Claudia & Leo Zinanni Maureen Zinsmeister Michele Zurakowski
Thanks to our donors who helped us make our Dec. 31st goal! Support and donate here:
3
4
Wednesday Journal, Month Januaryxx, 10,2024 2024
Shake, Rattle & Read in the Storytime Room Thursday, Jan. 11, 10 – 10:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Library This storytime is designed for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Music and movement are paired in this big, joyful class. Get ready to sing and dance with your child. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
BIG WEEK January 10-17
Saturday, Jan 13 11 – 11:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Library This storytime is crafted for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children aged 0 to 24 months. The program accommodates the wandering nature of -year-olds, allowing them to explore while caregivers engage them in short books, songs, and rhymes that introduce essential pre-literacy skills. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Thursday, Jan. 11, 4 – 5:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Library Repurpose materials and make a fun winter craft to take home or give as a gift. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Barbie & Ken Club
Meditations for an Inspired Life Friday, Jan. 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago in Oak Park In this weekly class, participants delve into the transformative practice of Lamrim, known as “Stages of the Path,” a core aspect of Kadampa Buddhism. These meditations serve as a powerful remedy, addressing stress, negativity, and confusion, ultimately guiding individuals toward a state of enduring happiness. 13 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Musicians from Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music Monday, Jan 15, 1:15 – 2:30 p.m., The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Soprano Regina Ceragioli, mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa, tenor Aaron Short, baritone David Wolfe, and pianist Chuck Foster, all alumni of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, present a diverse musical performance that spans various genres, promising to captivate the audience. 178 Forest Ave. #1, Oak Park.
Saturday, Jan 13 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Salerno’s Pizza & Pasta of Oak Park An evening of dinner and laughter with stand-up comedy performances by Kristen Toomey, JeffB rumfield , and Grace Bahler. 7128 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park.
Young & Restless
Upcycle Winter Craft
Friday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Oak Park Public Library Discover the Barbie & Ken Club with a dream house, fashion, accessories, shoes, horses, cars, and a choice of dolls. Bring your imagination for an experience that promotes storytelling, dramatic play, narrative development, conflict resolution, sharing, and parallel play— essential for all kids. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
January 2024 Dinner + A Show Stand up $omedy
All is Illusion, But Nothing Lies New works by Luis Romero
Beer and Cheese Pairing
WedOFTEBZ, Jan 17, Kinslahger Brewing Company Beautiful Rind partners with Kinslahger Brewing for a beer and cheese pairing event. Enjoy an interactive guided tasting with five beers from Kinslahger Brewing Company expertly paired by Beautiful Rind’s cheese mongers. Hear insights from Keith, Kinslahger’s owner/brewer, and learn about the pairings. Two sessions are available on Tuesday and Wednesday but act fast as tickets are limited. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. All participants must be 21+ with a valid ID, and tickets are non-refundable. For inquiries, email info@beautifulrind.com. 6806 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park.
Saturday, Jan 13, 3 – 6 p.m., Compound Yellow Puerto Rican artist Luis Romero, based in Chicago since 1998, crafts intricate, visually ambiguous assemblages using paper and cardboard. His works, often made with perishable materials, evoke a sense of both presence and absence in uncertain spaces. A MacDowell Fellow, Romero’s art is showcased in collections like the Art Institute of Chicago. 244 Lake St., Oak Park.
Family Bingo Sunday, Jan 14. 4 - 6 p.m., One Lake Brewing Gather for an early evening of all-ages fun and a chance to win prizes. Bingo runs from 4 to 6 p m. Enjoy drinks and food while playing. Join anytime, as we play continuous rounds. Walk-ins are welcome, but this event fillsupquickly . 1 Lake St., Oak Park.
Listing your event Black Hair in a White World Tuesday, Jan 16, 2:30 p.m., %PNJOJDBO 6OJWFSTBJUZ On January 16, 2024, the 8th Annual National Day of Racial Healing welcomes Dr. Tameka Ellington, an esteemed author, to explore societal perceptions of Black hair. Dr. Ellington’s lecture will delve into the cultural history and growing acceptance of Black hair in American society. The event is hosted by Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation & the Center for Cultural Liberation. 7900 Division St., River Forest.
Wednesday Journal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.
Q Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 Q Email calendar@wjinc.com
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
5
Rats resist Oak Park’s effort to expel them Residents say there’s an increase in the pesky problem around town
the country, according to a list by Orkin. However, Theresa Chapple, public health director for Oak Park, said she has not noticed an increase in rat reports in Oak Park. There are a few ways, she offered, that the village responds to rat problems: eduBy LUZANE DRAUGHON cation, mitigation and extermination. Staff Reporter If the village receives multiple calls from The battle for one Oak Park resident be- a specific area or block about a rat probgan last summer after she noticed her dog lem, they will warn the residents in that was anxiously wanting to go outside more area about the sightings and offer educafrequently. She discovered rats in her back- tional materials, Chapple said. If a resident or business owner were yard and garage were drawing her dog’s atto contact the village about a specific rat tention. “We basically caught 32 rats in one problem at their property, they will be told week,” said the woman, who asked that to fill out a release form on the village website, allowing the exterminaher name be withheld to tor the village partners with, protect her employment staPest Management Services, to tus. “One week!” leave a bait trap. Sometimes The large quantity of they will use poison, dependrats had her concerned, but ing on the situation, Chapple the problem just kept getsaid. ting worse. “The service comes out in “As the summer prothe winter every other week, gressed, they [the rats] in the spring once a week and became more ballsy,” she in the summer twice a week,” said. “It got to the point she said. where we did not even go to The response time depends the backyard because there on the resident or business were so many.” owner with a rat problem So, she called the village sending the request in by a asking for help exterminatcertain time, Chapple said, ing the infestation, she said, THERESA CHAPPLE to get on the exterminator’s but they only left one trap. Public Health director schedule for the week. OtherThen, she discovered there wise, they’ll have to wait an were the rat droppings and additional week. a dead newborn rat in her The exterminator will keep home. It was too much. in touch about their proShe has yet to see the vilcess, Chapple said, and when lage take serious steps to rethey’ll be back to follow up. duce the rat problem, she said. “If they don’t see any activity after three “I pay a lot in taxes,” she added. “I kind of times then they close the case,” she said. expect that I can use my outdoor space.” The village also works to have educaShe is not alone. Oak Parkers are reporting on social media and elsewhere tional information on social media and on that the population of rats in the village its website, Chapple said, to explain how to appears to have increased. From photos keep the rat population down and prevent of “rat holes” in alleys to photos of dead a problem. Rats are attracted to yards that bodies by dumpsters, the complaints have are overgrown, food sources, trash and been stacking up. It’s not surprising, some more, she said. Ingo Schaefer, an Oak Park resident of say. After all, neighboring Chicago is the city with the number one rat problem in more than 50 years, said has noticed rats
“The service comes out in the winter every other week, in the spring once a week and in the summer twice a week.”
LILLIAN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
around his property located at a duplex he owns on South Ridgeland Avenue, but none at his personal home. “I’ve seen them scurrying across the alley,” he said. “In particular when it’s dark.” He has not reported the issue to the village, he said, but he has seen other people on Facebook complain about the problem. The infestation seems to have increased, Schaefer said. “I haven’t seen rats in years,” he said. “Most recently, I have.” One attraction for the pests could be garbage, Schaefer said, due to trucks potentially dropping trash with the mechanical pickup. He said he’s cleaned up after the trash pickup several times. Another attraction for rats could be residents not properly picking up after their dogs, he said, as he’s seen an increase in waste left around in the last several months. He said he worries about the rats getting into his house as well. “You worry about disease, you worry about cleanliness,” he said. “They’re pretty nasty animals.”
Overfilling dumpsters and not picking up after dogs are two bigger issues that attract rats, Chapple said. “They [rats] really enjoy dog feces,” she said. “I read a report that said that’s considered caviar to rats.” Schaefer said he has seen the village lay out bait traps to catch rats but does not know if those are recently set or from past problems. He said he hopes the village will address the rats, although he thinks it’s an even bigger problem in neighboring communities. “I suspect the village is doing a reasonable job with what they’re facing,” he said.
C O R R E C T I O N
A story that appeared in the Jan. 3 issue, “OPRF school board approves annual tax levy,” was incorrect on the levy adjustment. The correct levy adjustment is $516,132. We apologize for the error.
6
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
River Forest migrant bus ordinance falls short Short-handed board unable to muster required votes By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporte
A short-handed River Forest Village Board failed to approve an ordinance on unscheduled intercity buses Jan. 8 and tabled the measure until the Jan. 22 meeting. With Trustees Ken Johnson and Bob O’Connell not in attendance, the remaining four trustees split on adopting the ordinance with Trustees Lisa Gillis and Respicio Vazquez voting in favor and Trustees Erika Bachner and Katie Brennan voting against. When village President Cathy Adduci voted in favor, it appeared the ordinance had been approved but village Attorney Lance Malina of Klein, Thorpe and Jenkins Ltd. informed officials that four affirmative votes were required for passage. The vote came after a lengthy discussion of the proposed ordinance, which was intended to formally codify regulations regarding intercity buses, specifically those coming to the village to drop off migrants on their way to Chicago. Adduci had signed an executive order Dec. 29 to place similar restrictions on intercity buses. Village administrator Matt Walsh said in a memo to officials that the proposed ordinance would require charter bus companies to file an application with the village Police Department at least five business days in advance of an intended arrival date. The application requires information
MIGRANTS
Protocol is evolving from page 1 “City staff are there to welcome them and ensure all seeking shelter are taken care of or assisted with onward movement,” a City of Chicago press release stated. Arrivals will be provided with warming buses while waiting for shelter availability, according to a City of Chicago spokesperson. Snacks, water and Meals Ready-to-Eat are also available. Other services and items available at the
regarding the entity that is responsible for directing the bus; a plan for how passengers will be cared for upon arrival; and specifics about the arrival time and location. The ordinance would restrict dropoffs to the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If a bus service is in violation of any section of the ordinance, the operator is subject to a fine of no less than $750 per passenger and buses in violation are also subject to seizure and impoundment, Walsh added. Adduci explained that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson asked suburban officials in a conference call via Zoom to coordinate their efforts regarding the intercity buses. “We’re on untrodden ground,” Malina explained, noting that “many municipalities” had already approved similar ordinances. “The idea is coordination,” he added. “I understand the need for an ordinance,” Bachner said, but asked what would happen if such a bus carrying migrants breaks down while stopped in River Forest for gas or food. She also speculated whether the ordinance should address means of transportation other than buses such as vans as well a procedure if a passenger becomes ill when the bus is in River Forest. Malina explained that paramedics are called to treat anybody who becomes ill when in the village, including those being arrested.
“We treat everybody the same,” Adduci added. “The best thing we can do is get these people to Chicago where services are available.” Brennan said she was in favor of changes made between the executive order and the ordinance but added she “still had concerns about unintended consequences” and suggested “giving the ordinance more thought.” She also said she thinks the executive order and the ordinance “don’t reflect who we are as a village” and advocated asking passengers on buses stopped in River Forest if they needed water, food, sanitary supplies or warm clothing, or if they needed to use a clean restroom. “We can make a difference,” Brennan continued, suggesting that residents be
asked to make a financial contribution or donate food or clothing, similar to what is being done in Oak Park. Adduci, Gillis and Vazquez agreed help should be provided but not by the village government. “I think River Forest is a great community and know these things are already being done by our residents,” Adduci said. “It shouldn’t be the village’s job. This is the best way, to coordinate.” “It’s not a government job,” Gillis said. “We should be engaging the non-profits.” “I appreciate the thought,” Vazquez said. “But River Forest is too small to provide the resources that are needed.” Brennan also suggested several changes to the proposed ordinance to clean up the language, which were incorporated.
landing zone include blankets, warm clothing, out of state migration, local outmigration and a Chicago police presence. A new intake center and shelter site is set to launch in January, according to an Illinois Department of Human Services press release. The site will be at the same location as the bus “landing zone” to maximize efficiency, according to the release, and will include six heated tents. “At IDHS – we have a message for all Illinoisans – no matter how long they have lived here: Help is here,” Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary Designate, said in the release. The new site will also work to connect migrants with services to help them along on their journey. The State of Illinois has also
been funding New Life Centers and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago to provide support, allowing for more than 2,500 individuals to connect with loved ones rather than entering the shelter system, according to the release. The IDHS press release states that work is continuing on a shelter with capacity for 220 people located in Little Village at a former CVS Pharmacy. Individuals staying at a temporary shelter at a Chicago hotel, which accommodated an uptick in arrivals during the holidays, will be transferred to the Little Village shelter once opened. A $4 million investment has provided meals to migrants in Chicago shelter sites, funds acquired from the State of Illinois and the
Greater Chicago Food Depository. The State of Illinois is extending its contract through Jan. 15 with an additional $2 million, until Chicago takes over, according to the release. About $478 million in Illinois funding has been committed to asylum seeker response during fiscal year 2023 and 2024, according to the release, including funding to Chicago, other municipalities helping asylum seekers as well as for shelter, food, medical care and more. “The State is determined to use its limited resources as efficiently as possible, helping asylum seekers settle in Illinois and achieve independence,” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in the release.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
7
New principal announced for Fenwick John Finan will start at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
Fenwick High School named its next principal just in time to end 2023 on a positive note. John Finan will begin his position as the new principal at the beginning of the 202425 school year. The new hiring comes a few weeks following the surprise departure of Mark Rasar, who served as principal at Fenwick for six months. According to previous reports and a press release from the Dominican Catholic college preparatory school, Rasar accepted a new position as the Chief Executive Officer for Northern Kane Educational Corporation, an educational development and management firm that offers educational choices for learning at the Cambridge Lakes Learning Center in Pingree Grove. After news of his departure, Rev. Rich-
ard Peddicord, Fenwick president, said the school had already begun its search and was hoping to find a proper and qualified replacement by the beginning of the following school year. “It is doable,” Peddicord said in a previous interview. “The search that brought Mr. Rasar to the front was a couple of months, not a very long time.” And doable it was. The high school announced Finan as the new principal in a press release dated Dec. 27, 2023. A graduate of Fenwick’s Class of 1987, Finan has a long history with the school, with both his father and brothers being alumni, along with several of his nieces and nephews. Aside from being familiar with the school, Finan comes with extensive experience in education, having served as associate principal and principal of Glenbrook North High School, in Northbrook, where
he worked from 2008 to 2020. He is now working as an instructional supervisor for summer school and a Spanish teacher for Glenbrook District 225. Accepting the position of principal at Fenwick can also be considered a full circle moment, as he began his teaching career as a Spanish teacher at Fenwick in 1991, where he taught until 1994. That, alongside his own experience at the high school, contributed to his love for education. “It was the experience that I had as a student at Fenwick,” he said. “I had a number of teachers that had a profound impact on my life. All Fenwick graduates can identify inspirational educators that were part of their own experience. In college and beyond, they appreciate the quality of their teachers and the faith and academic foundation that Fenwick provided.” See NEW PRINCIPAL on page 28
COURTESY OF FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL
John Finan will begin his new position as principal of Fenwick High School at the beginning of the next school year.
8
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Lady Wildcats hope to bring championship trophy to St. Catherine-St. Lucy The Classic League’s playoffs begin Jan. 22 By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
The Lady Wildcats girls varsity basketball team only has a few more games to win if they want to see another playoff, their first since playing in the Classic League for the first time, and according to their coach, they have a very good chance of bringing their second trophy back to St. CatherineSt. Lucy School. “It has been an amazing year,” said Isaac Funches, head basketball coach. “From transitioning from a program that really didn’t have much to blowing up, letting the kids see the potential in themselves and growing. It has really been fun.” The varsity team, composed of seventh and eighth graders at the private school in Oak Park, transitioned over to the Classic League, an association of Catholic elementary schools from Chicago and the west suburbs, for this season as their previous league wasn’t run this year. “It was an interesting transition for me
as a coach because I was so used to some of the coaches we had played before, some of the other schools and with SJV, the skill level was pretty set but with the Classic League, it is a little more challenging,” Funches said. “The rules fall a little bit more in line with what you see in high schools compared to elementary schools.” Funches said playing in a new league required the team to work on their skills and focus on their practices. “When school started at the end of August, we hit the gym right away,” Funches said. “So from that point until the season started [in October] we were training multiple times a week trying to get everybody in condition and learning the game.” The hard work paid off as the Lady Wildcats finished the 2023 calendar year 11-0 and have three more games at the start of the new year before the playoffs at the end of January. The girls’ varsity team had a taste of victory last season, bringing home a championship trophy to St. Catherine-St. Lucy. “[The] St. Catherine’s girls team had actually never brought a trophy back to St. Catherine’s before, so that was cool,” Funches said. “Our boys have always brought a trophy home. So it was cool for
PROVIDED BY ISAAC FUNCHES
PROVIDED BY ISAAC FUNCHES
St. Catherine-St. Lucy’s girls varsity basketball team, Lady Wildcats, with head coach Isaac Funches. them to bring some metal home.” The recent success of the team comes after a history of losing seasons, said Funches, who joined the team as head coach in 2019, adding he believed a regrouping was in order to take the team all the way and show the girls their full potential. “I changed the culture quite a bit,” Funches said. “[By] that first season’s end, we were in the playoffs and we made it down to the final two teams. Unfortunately, we did not come in first place but it was a huge turnaround for us.” Clearly the team did not lose that momentum or hunger for a victory. Funches said the girls mindset has been set on improving and winning more games, adding they are very receptive and open to learning what they can be doing better. Funches also said he believes in giving all players time on the court as the sport is a great pathway to developing confidence in
the girls’ everyday life. Jazmyn Ratliff, a seventh grader at St. Catherine- St. Lucy said the team has worked well together. While in her first year at the private school, Ratliff said she wanted to join the basketball team to be a part of a championship team. “We are working together to build confidence in each other and ourselves, and our coaches have been helping us with that too,” Ratliff said. Her mom, Christina Ratliff, says it has been an exciting season for the whole team and the community is excited for another championship. “I think the girls have come a long way and as long as they believe in themselves, keep that confidence up and instill that confidence in one another, they have a 100% chance of finishing up on top,” Christina Ratliff said.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Dominican brings new athletics director closer to home Award-winning John Planek, director of intercollegiate athletics, leaves Romeoville for River Forest
Mickey’s is the place! Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner
$15.49
B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS
10.99
$
Sandwich w/ Fries .99 $
10
1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger
Gyros Plate Dinner
Big Mickey! $ .99
1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $14.99
3
Every day Special!
John Planek ing the position at Dominican shortens the commute for the 50-year resident of Oak Park. He said he “wanted to get closer to home” and that the new job provides “a better life balance.” He also said he applied to the school “to move the program forward.” In addition, as a professed lay Dominican, the new job strengthens the already strong ties he has with the Dominican mission, noting that “was an important part of the context.” According to the Dominican Life USA website, lay Dominicans “enrich the Dominican Family with their passion for the truth, their love of Dominican prayer and apostolic zeal” and have a direct role in the preaching mission. A 1979 graduate of Fenwick, where he played baseball and basketball, Planek earned his bachelor’s degree at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago; master’s degree in sports administration at Biscayne College, now St. Thomas University in Florida; and doctorate degree in education leadership at Loyola University in Chicago. Ironically, Planek applied for the athletic See ATHLETIC DIRECTOR on page 28
$22.99
includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread
Wednesday
PROVIDED
Full Slab Dinner
525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily Italian Beef Hot Dogs w/ Fries
Contributing Reporter
John Planek, new director of intercollegiate athletics at Dominican University in River Forest, said one of his goals in his new job is looking for partnerships. Just months after his hiring in November, he’s off to a good start, already arranging for the school’s Igini Sports Forum to host this month’s girls varsity basketball game between crosstown rivals Trinity High School in River Forest and Fenwick High School in Oak Park, as well as the River Forest Park District grade school basketball championships for fourth through eighth grade boys and girls March 16. Planek comes to River Forest from Lewis University in Romeoville, where he served as director of intercollegiate athletics for 12 years, overseeing highly successful programs in men’s and women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. While at Lewis, he was named athletic director of the year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Directors in 2016-17. He also served for 12 years as director of athletics at Loyola University of Chicago and two years as director of athletics at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, as well as 13 years at DePaul University in Chicago, including as associate athletic director. Coming to Dominican, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III school, completes a trifecta of sorts for Planek. Having previously served as athletic director at a NCAA Division II school in Lewis and a Division I school in Loyola, he now has served at schools in all three NCAA divisions. “I’m glad to be here,” Planek said, not-
Enjoy a RibFilled New Year! Year!
3 Vienna
By ROBERT J. LIFKA
9
Gyros with fries $9.99
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HOME SERVICES
ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat • Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost - 708.749.0011
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
HANDYMAN
Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
10
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Make it a point to
HEAR This YEAR!
6905 Nor th Av Ave~Oak Park
708.445.7171
Dr. r. Chow
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
11
Dads rock out to expand kids’ access to music A dad band’s benefit concert helps low-income students in music programs By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
Local dads will be rocking the stage at Robert’s Westside for a night of hard rock music, headbanging, and giving the next generation a chance of playing music. Arriver, Stomatopod, Underhand, and Numerical Control Society are rock bands, each with at least one local dad, who will be playing a benefit concert for PING!, a nonprofit that helps low-income students participate in music programs at school. Matt O’Dell, of Oak Park, is the guitarist of Numerical Control Society, a hard rock band that has played shows across Chicagoland, and a local dad who wanted to form more connections with other dads in Oak Park. “I was surprised to find that there were other people in other bands that we have played with who were members of the Oak Park dad’s group. I didn’t even know they lived in Oak Park,” O’Dell said. From there, O’Dell said a few other members of these “dad bands,” as he jokingly calls them, have been trying to put together a show together and kept in communication with the other bands, some of whom he has played shows with already. The idea was simple: do a show together, it should be local, and it should be a fundraiser. However, finding the perfect venue turned out to be a little tricky. “Finding local bars around here that will play hard rock and heavy metal music can be tough,” O’Dell said. But when Robert’s West Side opened in Forest Park in November 2023, O’Dell reached out to owner Donnie Biggins, who was on board with the idea and welcomed those music genres. It was actually O’Dell’s wife, a PTO member at Longfel-
PHOTO BY STEVE SCHEURING
A PING! percussion student performs at the Mentor Showcase, April 2023. Poster (below) for the upcoming concert that features the bands Arriver, Stomatopod, Numerical Control Society and Underhand. low Elementary School, who came home with a flier from PING!, Providing Instruments for the Next Generation, a local nonprofit organization that helps provide equitable access to band and orchestra instruments and music opportunities. It serves student in fourth through 12th grade in Oak Park and River Forest. For musicians like O’Dell, who was a music education major in college, PING! was the perfect beneficiary for the benefit concert. Michelle Dybal, executive director of PING!, said they not only provide instruments and maintenance of the instruments for low-income students from D97 and D91, but they also work to level the playing field through mentorship programs, workshops for elementary students, and provide access to music lessons and pay for trips to help students be on par with their peers. This year PING! provided financial support to 150 students, an increase from their numbers which usually average around 130 students per year. Dybal said the nonprofit was founded with a goal to increase the diversity of the student population that participates in music programs, and it largely serves students of color from low-income families. “It seems pretty obvious to us that if we weren’t here
doing this there would be a lot of students who wouldn’t have this opportunity,” Dybal said. “Families tell us this all the time. If we weren’t there giving support their students wouldn’t have been able to discover they love music and they have this talent.” The growth seen in students extends past the music rooms. Dybal noted that many studies show that participating in music and playing an instrument can bring many benefits to students, including a sense of community. Stomatopod band member John Huston of Oak Park said he knows firsthand what an amazing companion music can be throughout someone’s life. Crediting music for giving him the ability to travel and meet extraordinary people, Huston said growing up playing in high school bands allowed him the avenue for self-expression. “I think playing music is a really wonderful way for kids to enjoy the same thing,” he said. “We want to encourage as many people as possible to find their muse, whether it’s music or other endeavors.” Looking back on his childhood, O’Dell said he realized how fortunate he was to come from a family who would afford to invest in his passion for music. “I got a trumpet in fifth grade and I got my first guitar in fifth grade and even allowing me to go to music school, I had that luxury because it is not cheap buying gear and you need stuff to play music,” O’Dell said, adding music lessons, which he considers mentorships, are also expensive. “Having an organization that helps anyone be able to realize the benefits of that if that is the thing they want to do or if that is where they find that passion is amazing.” The benefit concert will be held at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison in Forest Park with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
12
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
District 97 enrolls migrant students Oak Park elementary school district focuses on warm welcome
By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
As Oak Park’s District 97 elementary schools welcome the first wave of migrant students into the district, the district reiterates that Oak Park will be a welcoming place for all. During a Dec. 14 meeting, D97 administrators presented an update on how the district was addressing the enrollment of migrant students across its schools. According to Michael Arensdorff, chief technology officer, there are currently 162 asylum seekers in the Village of Oak Park: 57 of them are children under the age of 18 years old. Arensdorff said most migrant students enrolled are at Holmes Elementary School and Brooks Middle School. “In our community, whenever there are students, school age children, who want to be enrolled in school, we welcome students into the school district,” said Dr. Ushma Shah, district superintendent. Currently, D97 has 52 migrant students enrolled. The elementary school district is in an ongoing collaboration with the Village of Oak Park, The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel and the West Cook YMCA, where some asylum seekers are staying, as well as other community partners. Dr. Luis De Leon, assistant superintendent of middle schools, said the district is committed to ensuring access to a public education to all families who reside in Oak Park. While doing this, De Leon also said the district implemented its equity policy as well as ensuring it is adhering to responsibilities and duties outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education. D97’s commitment includes welcoming and supporting migrant students through adaptations in programming, prepared learning environments, and ongoing professional development. Providing the school board with information on the timeline the district has had to work with, Arensdorff said D97 first became aware of specific families who had school age children in November 2023 and within a two-day period the district registered 28 students. In the month of November, the district also conducted staff meetings and family orientations to help everyone start off on
PROVIDED BY AMANDA SIEGFRIED
HOLA, AMIGOS Y AMIGAS: “Bienvenidos a Holmes,” welcomes Spanish-speaking students to the school. the right track. Currently, the district is working on instructional program planning as well as developing Transitional Bilingual Education programs -- a teaching approach that focuses on daily instruction in English and allows the student to use their home language when needed. This type of program allows the flexibility to meet various student needs, regardless of their English proficiency levels and is also a requirement by the state board once a school has 20 or more English language learners. Based on the number of enrolled migrant students, D97 would be required to provide Spanish TBE, said De Leon. “Our numbers have been growing through time, it hasn’t been steady,” De Leon said. “With the new families coming in it helped us solidify more of the structures we have in place and what we have to put in place.” According to De Leon, historically D97 has provided a Transitional Program of Instruction model, usually ESL, for English-learners and currently has the program at all 10 schools and TBE at Holmes and Brooks. De Leon also addressed staffing and pre-
paring learning environments during the presentation, saying both are key in how the district has prepared for the welcoming of these students. In terms of staffing, De Leon said D97 has qualified staff that has allowed them to take the steps needed to plan to teach migrant students. “We have a lot of assets in our staff. Many of the staff have credentials, endorsements, skills and expertise that can support programs like these,” he said. Shah said the district will plan accordingly to meet the needs of whatever number of students they have with them at the time. Whether or not the number of migrant students enrolled at D97 at any given time will change is up in the air as Oak Park village trustees voted 4 to 3 in November to provide $500,000 in unspent federal funds, extending its previous emergency declaration through February 6, 2024. “Our stand has been that whenever there are students, we will plan for them,” Shah said. “We need to make staffing decisions and we will make them based on students that are in front of us at the time but recognizing that could change and we need to adapt later.”
Providing access to a safe and welcoming physical environment is also a priority. At Holmes, a “Bienvenidos a Holmes” welcoming sign serves as the first visual to the warm welcome being extended to migrant students. “Imagine going through the experiences that many of them went through, walking into a space like this and being able to see that, how to have fulfillment, safety and inclusiveness that shows,” De Leon said. But it needs to be more than just a sign, said De Leon who expanded about the other ways they have extended that welcome, including meeting the families and walking them through enrollment forms and answering questions. Part of that planning is ensuring that staff has access to professional development opportunities. According to De Leon, having staff at state and national conferences helps bring valuable information to the district on ways they can expand and adequately address the education needs of migrants, and all students. In hopes of facilitating communication, the district provided a direct number parents can call to leave a voicemail that is associated with their Let’s Talk communication platform, which can be used by anyone in the D97 community. According to Amanda Siegfried, senior director of communications and engagement, the parents will receive a follow-up call or email from the right individual or team. “That means that somebody can leave a message at that number in their own language, and it will go to our Spanish speaking staff member so their immediate call they get back is in Spanish,” Shah said. “It cuts out that whole navigation. This is a technological innovation that really creates a more inclusive and accessible school district.” Also on the promotional flyers is a QR code which takes users to the district’s Registration, Residency and Homeless Liaison webpage, where they can submit information and questions in their native language and be contacted by the registration team within 24 to 48 hours. But as the district sets these plans into place, they are also keeping in mind that changes might need to be made in the future. “The way things happen, as we receive students, we need to be able to adjust,” said De Leon.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
13
Oak Park extends migrants’ stay, acquires more funds for help West Cook YMCA and The Carleton Hotel of Oak Park will provide shelter until Feb. 29
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
The village of Oak Park has reached an agreement with the West Cook YMCA and The Carleton Hotel of Oak Park to provide shelter for migrants until Feb. 29, according to a Dec. 29 memorandum from the Emergency Operations Center. In December, officials said that migrants staying at these locations would have to move out by Jan. 31. New funding has allowed migrants to stay an additional month. “We want to work with the migrants and asylum seekers so they can find networks and a community that will enable them to thrive,” Village President Vicki Scaman said. “That may or may not be within the Village of Oak Park.” At the beginning of March, rooms where migrants are currently staying at the YMCA and The Carleton will no longer be available because of pre-existing commitments, according to the memo. Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security will
provide additional funding in the amount of $350,000, said Dan Yopchick, Village of Oak Park chief communications officer. The village was notified about receiving the funding on Dec. 25, he said. “This puts us in a much better situation,” Scaman said. “This helps us, for lack of better wording, pay ourselves back. Cook County is paying us back.” The funding will extend the ongoing services, Yopchick said, including room rentals at the YMCA and The Carleton, prepared meals, services from Housing Forward, transportation, legal services and more. Migrants staying at these locations will be provided with a Demand for Possession and Termination notice, which is legally required to provide adequate notice, according to the memo. The document will be written in English, but caseworkers are ready to translate. The migrants were due to receive the notices Dec. 29, Yopchick said. According to the memo, support for the emergency shelter program has been the result of $400,000 in grant funding from
Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services and a total of $650,000 allocated by the village board of trustees in unspent American Rescue Plan Act funding. “[We’re] happy to work with any additional communities that might be interested or willing to learn about our experience and potentially continue that aid,” Scaman said. Scaman added that working with the faith-based community in Oak Park to aid migrants is a model that should be replicated in other places. The memorandum states that asylum seekers are encouraged to work with caseworkers to make plans for after Feb. 29 and village staff will share available resources. Oak Park will provide transportation for relocation. Migrants who arrived in the United States before July 31, 2023, can apply for Temporary Protected Status. Village staff are available to offer support and answer questions from migrants, Yopchick said, to try and assist with personal plans for their transition. It is anticipated that Oak Park’s emergency declaration, set to expire on Feb. 6,
will be extended to Feb. 29, according to the memo. Extending the emergency declaration is predicted to be an agenda item contingent on board approval at the first village board of trustees meeting of the year on Jan. 16, Scaman said. The emergency declaration allows the village manager authority to make financial decisions quickly without waiting on board approval, Yopchick said. Residents have reached out to Scaman with positive feedback regarding the village’s emergency response, she said, but some remain concerned about a responsible transition process for the migrants. “The time was really desperately needed,” Scaman said. “January 31st was going to come entirely too quickly for us to have the answers that we need.” The village has also been notified by the State of Illinois, according to the memo, that more resources may become available. “[This funding] is a game changer for us,” Scaman said. “I’m grateful also to all of the volunteers and residents of Oak Park that are really very positive examples of what it is to be welcoming.”
C R I M E
Armed robber flees from scene with limp
A man entered an Oak Park business on the 400 block of Madison Street on Jan. 1. He displayed a revolver and demanded money from the register. After the store clerk opened the drawer, the man stole the money and left the scene. He was last seen heading in a northwest direction with a limp. The estimated loss is $300.
Burglary ■ An individual gained entry to an Oak Park residence garage on the 400 block of South Clinton Avenue through an open overhead door. The person shattered the rear driver side door window of a 2015 silver Hyundai Elantra and damaged the steering column while trying to steal the vehicle. The estimated damage is $3,300. ■ Someone entered a ground floor Oak Park residence on the 200 block of Harrison Street through an unlocked window on Jan. 4. The person ransacked the bedroom
and stole a black Insignia 50-inch TV and $5,000. The estimated total loss is $5,300.
Criminal damage to property Three men attempted to enter an Oak Park business on the 500 block of South Austin Boulevard through a locked service door on Jan. 1. One of the men kicked and shattered the bottom half of the glass door. The men then fled on foot and were last seen northbound on Humphrey Avenue. Estimated damages are unknown.
Disorderly conduct arrest A man from Chicago was arrested on the 700 block of North Austin Boulevard on Jan. 2 for disorderly conduct after he exposed himself to another Chicago resident. The man was given a citation and notice to appear in court.
Domestic battery arrest
■ An Oak Park man was arrested on Jan. 5 for domestic battery that occurred on Dec. 30 against another Oak Park resident. The arrest took place at 3000 W. Washington Blvd in Bellwood. He was charged with two counts of domestic battery and interference with the reporting of domestic battery. He was held for bond hearings. ■ An Oak Park man was arrested Jan. 8 for domestic battery on the 100 block of South Austin Boulevard. He also had an active warrant from Will County for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. After processing, he was held for bond hearings.
Motor vehicle theft ■ Someone stole an Oak Park resident’s white 2018 Infiniti Q50 while it was parked at the 1200 block of North Hayes Avenue between Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. The estimated
loss is $25,515. The vehicle was entered into the Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science system. ■ Someone stole an Oak Park resident’s orange 2016 Hyundai Tucson while parked on the 100 block of Washington Boulevard on Jan. 3. The estimated loss is $15,000. The vehicle was entered into LEADS.
These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports dated Dec. 29, 2023, through Jan. 9, 2024, 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 Luzane Draughon
14 Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024 S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
Eggsperience goes beyond egg-spectations Breakfast and lunch spot on The Circle in Elmwood Park By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Eggsperience is a local restaurant with a presence not only in Elmwood Park, but also in the city in Lakeview, on Taylor Street, Irving Park Road and in Wheeling. The idea for farm to table freshness at breakfast and lunch with locally sourced ingredients hatched in 2004. But it wasn’t until 2018 when the concept came to The Circle in Elmwood Park at 16 Conti Parkway. The idea of an egg with just about anything has been on trend for a while, but its deliciousness has not faded. The restaurant’s website boasts that, “all egg dishes are made with free range, USDA organic, non-GMO fresh eggs from local farmers.” And the orange juice is fresh squeezed. The menu ranges from traditional
breakfasts that you can tuck into with gusto, like a variety of omelets and scrambles. There is an option to build your own from a wide variety of ingredients, if one on the menu doesn’t tempt you. Eggs are still the main attraction when you order steak and eggs, corned beef hash and eggs, or a variety of benedicts. Avocado toast with an egg on top is a sure winner. And an egg and cheese bagel covers all the bases. What is surprising is the number of flavor profiles that all of these come in. There is The Ranchero omelet with a mix of chorizo sausage, jalapeños, queso fresco, topped with a cilantro lime sour cream. A Mediterranean pairs eggs with spinach, imported kalamata olives and authentic Greek feta cheese. Greek yogurt parfait lives up to its namesake “perfect.” The chilaquiles is a sensation bringing rich tortillas, eggs any style, and green salsa together with queso fresco and cilantro lime sour cream. The menu encompasses many dietary
needs with vegetarian options and even some vegan ones. Berry Berry Oatmeal is made with water, not milk, so vegans can dig in. Sweet tooth diners aren’t left out either. Crepes, pancakes, waffles or French toast can cozy up with berries, Nutella,
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Eggsperience in Elmwood Park
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Avacado toast
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Berry Berry oatmeal
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024 15
S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
WE KNOW EGGSACTLY WHAT YOU WANT RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
(above) Cracked-egg burger & sweet potato fries (left) Bagel egg sandwich or cinnamon. Fried chicken and waffles spans both sides of sweet and savory. For the kids, Oreo cookie pancakes are sure to please. Both pancakes and waffles can be ordered gluten-free. But wait…there is lunch! The breakfast menu is available all day long but when you start to dream of tacos, salads, soup, and sandwiches, Eggsperience has got you covered there too. The Eggsperience Cracked Egg Burger is a house specialty. Paired with sweet potato fries no one is going away hungry. Online review sites give the restaurant an average between 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars with positive reviews such as: • We got two kids’ meals and two regular ones and it only took like 10 minutes from ordering to get our food. A nice touch is the water carafe at the table and a coffee carafe for refills of both. • Had the dulce de leche French toast. They came with fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas and an amazing sauce. Generous portion and beautiful presentation. • You’ll need a to go container for most options. Generous portions, fabulous
omelets, and the option for pancakes as a side guarantee a perfect sweet savory breakfast experience. The restaurant’s website states that this location is under new management, which will surely address any negatives that might have accumulated in the past. Eggsperience offers catering and delivery, as well as pick up service. And specials rotate throughout the month. Once you decide that this place is everything it’s cracked up to be, there’s a rewards program for repeat eaters. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent at this location and you’ll get $10 off your next order after every 100 points. At Eggsperience you can answer the ageold question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? The answer: whichever one you ordered for your meal.
The details eggsperiencecafe.com/locations/elmwood-park 16 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park (708) 395-5007 Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All egg dishes are made with free range, USDA organic, non GMO fresh eggs from our local Farmers!
16 Conti Pkwy • Elmwood Park • 708.395.5007
Keep up with Elmwood Park Eats
on OakPark.com
16
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wood family brings Bali to Oak Park
Known for their igloos, the Wood family opted this year for a cultural touchstone By GRACE HARTY Contributing Reporter
Instead of building their famous igloos, Antony Wood decided to make a new structure for the community to appreciate. Antony Wood, father of the Oak Park igloo family, has brought a piece of Bali to the community on behalf of his wife, Tansri. In his words, the family has developed a reputation for being the “house with the two architects who do crazy things.” Their reputation was surely set in stone during Halloween of 2020, when the kids of Oak Park wanted to still trick-or-treat despite not being able to go from house to house. Instead of falling accustomed to COVID restrictions, Tansri Wood did not disappoint. To make the little ones happy, she rigged up a zipline from the front porch to the fence, where the two sent candy down whenever children walked by. Today, their reputation lives on. In recent years, the family would come together during
TODD A. BANNOR
Antony Wood
TODD A. BANNOR
Home-built Balinese shrine to the Hindu god Ganesha in the front yard of Antony Wood’s home on Dec. 27. January and February to build colorful igloos that caught people’s attention. However, because of warmer winter conditions, Wood decided to bring his and his wife’s longheld idea of building a Balinese shrine to fruition. Wood and his wife met in Indonesia more than 30 years ago while he was working in Asia on business and while she worked in the office. After a while, the two moved to his birthplace, England, while his soon-to-be-wife worked on her master’s degree there. After working and finishing school, the two decided to get married. They agreed that the best place to tie the knot was Java, where she was born. During the wedding, his family came together from all around the world to celebrate the couple’s love for each other. In fact, the newlyweds and 30 other friends and family members all honeymooned together in Bali. The idea to build the shrine, however, came to mind while they were on a family trip two years ago. Wood explained how major buildings in Bali had their own shrines to pay respects and homage to Hindu gods. This observation led to the manifestation of his next project. The family decided to bring back local materials that would be used to build the shrine. “We love Bali very much and so maybe 10 years ago after a Bali trip, we brought back with us these Balinese umbrellas and started using them in the garden.” Wood stated. The bright yellow umbrella, two attendants, the elephant Ganesha statue, and the material on the tree behind the shrine are all straight from Bali. According to Wood, he broke down his building process into four main steps: the foundation, materials, dry build,
and final layout. His first order of business was to build the foundation of the shrine, which is a 9-cubic-foot slab of concrete. Originally, he dug a 12-cubic-foot hole, considering the walls would start to cave in as he dug multiple feet into the ground. And get this… he did all his digging manually. “It almost killed me digging that hole,” he joked. He then made a cage with metal reinforcement bars before pouring in the cement. The shrine was built to be permanent and the concrete acts as a strong base. Then Wood made his first mistake. His instinct was to buy normal brick to start his dry building process. However, to his dismay, the regular brick did not look right – it looked too thick and bulky. He needed to find a much thinner brick and Roman brick ended up being the perfect option. Roman brick permitted Wood to achieve the subtle step look. It is the same brick Frank Lloyd Wright used to build many of his houses in Oak Park. The next steps consisted of drying all the appropriate materials then backtracking to refine and perfect the aesthetic of the shrine. Despite this solo act – unlike the family igloo activity – Tansri Wood acted as his “aesthetic advisor” during the refining process, her husband said. Finally, Wood glued the bricks together, along with all the other materials of the shrine, to make the beautiful, culturally significant Balinese shrine. In all, the project took him around five days across a one-month span, costing him around $1,200. Wood’s Balinese shrine is located on Superior Street in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District of Oak Park.
January 10, 2024 17
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Special Advertising Section
Winter 2024
Education and
Enrichment
Guide
local schools | early learning | tutoring programs
eally where ence a blast d color e is a d has verse
e es are k! She ve ys ightful ory, ry
d hat nd Kids Art
18 January 10, 2024
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Special Advertising Section
River Forest Public Schools Earn Top State Designations
T
he Illinois State Board of Education published the Illinois State Report Card, an annual evaluation of all public schools that provides each school with an individual Summative Designation. River Forest District 90 public schools earned two Exemplary Designations and a Commendable Designation, the top two of the five leveled Summative Designations. Willard and Lincoln Elementary Schools earned Exemplary Designations. The Summative Designation index score for Willard indicates performance in the top 3-4% of all public schools throughout the state, and marks the second year in a row that Willard has earned the Exemplary Designation. The Summative Designation index score for Lincoln indicates performance in the top 1% of all schools. Roosevelt Middle School earned
P
a Commendable Designation, demonstrating improved achievement on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness over last year in both English Language Arts and Math, as well as exceptional performance on the Illinois Science Assessment. Learn more at www.illinoisreportcard.com. “We celebrate these Summative Designations because of what they represent - extraordinary teaching and learning across our schools,” said Ed Condon, Ph.D., Superintendent. “Congratulations to the entire community.” District 90 Schools will hold Kindergarten Information Night on Thurs Feb 8 at 6:30pm, for all River Forest families with children who will be 5 years old on or before 9/1/2024. The event runs at both Willard School, 1250 Ashland Ave, and Lincoln School, 511 Park Ave.
Art Reinforces Learning and Critical Thinking
hyllis Frick, owner of Frick Kids Art, believes art is an integral part of learning and builds critical thinking skills. Lessons may explore how water and oil don’t mix, observe microscopic organisms that become abstract paintings or collaborate with Mathnasium to turn math concepts such as tessellations and tangrams into art. Process Art, the exploration of materials, rather than focussing on the outcome, is the underlying method used at Frick Kids Art. Children make their own choices from a buffet of materials to facilitate decision making skills that are key to building self esteem, confidence, and pride in ownership. “Look at my masterpiece!” and “I wonder what would happen if…” are comments frequently overheard during classes at Frick Kids Art. An Oak Parker states “I brought my
grandkids, ages 3 and 5, to a really fun and fascinating art project where Ms. Frick taught them how science and art intersected. They had a blast experiencing how motion and color came together in their art. She is a natural with young children and has good experience with neuro-diverse populations.” And a mother from Burr Ridge explains, “Mrs. Frick’s art classes are the highlight of our kid’s week! She encourages critical and creative thinking and classes are always well prepared with some insightful background, a bit of art history, practical instruction and very importantly...they're FUN!” If you’re looking for art classes and camps that are individualized and that emphasize curiosity, imagination and unique outcomes, check out Frick Kids Art for Pre-K through sixth graders.
January 10, 2024 19
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Special Advertising Section
Légere Dance Centre Specializing in
Specializing in Ballet - Pointe Ballet – Pointe - Contemporary, JContemporary, azz and Tap. Jazz & Tap
Are you a woman in business? The Wednesday Journal’s Women in Business special section is a great opportunity for your business to meaningfully engage with our readers and showcase the impact that the women in your business have. Contact Lourdes (lourdes@oakpark.com) or Ben (ben@oakpark.com) to learn more.
The St. Luke School Difference
S
t. Luke School has been providing families an excellent, Catholic education since 1921. We are proud of our 100-year legacy and look forward to educating children for generations to come. At St. Luke, we strive to honor our mission of engaging the intellect and nurturing the spirit of our students. • Rigorous and engaging academic programming resulting in 77.5% of students above proficiency in reading and math, far exceeding the Illinois average of 38%. • Reading and language arts resources and instruction is driven by evidence based practices with explicit teaching in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. • A student-teacher ratio of 10:1 fosters a sense of community and allows for a higher impact teaching environment. • Highly-skilled and dedicated teaching staff with an average of 13 years of teaching experience
• No-cut athletics program begins in 4th grade, creating opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and leadership • A culture rooted in academic rigor, kindness, and service positions our graduates for success in high school and beyond We focus on the values of faith, hope, love, and community. Teachers bring these values into class each day t0 give children daily opportunities to learn, share, and understand their faith and role in society. Service projects push our students to expand their world view and grow their appreciation of community life and service for others while also being challenged to think critically for real-life problem solving. We invite you to come and discover the St. Luke Difference. Visit stlukeschoolrf.org to learn more.
Pre-School to Adult Pre-School to 708Adult -771-9500
7377 W. North Avenue 708-771-9500 7377 W. R North iver FAvenue orest, IL 60305 River Forest, www.leIL ger60305 edancecentre.com www.legeredancecentre.com ST. LUKE SCHOOL
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
519 Ashland Ave. River Forest stlukeschoolrf.org
Now accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year at stlukeschoolrf.org
20 January 10, 2024
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Special Advertising Section
Special Advertising Section
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
January 10, 2024 21
River Forest Community Center Open House feonrter Early Childhood LearniEnDgU C C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Ri22veJanuary r F10,o2024 rest CommuPanrietnyts & CeCnhtiledrren ievh trtLFo C u,m n innteC C etnsm dm aum yg ayuy uiy ayern yCe 3 redtrrer orT eum sm C o tC e2 nt te rro F C n iJm ttC tn ee rn EarR lyiRvC lvdeoFh o aoo n n t r rReiirF erRoo sReirtivdveseesC u n i e r Feom rersm t iC o m u n i t y C e n t er p Half-Day & Full-Day: 6 : 3 0 m — 7 : 3 0 p m E a r l y C h i l d h o o d L e a r n i n g C e n t e yh ialrdh ee teeenrntetrrer C ig hL o enag rn nC ig n C Pre-K EaEralyrElyaCrlh ilCdihElhd olyhoooCdoohiddlLdLe aoardrannrLPreschool iin Ceg&neC nter
mic
re one six
Open House for
rO Before and oouhrsieldfroern Op& e& onptuessn& eHfC PnaH eFull-Day Half-Day Half-Day Full-Day: eaC nyt,hsJa& School ParenTtAfter ilnduCrCare usPe& saCamps dr& aehrn yild2r3ernd Summer Preschool Pre-K Half-Day & Full-Day: apuyma, Jr— ayn72 u:3 a3r0rydp2m3rd uesdayT6u, J:e3as0dn& THalf-Day Full-Day: 6 : 3 0 p m — 7 :30 Pre-K pm Summer Camps Preschool & 6:3Preschool 0 pPreschool m& —7Pre-K :30 &pm Pre-K
&Before and Half-Day & Full-Day Before After School Care Parent and Tot Programs Half-Day &Camps Full-Day Summer After School Care Before and Parent Tot Programs Summer Half-Day & Full-Day &Camps Pre-K &Preschool Before and Preschool & Pre-K Coming Soon: After School Care Summer Camps Before & After School Care After School Care Before & After School Care Summer Camps Parent & Tot Programs Full-Day Preschool &Full-Day Pre-K Parent & Tot Programs Infant & Toddler Before &Summer After School Care Infant Toddler Programs & Camps Full-Day Summer Camps Full-Day Programs & Tot Programs Infant &in Toddler Programs Parent Parent and Tot Programs Coming June! Infant & Toddler Programs Coming in June! Parent and TotStreet Coming inPrograms June! 8020 Madison Full-Day Parent and Tot Programs 8020 Madison Street Coming Soon: 8020 Madison Street River Forest , Programs IL 60305 Infant & Toddler 8020 Madison Street River Forest , IL 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info River Forest , IL 60305 Coming in June! River Forest , IL 60305 Full-Day Coming Soon: (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in this ad to receiveSoon: $10.00 off your Coming (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in this www.rfcc.info ad to receive $10.00 off your (708) 771-6159 Infant & Toddler initial registration fee! EdGuide11-23 Full-Day Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your registration fee! EdGuide1-24 8020 initial Madison Street Full-Day initial registration fee! EdGuide1-24 Bring inRiver this ad to receive $10.00 off your Forest , IL 60305 Programs Infant &EdGuide1-24 Toddler initial registration fee! Toddler (708)Infant 771-6159& www.rfcc.info Programs Bring in this adPrograms to receive $10.00 off your 8020 Madison Street
esson
brew, an, etc.) Skating/
Join the fun in the Early Childhood Program at the River Forest Community Center!
he River Forest Community Center provides an ageappropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth. Our teachers thrive on creating a safe and fun learning environment through play in which children are encouraged to explore and develop their cognitive, language, social intellectual and motor skills.
Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your Bring initial in thisregistration ad to receivefee! $10.00 off your EdGuide11-23 initial registration fee! EdGuide11-23
Every child has a gift to be shared • Pre-K through 12th Grade. Private/Independent school since 1994. Listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. • Private Music Lessons
Sponsored Content
O
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:
• Foreign Language Lessons • Academic Tutoring
The Language & Music School at International Mansion
Our mission is to provide a handson approach to learning which allows the children to explore their environment while enhancing their social, emotional, cognitive and motor development. The Early Childhood Programs include: • Munchkins & Playschool for Caregivers and Tots • Preschool (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Pre-Kindergarten (Half-Day & Full-Day) • Before & After School Programs • Summer Camps Coming Soon: Full-Day Infant and Toddler Care! River Forest Community Center 8020 Madison Street in River Forest. www.rfcc.info - 708-771-6159
initial registration fee! EdGuide1-24
River Forest 60305 Street 8020, IL Madison 8020 Madison Street (708) 771-6159 Riverwww.rfcc.info Forest , IL 60305 River Forest , ILoff 60305 Bring in this ad to 771-6159 receive $10.00 your (708) www.rfcc.info 771-6159 www.rfcc.info initial(708) registration fee! EdGuide11-23
e.
e
T
Special Advertising Section
Since
509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park 1994 info@internationalmansion.com Text us at: (708) 296-3244 • InternationalMansion.com
• 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
• Chinese 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
Special Advertising Section
E D U C AT I O N & E N R I C H M E N T G U I D E
Successful in-person learning since 1994!
Open House, Sunday, January 28 • 2-4pm
Call or email us to set up a tour and observation. keystonemontessori1994@gmail.com • Instagram: @ksmontessori94 Parent/infant program • Toddler Class, ages 2-3 Primary Class, ages 3-6 • Elementary and Middle School
A place where children love to learn 7415 W. North Avenue, River Forest, IL 708/366-1080
Ascension School Now Enrolling
A
scension School is celebrating our 113th year as an education institution for children in Oak Park and the surrounding neighborhoods this year. The school provides an education rooted in love, kindness, respect, and inclusion to students from Pre-Kindergarten three- year-olds to eighth grade. 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. Ascension entered into our third year as a school partner with the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. We are one of only 12 schools in the third year of this program. Ascension students now learn a science curriculum that is based on hands-on, real world learning thanks to the MSI faculty committee. 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. Students are given specials each week including Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education. Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion such as: Green Club, Chess Club, Student Council, Robotic/Tech Club, and Drama. Ascension School also offers an Extended Day Program before and after school hours. The cost is dependent on usage. We offer both full and half-day prekindergarten programs. Our littlest learners’ day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, and fine motor and gross motor development. Beginning in Pre-Kindergarten, every classroom has guided access to iPads, chromebooks, interactive smart boards, and students are exposed to comprehensive STEAM opportunities throughout the year. Learn what Ascension School can offer your child. Visit us on Sunday, January 28 11:30 am- 1:30 pm or schedule a private tour at school.ascensionoakpark.com.
January 10, 2024 23
24
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
Distinction
(di stingk’ shen) noun. The act of distinguishing excellence; making a difference
Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service. It is extremely rare to find real estate professionals who set themselves apart with distinction in everything they do... ...unless you select the professional who has distinguished himself by making a total commitment to excellence— Tom Carraher.
Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Growing Community Media
NEW PRICE!
a non-profit newsroom
l a c o L ws Ne
139 S GROVE, OAK PARK $1,059,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH Majestic Victorian Central Oak Park Historic District
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN
708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
We’ve got YOU covered. Tom Carraher Donate today at
Realistic Expectation–Proven Results
7375 W. North Ave. River Forest 708.771.8040 tomcarraher.realtor.com
Are you a woman in business? The Wednesday Journal’s Women in Business special section is a great opportunity for your business to meaningfully engage with our readers and showcase the impact that the women in your business have. Contact Lourdes (lourdes@oakpark.com) or Ben (ben@oakpark.com) to learn more.
NEED TO REACH US?
email: erika@growingcommunitymedia.com
Homes
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
25
FitzGerald’s seeks national historic landmark status By LACEY SIKORA
W
Contributing Reporter
hen Jessica King and Will Duncan purchased FitzGerald’s nightclub just days before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world in 2020, the couple knew they were buying more than just a music venue. Local sentiment about the Berwyn venue was significant. Once she was immersed in her role managing the club’s social media presence, King began visiting the Berwyn Historical Society to learn more about the history of the place. She began to wonder if there was a way to recognize the role that FitzGerald’s had played for generations in Berwyn and the surrounding communities. King thought that establishing the building as a landmark would help preserve its history in the best way possible. With the help of the Berwyn Historical Society, she put together enough of timeline to apply to the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office with a preliminary application for National Historic Landmark Status. The agency approved the application in October and provided a list of consultants who could help shepherd the application through the landmark process. King said they are now working to prepare that final application and hope to know whether FitzGerald’s can become a National Historic TODD BANNOR
The owners and staff of FitzGerald’s Nightclub, General Manager Michelle Larson, her partner Tim Jackson and their baby, Isabel, owners Jessica King and husband, Will Duncan with Culinary Director Steve Dominik at rear and the owners’ sons Charlie and SJ seated in front at the venue on Dec. 19, 2023.
FILE
FitzGerald’s
Landmark by this summer. King, who lives in Oak Park with Duncan with their kids, said that their family loves the community surrounding FitzGerald’s and are excited to do what they can to enshrine FitzGerald’s in the community. “Seeing the amount of engagement and what this place means, not just to people who come here now, but to generations of families, it feels like the only gift we can give back. Making it a landmark makes it stable for generations to come,” she said.
How much FitzGerald’s meant to the community was apparent during the pandemic when the lockdowns kept the club closed. Members rallied to support the new owners, while the owners responded in kind. FitzGerald’s provided music to the masses with their “Stay at Home” concert series, in which their truck travelled through local neighborhoods providing music. They kept connected with their fans See FITZGERALD’S on page 26
26
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
PROVIDED
CLUB WHITEHALL: As the United States reeled from the Great Depression, big band music became increasingly popular throughout the 1930’s, inspiring new popular swing dances like the jitterbug and the jive.
FITZGERALD’S
Through all the necessary online outreach during that period, King said she realized that the FitzGerald’s community was large and supportive. Another thing she noticed? FitzGerald’s has very deep from page 25 roots in the community. As King was posting on social media through virtual cocktail classes and drive- about the nightclub, she said she also noin concerts in the parking lot of ReUse De- ticed something unusual. “We’d post photos of the fifties or the eighties,” she said, and pot in Maywood. They supported the careers of local art- their followers responded with their memoists with “Song for Song” streaming con- ries of the club. “The responses became certs, in which FitzGerald’s live-streamed an outpouring of love for the space. People shows with no audiences with a virtual tip were emailing and sharing stories of their jar. “Live From Where They Live” shows families or their parents coming here.” King put out a request for historic photos featured artists performing in their own of FitzGerald’s and began to put together a homes, again with a virtual tip jar to suptimeline of the club. port the featured musicians. “People who love FitzGerald’s would go do research on their own. We started getting newspaper clippings going back to the 1930’s,” she said. The building at 6615 Roosevelt Road was built in the early 1900’s. A 1919 Sanborn map shows the presence of a “hall” on the site. Until roughly 1925, it was used as a hunting lodge and sports team headquarters. While the exact timeline is a bit fuzzy due to the PROVIDED Prohibition, King said that the site has been a Near the end of the prohibition era, there is evidence of live music venue since at 6613 W. Roosevelt known as “Club Ritz,” advertised in the least the 1930’s. Berwyn Life, Oct. 25, 1933. In the 1950’s through
A long history
FILE
Taste the Town attendees danced and sang to music by Gerald McClendon on the FitzGerald’s patio in 2022.
Wright Plus Tickets Available
FILE
Ticket sales for Wright Plus 2024 are open to the public. This year’s houses include Wright’s Emma and Peter A. Beachy House and the Harry S. Adams House. Other local homes featured are the Simpson Dunlop House, Joseph K. Dunlop House, Ashley C. Smith House, E.W. Pratt House, and Clyde E. and Elizabeth Shorey House. The walk takes place on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Ticket prices start at $125 for the general public. More information on tickets and packages can be found at: https://www. flwright.org/wright-plus
Ranucci’s Night Spot as advertised in the Cicero Life in Mar. 31, 1944. the early 1960’s, it was home to The Hunt Club, a nightclub whose live acts included Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey and Lil Armstrong. When The Hunt Club closed, the building became The Deer Lodge, and housed pool tables and a fortune teller. The FitzGerald family purchased the club
in 1980 and re-established a live music venue. When the FitzGerald family retired, they passed the baton to Duncan, who is a veteran of Chicago music establishments like Thalia Hall and Dusek’s/Punch House. Duncan and King, his wife and co-owner, are keeping the family business alive and thriving.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
27
River Forest to issue $600K bond
Proceeds to be used for infrastructure projects By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest officials unveiled plans at the Jan. 8 Village Board meeting to issue a $600,000 bond to fund infrastructure projects in the village, and it cleared the first hurdle when nobody spoke at the required public hearing. Officials also started making plans for spending some of that money, approving three contracts for infrastructure projects costing $500,000. The contracts were approved unanimously by the four trustees present without discussion as part of the consent agenda. Trustees Ken Johnson and Bob O’Connell did not attend. Village administrator Matt Walsh explained that officials have issued notice to several local banks asking for bids with a deadline of Jan. 18. “We will evaluate the bids and interest rates and prepare for approval” at either the Jan. 22 or Feb. 12 village board meet-
ings, he said. “As a non-home rule community, the village is provided with a limited amount of debt service at its disposal, Walsh explained in a memo to officials, noting that the Debt Service Extension Base was established when the property tax extension limitation law went into effect. The DSEB is an amount that limits the principal and interest that the village can levy to pay on loans or bonds each year, Walsh continued, adding that the DSEB for the village is approximately $300,000 and grows by CPI each year. “This year our DSEB obligations were paid off and we can now realize our full DSEB extension,” he said, adding that staff members were recommending issuing another short-term bond and using the available funds for infrastructure projects. The bond proceeds would be deposited in the village’s infrastructure improvement bond fund and be used for street resurfacing and other applicable public works infrastructure projects, he said. The contracts are $122,400 to Strada Construction Co. of Addison for the 2024 curb and sidewalk replacement program;
$113,270 to Nardulli Construction Company Inc. of Chicago for the 2024 concrete Americans with Disabilities Act ramp replacement program; and $270,000 to Holiday Sewer and Water Construction Inc. for the 2023 water main improvement project. Officials also approved a resolution appropriating $736,279 of motor fuel tax funds for the 2024 Rebuild Illinois street improvement project. The village is using a $736,279 Rebuild Illinois grant to pay the majority of the cost to resurface four village streets in 2024. Officials awarded a contract Dec. 18 to Schroeder Asphalt Services of Huntley, Ill., for the $832,475 project. Any amount over the $736,279 will be covered by the infrastructure improvement bond fund. Streets to be resurfaced are Augusta Street from Keystone Avenue to Harlem Avenue; William Street from Chicago Avenue to Augusta Street; Thatcher Avenue from Hawthorn Avenue to Madison Street; and Hawthorn from Forest Avenue to Franklin Avenue. Through the curb and sidewalk replacement program, Strada will replace public sidewalk and driveway aprons and curbs and gutters. Strada’s was the lowest of 10
bids. The highest was $285,500. Nardulli’s was the lowest of seven bids for the concrete ADA ramp replacement project. The highest was $237,068. Through the project, non-compliant ADA handicap accessible ramps at intersections throughout the village will be replaced. The village received an Invest in Cook grant from Cook County for up to $100,000 to help fund the project, but Walsh said village officials are still negotiating with county officials regarding the exact amount. The water main improvement project will involve installation of water mains where there currently are none, thus increasing the flow and circulation in the general area. The project will impact LeMoyne Street from Park to Franklin avenues and from Ashland to Lathrop avenues. Holiday’s was the lowest of eight bids. The highest was $493,775. Nardulli and Strada both performed similar work for the village previously. Holiday has not worked for the village but Bill Koclanis, civil engineering technician for the village, said multiple references were checked and all provided positive feedback.
Oak Park polystyrene foam ban is in effect The ban went into effect Jan. 1
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Food establishments cannot sell or distribute disposable food containers that partially incorporate or are entirely composed of polystyrene foam packaging, a ban that went into effect Jan. 1. The limit on microplastics was an ordinance approved by the village board of trustees in May 2023. The decision reflects the village’s desire to mitigate climate change through its Climate Ready Oak Park plan. Trustee Ravi Parakkat was the sole opposing vote to the 6-1 decision, stating that moving the ban forward a year from the originally proposed 2025 ignores commu-
nity engagement and did not allow all restaurants time to properly prepare. The ban on polystyrene, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, does not apply to food establishments with an annual gross income less than $500,000 per location until Jan. 1, 2025, according to Engage Oak Park. Disposable food service containers that cannot have polystyrene include things such as service ware, bakery products and leftovers, but do not include coolers or ice chests used to process or ship seafood. It also does not apply to service ware used to transport to package raw meat, poultry, fish or seafood, according to Engage Oak Park. Polystyrene foam packaging is allowed when services are provided in response
PAMELA AU - STOCK.ADOBE.COM
to a public health emergency. Non-profits and federal, state or local governmental agencies that provide food to individuals in need are other exceptions to the ban. If polystyrene foam is prepackaged by the manufacturer, it is also allowed.
The approved ordinance from May 2023 also required food establishments to only provide single-use plastic utensils upon request or at a self-service station beginning June 1, 2023. There were seven exceptions to the rule, according to the ordinance.
28
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
New Year… New Business… Let’s Get Started! Starting or running a new business can be a lot of work when you have no help and a “shoestring” budget!
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you! Services Offered:
• IRS (EIN) • DBA/Assumed Business Name • Business Banking Account Setup • Virtual Mailbox Setup & Support • Data Entry/Database Management • LLC/Corporation Setup • Office Setup & Organization • Marketing (Biz Cards, Fliers, Social Media, Basic Website)
Call or Email Us Today! 312-599-5407 info@sarahsvirtualofficeteam.com www.sarahsvirtualofficeteam.com
THE MACLEAN HOUSE AT CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING.
They will never forget the feeling of being loved. IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY FOR MEMORY CARE SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY!
2800 Des Plaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Go-to guy at Dominican from page 9 director position at Dominican 26 years ago but was not selected. He said he was not given any specific directions for the athletic program when he was hired but is considering adding track and possibly men’s lacrosse to the school’s current offerings of baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and volleyball for men and basketball, bowling, cross country, soccer, softball, stunt and volleyball for women. “When you come in new you want to be an observer,” he said. “All my thought processes are to get student athletes on campus to see what we offer.” Dominican just added stunt, which is described by USA Cheer on its website as a new female sport that incorporates skills derived from cheerleading. Stunt is a head-to-head game between two teams that “removes the crowd-leading element and focuses on the technical components of
NEW PRINCIPAL Fenwick’s Finan from page 7 Finan also has 13 years of college teaching experience at American University, the University of Nevada and Harper College, a community college in Palatine, where he also served as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts. It was his experience and dedication to academic excellence that made Finan a top candidate for the position, said Matt McNicholas, board chairman. “His extensive experience in education, success in leadership roles, and close ties to the school made John the ideal choice for Fenwick’s next principal,” McNicholas said in a news release. “He understands the unique needs and strengths of our great institution and the families it serves. His familiarity with the community and commitment to building strong relationships will undoubtedly strengthen the bonds that make Fenwick’s community so special.” As Finan looks to the future, with Fenwick inching closer to celebrating its 100year anniversary in 2029, he hopes to se-
cheer, including partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, group jumps and tumbling.” Planek explained that the NCAA does not recognize stunt as a sport, but considers it an “emerging sport.” He also described the challenges of starting to offer a sport. “Just because you are offering a sport is no guarantee you’ll fill your roster,” he explained. “Schools that can offer scholarship money have a distinct advantage” over Division III schools such as Dominican. He also would like to bring the men’s baseball and women’s softball teams’ home games closer to River Forest. The baseball team now plays its home games at Wintrust Field in Schaumburg, home of the Schaumburg Boomers, and the softball team plays its home games at Impact Field in Rosemont, home of the Chicago Dogs. The Dominican position is Planek’s third in 24 years, but he’s stayed in the Chicago area with each job change. “I’m happy with my decisions and with all my job placements,” he said, adding he was never “attracted to relocating.” Planek brings 24 years of experience to Dominican. “Like it or not, you’re the go-to guy,” he said. “I’m used to that.”
cure a bright future for the school, while also building on its strong foundation. “I want to honor tradition, but I want to welcome innovation and maintain that standard of excellence that Fenwick has had in all aspects of school: academics, athletics, the arts, and activities,” Finan said. Until Finan steps into his new role, Charly Ieremia, who served as Fenwick’s dean of students, interim director of student services, and associate principal for student services, will serve the remainder of the 2023-24 school year as the interim principal. “We welcome John and Charly to their new roles at Fenwick and look forward to partnering with them to ensure Fenwick’s mission and continue our tradition of academic excellence while growing and strengthening our great institute,” Peddicord said. Finan, who was approached for the position, said he looks forward to starting at Fenwick, again, and sees himself as being a part of their community for a long time to come. “Ideally this is the last job I will have,” Finan said. “I will likely end my educational career as the principal of Fenwick High School.”
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
D O O P E R ’ S
VIEWPOINTS
29
Mary Kay O’Grady: Trumpenstein 33
M E M O R I E S
Thinking deeply about the bald truth
W
hen I was a freshman in high school and taking a class in general science, it came to pass that part of one chapter in the textbook dealt with hair with a sub topic on baldness. At this time in my life, I had thick, light-brown hair, but I feared going bald like my dad. My uncle Gene had a slight widow’s peak, but my uncle Hubert had a full head of cinnamon brown hair. My grandfather had a very full head of snow-white hair, which I admired and hoped that I, too, would someday have hair like his. My mother and grandmother had copious hair, so I thought I would always have a full head of hair. My science teacher seemed to like the topic of hair, so the class spent two weeks combing through the material, and the teacher never missed a stroke. We viewed slides explaining partial baldness, area baldness, which is the absence of hair from areas that are usually covered by hair, and old-age baldness, which my teacher said occurs in men — for the most part — over 55 and eventually leads to complete baldness. My dad once told me he was bald by the time he was 40. I still felt confident about retaining my hair until the teacher told us about premature baldness, which develops in people in their 20s. It proceeds unevenly with certain areas becoming completely bald, but hair continues to grow at a normal rate over the rest of the scalp. The teacher called it pattern baldness as he ran his fingers through his thick blond hair. When we had completed the section on hair, he reminded us that baldness is inherited from the father. I could see trouble heading my way. I decided to make a complete study of baldness, to see if I could find a clue to how I could keep my hair, and found out that scientists believed that infection, hormone imbalance and, of course, heredity caused baldness, and, again, males were the most affected. I also learned that baldness may be a symptom of scarlet
JOHN
STANGER
See JOHN STANGER on page 34
FILE
M
The light that connects us
ostly, we glimpse it from the corners of our eyes, the light peeking out from behind the detritus of our days. We don’t discuss it. We rarely consider it. But in short bursts, it breaks through. The joy we find in certain moments with the children in our lives. The grief that catches in our throats when we are missing someone essential to us. Seeing a breathtaking sunset over the ocean. Or sometimes, the quiet snow falling outside a window on a gray winter day. This is the light that lives in each of us. The light that connects us. We don’t hold it in our conscious thoughts. Maybe we can’t without training ourselves to do so. The Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Dalai Lama — those who have prepared themselves — maybe they can grasp it. But the rest of us only perceive it in fits and starts. When we lose sight of this light entirely, we are capable of hurtful and horrible actions. The massacre of 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7. Using Oct. 7 as an excuse for the extermination of more than 20,000 Palestinians and forcing millions from their homes. Tying our own self-interest to Israel and sending billions of dollars to support their continuous attacks.
Demonizing people coming here from other nations to help their own families, using them as political pawns, refusing to clarify our immigration policies or provide adequate funding for those who have arrived. Denying adequate health care to our own people and instead sending that funding overseas for foreign wars. Turning a blind eye to those hurting and helpless in our own communities. We could go on and on. But even if we can’t grasp this light, we can keep searching for it. We can notice it in the eyes of the man asking for money outside the bookstore. We can notice it peeking from the heart of a woman and her children asking in Spanish if we would buy some candy from them. We can spy it from afar in the millions pushing for their lives and those of their families in Palestine, in Congo, in Sudan. And we can allow this light to power our actions. Helping our neighbors when we can. Giving a few dollars here and there to those in need. Volunteering our time with local organizations. Speaking out against our government’s
JIM SCHWARTZ One View
See JIM SCHWARTZ on page 32
30
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
O U R
V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
District 97’s welcome
C
overage of migrants arriving in Oak Park in past months has rightly focused on how to provide housing, how to offer winter clothing, food and some basic health care. This week Amaris Rodriguez, our education reporter, explores the response coming from the District 97 public elementary schools in providing services to the children in migrant families currently living in the village. It is an intentional and ambitious response from this school system, based on its fundamental mission to welcome and to educate. From small gestures of belonging, such as signage in Spanish, to active efforts to engage with parents of new students, there is a wide and quite well-planned initiative underway at both the school level and the administrative level. It is impressive to hear of the staff resources already in place in D97 to accommodate these new students. Staff members with necessary certifications are bilingual and ready to work with students. The district also has in place instruction models to serve students without English language skills. Right now, there are 52 migrant students enrolled in the district. They are concentrated at Holmes Elementary and Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. The district is collaborating on this worthy effort with village government and with the West Cook YMCA and Carleton Hotel, where many families are currently living. The approach to providing this service is articulated by Supt. Ushma Shah, who said, “In our community, wherever there are students, school-age children who want to be enrolled in school, we welcome students into the school district.”
No to midnight buses Meanwhile, Oak Park and River Forest are responding to the unconscionable actions of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who continues to bus migrants from that state to northern cities, including Chicago and its suburbs. The reporting over the weekend was stark about a busload of people being dumped from an interstate bus at a train station in Glen Ellyn in the middle of the night without warning or preparation, without winter clothes, without an ounce of respect for their humanity. It is all deeply troubling. That these villages have now put in place mandates to prevent such actions here is necessary. That these new restrictions have actual consequences for bus companies and drivers is the right course. Fines of up to $750 per passenger and possible impoundment of the vehicle ought to get the attention of companies seeking to make easy cash at a high human toll. We are in a crisis and many of the players are crude politicians whose purpose is not to find solutions but to make cruelty the card they play to gin up pain and fear. That must be resisted.
I
Declaring a snow day
in every room from which to watch deally, I wake up late, having slept the slow accumulation — accompain, feeling rested, perhaps staying nied by music, the slow, moody kind, in bed a while to read a new book, preferably instrumental, a colleca Christmas present. tion of peaceful adagios perhaps. Unblinding the blinds, I would We are busy creatures, of course, find the ground has acquired a thin ever tempted to keep ourselves occucoverlet of snow, unsullied yet by pied, but not so busy that we forget soot and grime and all the other eleto glance outside. It would be a most ments of the less-than-ideal world. fortunate luxury to have no pressing The snow is still falling, almost immatters whatsoever vying for our perceptibly, straight to the ground, attention. On such rare occasions, scarcely stirred by breeze. The snow when snow and schedule and every hasn’t yet covered the sidewalks, but planet align, like last Saturday, we it outlines every branch and bush, are left alone to experience a show emphasizing the stillness that was so perfectly natural — clouds with a already there but needed this frostbellyful of frozen crystals conspiring to bring it to our full attention. ing with gravity to drape The kind of snow that the landscape in a differexcites dogs and children ent rendition of beauty. and soothes their elders. Not the messy “winter Aesthetically pleasing advisory” forecast for snow that aspires to several days later. nothing more than falling On this ideal morning, and settling wherever the contrast of falling it lands. A polite snow, and fallen snow induces with no severity in it, one a contemplative frame of that toes the line of our mind, opposing all notions man-mandated grid, the of flexing even one overwalkways and roadways. worked muscle. But musIt’s like Camelot really. cles beg to be used, and No more congenial spot watching from windows for happy-ever-aftering. makes us mere spectators. Pedestrians amble past, A walk is called for so unhurried, as if lulled by that faces can feel the cold the balancing act on evand coats can collect tiny, ery surface, highlighting tufted avalanches from the very trees we ignored the branches overhead. only yesterday, as if they PROVIDED And we have a civic duty were saying, Aha! Caught you taking us for granted! Snowy-day art by renowned handprint to shuffle sidewalks clear On an ideal snow day, artists, Bryce and Tyler Trainor of slush, to keep it from the whiteness isn’t alturning to ice overnight lowed to mass on driven and causing a more hazstreets, can’t deepen on the parkways, and you ardous brand of snow fall. hope it will keep snowing just like this all day But for now all is well — except for the train long, with no further accumulation. of orange-stickered cars following a hearse When I say “you,” of course, I’m leaving out down the avenue toward someone’s final rest. sledders, snow sculptors, snowball combatants, Meanwhile, the snow persists, throughout the snow angel makers, and cross country skiers afternoon, into the evening, drifting through my who prefer deeper powder and better packing. field of vision like a flurry of beautiful thoughts This is merely my ideal snowy day. I don’t mean sifted through the sieve of consciousness, to impose it on anyone else. When I say “you,” I waiting to be fashioned into something finer. A really mean “me.” descriptive essay perhaps, the main meme being Some of you, though, may agree that an ideal that life isn’t all struggle all the time. snow day should fall on a Saturday, in fact a A snow day … settling … centering … glowSaturday with no urgent business, errands, ing with reflected light … in the quiet of a or chores to distract from the enchantment of new year. flakes piling on by the trillions, with windows I hereby declare.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S
S
Exotic sweet potatoes at Pete’s
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024 W E D N E S D A Y
Less sweet than the more familiar orange hopping habits are so ingrained that sweet potatoes, this variety is somewhat dry we many times buy certain foods though perhaps more versatile (because less without giving them more than a sweet) than other varieties. To bring out the nanosecond of thought. At Pete’s best flavor, which some describe as “floral,” Fresh Market on New Year’s Eve, Southern Living magazine suggests cookhowever, I discovered this grocery store has ing a little longer than other sweet potato lots of different kinds of sweet potatoes. I varieties: 350 degrees for 90-120 minutes. suddenly felt an urge to extend the horizons Our experience is that cooking any sweet of my sweet potato eating experiences. potato a little longer will yield a creamier Japanese sweet potatoes ($2.49/lb.) caught interior. my eye: Their skin is a deep purplish-red, Jersey white sweet potatoes ($3.99/lb.) and inside a light yellow. These are fantastic look a lot like regular white potatoes, inside spuds and (at least for me) exotic: the inteand out, though with slightly yellow flesh rior is lush and soft, richly sweet but with that was maybe a touch moister than most other subtler flavors. Local Dining white potatoes. Perhaps nutty in flavor, the Googling, I found an article written just & Food Blogger Jersey also brought slight citrus notes that last month by Joe Yonan (Food and Dining made the taste of this sweet spud stand editor, Washington Post) titled, “Japanese apart from others. Such sweetness Sweet Potatoes Are the Best,” in could vary based on the environwhich he concluded, “Which ment where the potatoes were do I love more, their flavor or grown. their texture? Hard to say. They As you can see from the taste like buttery chestnuts, parenthetical prices listed above, and when you bake them, their these lesser-known sweet potato interiors get so fluffy, thanks to varieties cost more than the stanless moisture, they taste like a dard, but they offer new tastes cross between a white Russet experiences, and they’re kind of and an orange Beauregard — fun to serve and eat. and somehow more appealing We’re also very much in favor than either.” of supporting less popular variOrange Beauregard? Clearly, eties of fruits and vegetables; if I had to do more research on DAVID HAMMOND farmers make a profit growing non-standard sweet potatoes. Stoke purple sweet potato. smaller, delicious varieties of Then on New Year’s Day, I somewhat obscure produce, was back at Pete’s, searching for more exotic sweet potatoes. they’ll grow more of them and The long, cigar-like Stoke purple sweet potatoes ($3.99/ that’s better for the biodiversity of the planet. And it lb.) look like no other. From North Carolina, the Stokes’ keeps our dinner table interesting. purpleness is key to their nutritional value: the color And hey, if you spot any local stores offering Beaureindicates anthocyanin antioxidants (also found in bluegard sweet potatoes, please shoot me an email: david@ berries), and they contain a good amount of vitamin C dchammond.com and fiber. David Hammond writes a blog for Oak Park Eats.
DAVID
HAMMOND
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor Erika Hobbs Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Staff Reporter Amaris Rodriguez, Luzane Draughon Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Publisher Dan Haley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards 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.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
Tragically ridiculous
The Beatles movie, A Hard Day’s Night, brought back the Keystone Kops of 1920s silent movie fame. They were woefully and hilariously inept as they dashed after the Fab Four for no good reason. They were good for a laugh, as always before. The Kops came to mind when I heard about the impeachment proceedings voted into being by the Trumpist sycophants in the House of Representatives. They are just as ridiculously inept as the originals, but emphatically unfunny. What did they create? A solution
in search of a problem, nothing that could possibly rise to the level of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” And this from a gang that refused to convict Donald Trump for blatantly criminal acts — not once, but twice. It screams “Hypocrisy!” to high heaven. In my mind’s eye I’ll always see Keystone Kops when those suffering sychophants show up in the news. Equally, but tragically, ridiculous.
Fred Reklau Oak Park
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,
your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
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 Park, IL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-524-8300 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 $2.00. A one-year subscription costs $48 within Cook County and $60 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. © 2024 Growing Community Media, NFP.
31
32
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Letter was Islamophobic
I was horrified to see Wednesday Journal publish Islamophobic content (https://www.oakpark. com/2024/01/02/speak-out-againstanti-jewish-speech-and-action). In addition to many other problematic, misleading, poorly written statements, the letter states, “Hamas’ virulent anti-Jewish hatred follows a long line of Muslim thought and action, going back to the founding of Islam.” This is clear bigotry. Please replace Muslim and Islam with any other religion or group of people and see how it sounds. Muslims deserve the same respect as any other group. If I were attempting to publish a letter saying, “IDF’s virulent anti-Arab hatred follows a long line of Jewish thought and action, going back to the founding of Judaism.” I certainly hope that would
be flagged as hate speech just as this should have. Just like it is not OK to malign Black people or Irish people or Latinx people or any group based on their most extreme members, it is not OK to malign the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims, 3.5 million of whom live in the United States (and have a lower crime rate than the population at large). The letter conflates being Muslim with being an antisemitic terrorist and makes all Muslim and Muslim-adjacent people in Oak Park less safe. It is hate speech and completely unacceptable. The letter needs to be retracted immediately with an apology. Here is a link to an article on health impacts of Islamophobia which this kind of article contributes to: https://time.com/6335453/islamophobia-mental-health-effects-essay.
Eliminate rhetoric that marginalizes
We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent publication of the letter titled, “Speak out against anti-Jewish speech and action” [Viewpoints, Jan. 3]. The letter included openly racist anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian rhetoric that should have no space in a newspaper with a mission to have “healthy conversations about community concerns.” While we understand the significance of providing a platform for various opinions and perspectives, it is essential to be cautious and discerning in the content that is shared with the public. The op-ed in question states: “Hamas’ virulent anti-Jewish hatred follows a long line of Muslim thought and action, going back to the founding of Islam,” perpetuating harmful antiMuslim stereotypes and contributing to the already challenging climate that neighbors of Islamic identity or faith face in Oak Park. Our country is founded on principles of free speech and open discourse, but it is crucial that we do not allow
the media to become a platform for promoting prejudice, discrimination, or hatred toward any religious or ethnic group. Such rhetoric not only goes against the values of inclusivity and respect but contributes to the marginalization of some communities. We urge you to consider the impact of the content you publish on the wellbeing of our community. Responsible journalism presents diverse perspectives and ensures that these perspectives do not promote discrimination, hate or incite fear. We request that you take this matter seriously and consider implementing stricter editorial guidelines to prevent the dissemination of content that may perpetuate anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim racism. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to seeing more responsible journalism in future editions of Wednesday Journal.
Faisal and Melisa Alabsy Oak Park
JIM SCHWARTZ
I also want to point out an obvious problem with the premise of this letter, which is that the government of Israel, like every institution made of people since the beginning of time, is not infallible. Criticizing a government’s action or our funding of arms to that government is not anti-Jewish speech or actions. Disagreeing with Clarence Thomas doesn’t mean I hate Black people, just like disagreeing with Netanyahu doesn’t mean I hate Jews. It is a ridiculous argument and this should have been recognized.
Leila Massouh
Oak Park Editor’s note: We agree and apologize for our lapse in judgment. That sentence has been removed from the aforementioned letter.
Let light power our actions from page 29 seemingly insatiable appetite for war. In each of these ways, we notice the light in others, in ourselves, connecting each of us to each other of us, human and non-human, plants, creatures, alive and inanimate, moving and unmoving, moved and unmoved. In each of these ways, we weave this web stronger, more resilient, more noticeable to ourselves and to one another. Maybe we don’t need to be the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, or the Dalai Lama — maybe we just need to be our ordinary selves, taking ordinary actions, noticing that ordinary light and realizing just how extraordinary it is. Hoping you notice that extraordinary light in this new year. Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining.org.
Antisemitism and Islamophobia
When does free speech cross the line to hate speech? We have an instructive example in a letter to the editor in the Jan. 3 Viewpoints section of Wednesday Journal [Speak out against anti-Jewish speech and action]. In his desperate attempt to support three months of horrifying destruction of Gaza and its people, the writer slanders the Islamic faith and thereby our Muslim neighbors. Of course, he inserts, “Hamas” to normalize his attack on Muslims because of our disgust with the unconscionable brutality of the Oct. 7 attack and hostage-taking of Israeli citizens and other people. Our Muslim and Arab neighbors are already experiencing incredible stress and harassment in their everyday lives. Part of that is from accelerated anti-Muslim and anti-Arab racism, which was already palpable before Oct. 7. Part of it is the daily anxiety of waiting for a text or a phone call about the safety of friends and loved ones in Gaza or the West Bank.
In addition to fanning the flames of bigotry, he willfully ignores Jewish community members, such as myself, who reject criticism of Israel as anti-Jewish in any way. Israel is a nation-state. It should be judged by its actions, not shielded by racist rhetoric and false claims of antisemitism. Such reckless, false charges sabotage the need to challenge real antisemitism — hatred and demonization of Jews for being Jewish — which is on the rise as part of the growing white nationalist movement in this country. I am hoping that community members are challenged by this wake-up call. Sadly, I know that this writer is not the only propagator of this ignorance and racism in our community. Hopefully, more people will become aware and speak up in both public and private settings. Maybe then some good can come from this despicable episode.
Caren Van Slyke Oak Park
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
33
Our very own Frankenstein
I
belong to two book clubs. Recently one of them decided to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a sort of Halloween seasonal choice, and to go see the play, Young Frankenstein, which is still playing in Chicago. By the way, the monster we call Frankenstein is a misnomer. His creator’s name was Frankenstein; nonetheless, I will refer to the monster as Frankenstein. I have a history with the dreaded Frankenstein character. Two of my sisters were teenagers when I was born. When I was about 5 or 6, they took me to see Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. I’m sure they assumed it was a comedy. (May I insert here that Lou Costello’s “Who’s On First?” is my all-time favorite comedy sketch?) In one of the scenes Costello’s character is rummaging through a casket, lifts a handful of straw and uncovers the face of the Frankenstein monster in a close-up, full-size on the screen. I was traumatized. I don’t think I slept for a year, but I could be wrong. Decades later, Mary Shelley’s beautifully written and very readable masterpiece got
me to musing about the similarities between Donald Trump and the Frankenstein monster. One is a figment of Mary Shelley’s imagination; the other is a monster walking among us, bullying the boobs who love him, scaring the daylights out of the rest of us, and using fear in his need to wrest another term in office as the most powerful man in the world. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein monster wanders all over northern Europe, by day wreaking untold destruction, fires and floods, at night hiding and weeping about being unloved. Like the fictional Frankenstein, Trump is angry and resentful about his loss of power, and is restlessly charging around the country on a mission to punish the people who made it happen (“I’m your retribution!”) and to secure a return to power. Try this quote from the fictional Frankenstein: “Slave, I have reasoned with you,
but you have proved yourself unworthy of my condescension. Remember that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!” That last sentence makes my hair stand on end. Am I too unkind if I say Trump actually looks a bit like Frankenstein? His head is square-ish. The strawberry blonde hair (can’t someone tell him that Mike Pence’s white hair was OK?) and the orangey pancake makeup do not fool anyone but him. The hair is definitely thinning and must take a long time to apply in the morning. His eyes are angry slits and when he’s not talking, he always looks angry. It seems like a long time since Trump has smiled. When he’s in court, his stare is scary (he hopes). When he looks into the camera, his stare is mournful and really
MARY KAY O’GRADY
Trump L’oeil
A post-mortem on Lake/Lathrop is needed
To wrap up 2023, there’s one more item that should be on the “to do” list: The Village of River Forest should conduct a formal and detailed post-mortem on the Lake/Lathrop project and publish the results to its taxpayers. Prior to my retirement, I was an IT project manager for many years. At the conclusion of a software project, whether deemed successful or not, we always performed a thorough analysis of all aspects of the project. The notion is that there is always something to be learned from every project. When we succeed, we want to understand how and why the project succeeded, so that we can repeat our successes in the future. With problem projects, we want to understand what went wrong, so that hopefully we can avoid the same pitfalls in the future. As philosopher George Santayana reportedly said, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” The post-mortem process is about accountability and responsibility. It is not about scapegoating or assigning blame. Even the most successful project has aspects that could
angry. Perhaps his face is frozen in the scowl of disappointment. He really wanted us to love him. From what I’ve read, Trump was a fairly low-key and decent student in prep school. He wasn’t a leader, but he seemed to get along with others. The misery might have been created by his father, who encouraged conflict and competition between his sons. Donald worked very hard in New York real estate and developed a reputation for ruthlessness. Trumpenstein’s recent Christmas message is mind-boggling in its viciousness: He wished a Merry Christmas to “World Leaders, both good and bad, but none of which are as evil and ‘sick’ as the Thugs we have inside our Country. … May they rot in hell.” Note the following from Shelley’s Frankenstein: “There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand.” “Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
have been improved upon. In the case of failed projects, a post-mortem allows the project participants and stakeholders to have closure and to move on. While it is important to learn from past mistakes, a never-ending game of “coulda, woulda, shoulda” benefits no one. The idea is to document the issues and move on. And move on we must. The Lake/Lathrop project is currently on hiatus. A new developer must be found to take on the project. A new developer may have different ideas about what to put on the site. There is no guarantee that the developer will build to the current plan for the property. For all intents and purposes, the project will start over from scratch. Before that happens, River Forest taxpayers are owed an accounting: A determination of what went wrong and, most importantly, an identification of what controls can be put into place to preclude history repeating itself, so that we may see a successful conclusion to this project in the near future.
Louise Mezzatesta River Forest
Donald Trump: TV star, president, and financial wizard. Right? Sure, he had a show, where he fired people. Sure, president, surprising everyone. He was unprepared to win that time. Sure, he inherited millions to start with. Sure, and there’s so many indictments, how could they all be true? He was going to build a great wall, which Mexico would pay for. Right? No, he didn’t. They laughed. He met with world leaders and projected leadership. Right? No, he met with two like-minded dictators. They are still laughing. He promoted peace throughout the world. Right? No, he trampled treaties and enraged allies. They nervously watch. America is still a beacon of hope and freedom for millions. Right? Jury is out. Refugees worldwide are running, crying, dying. The two-party system in our country is doing just fine. Right? It would appear the Republicans are fractured into tiny bits. Democrats smirk; nothing gets done. Donald Trump, ex-TV star, ex-president, ex-wizard. We, the voters, distracted by the superficial, envious of his fame Won’t look deep into our own souls for our country, much less his. It’s a Trump tromp l’oeil: Looks like a candidate Acts like an emperor.
Karen Morris Muriello Oak Park
34
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
H
Nothing stops Gladys
istory is a hard sell. Many don’t care about the past. That’s why we treasure people like Gladys Turner. The 88-year-old from Dayton, Ohio, has dedicated herself to honoring Professor Joseph Corbin. Thanks to her efforts, many are celebrating the legacy of a pioneering Black educator who founded the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Gladys had already succeeded in having Corbin’s gravesite in Forest Home Cemetery (FHC) placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The next step was to have a plaque made to show the gravesite is indeed a historic place. We turned to the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest for guidance. They recommended the business that had produced the plaque for the Haymarket Martyrs Monument (HMM). We spoke with Andrea Zimmerman, at Erie Landmark Co., who provided a mock-up of the plaque. The cost would be $355. We next met with the manager of FHC,
Dan Fitts, about having the plaque placed. Fitts surveyed Corbin’s grave and suggested affixing the plaque to Corbin’s headstone. He said FHC would charge $300 for this. He also gave us an affidavit to be signed by Corbin’s surviving heirs to allow the cemetery to make this alteration to Corbin’s grave. In the meantime, Gladys traveled to Pine Bluff to be the moderator for “Professor Joseph Corbin Day.” The celebration marked the 150th Anniversary of the founding of UAPB. There, she met KATV personality Ashley Crockett, a descendant of Corbin’s sister who put Gladys in touch with her mother. Gladys spoke with Ashley’s mom and learned the family had an oral tradition about Corbin but no documentation of their connection. They did not want be in the limelight or field inquiries about Corbin. They certainly didn’t want to sign the FHC affidavit. This threatened to derail the whole project. Corbin’s children didn’t have any kids of their own. Like many families, this branch of the Corbin family had simply died out. When
JOHN RICE
faced with an impasse, Gladys has adopted a simple motto: “Find a way, or make a way.” She proposed to FHC that she sign the affidavit in her capacity as Corbin’s biographer. Fitts was agreeable to this and the historical society approved an expenditure of $655 to cover all the costs. It was decided the plaque presentation ceremony be held at Forest Home on May 1, 2024. Mayor Rory Hoskins has agreed to be one of the speakers. Gladys also wants Dr. David Ware, the Arkansas state historian, to be on the program. Hoskins had already planned to showcase the cemetery during the Democratic National Convention in August. Many labor leaders want to visit the martyrs monument during the convention. He hopes the monument will put Forest Park on the map, as a centerpiece of the labor movement. Celebrating Corbin on May Day is also appropriate. It recognizes how he brought higher education to Black residents of Arkansas, just as the Haymarket martyrs championed the rights of workers everywhere. The event will also highlight Forest Park’s rich and important history. We are blessed to have cemeteries that preserve our past. We are also blessed to have Gladys Turner.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
JOHN STANGER
Hereditary hairlessness from page 29 fever, typhoid fever, dermatitis of the scalp, or ringworm, but I had never had any of these problems, nor did I have any nutritional deficiencies, and I did not take medication. I knew the time had come for me to ask my grandfather and my uncle Hubert how they maintained full heads of hair. The first thing they said was that heredity was the key, and my grandfather said that his father and grandfather both had full heads of hair. The next thing they told me was to clean my scalp because stimulation from regular washing and brushing would help prevent hair loss. I felt if I followed this advice, I would beat the heredity trap. I washed my hair every day using a mild shampoo, rinsing my hair thoroughly, and after drying my hair, brushing it vigorously for a minute. I really had confidence. I fought a good fight, but by the time I was 45, heredity had won. I didn’t mind, though, because I had been told that bald men are deep thinkers.
O B I T U A R I E S
Rosa Hae Sook Choi Kim, 87 Longtime Oak Park pediatrician
Rosa Hae Sook Choi Kim (married surname “Kim,” maiden surname “Choi,” Korean first name “Hae Sook,” Christian baptismal name “Rosa”) of River Forest, died on Dec. 28, 2023 while being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after experiencing complications from bacterial and viral pneumonia. Born on Feb. 24, 1936 when Korea was a unified country, her birthplace is now in North Korea. In her family of origin, she was the
oldest, with three younger sisters. Rosa is survived by her two youngest sisters, both of whom are in North Korea, and by two half-brothers in South Korea, who were both born after Rosa’s father remarried following the death of Rosa’s mother from typhoid. From no religion in her family of origin, as an adult she converted to the Catholic faith after being evangelized by German Catholic missionaries in Korea. In 1959, she graduated with a medical degree from Seoul National University in South Korea. She was one of a handful of women medical students in her graduating class. During her pediatric residency at National Medical Center in Seoul, she received pediatric training from Scandinavian doctors who, under United Nations’ auspices, were helping South Korea re-establish its health-care system after the Korean War. Because she was a foreign medical school graduate, when she immigrated to the United States, she had to repeat her post-medical
school training if she wanted to practice pediatrics in the United States. She did so in New York, from 1964 to 1968. She was introduced to her future husband, Simon Hwan Kim, a devout Korean Catholic, in New York, and the two married in a Catholic wedding in St. Patrick Cathedral, in New York City. The couple settled in Illinois, giving birth in July 1969 to their only child, a son, John Ihn Kim. Shortly after his birth, they moved to Oak Park. From 1971 to 1973, she was a Pediatric Hematology Fellow at the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center. In July 1973, she became Board Certified and began a private pediatrics practice in Oak Park, later named “Pediatrics Unlimited.” In July 1977 she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. During her over 40-year career as a pediatrician, she had admitting privileges at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, and at Westlake Hospital (now closed) in Melrose Park. She loved her work and was encouraged to flourish in it by her husband Simon, who died in Novem-
ber 1999. For decades after the Korean War, Rosa was cut off from her sisters in North Korea and did not know whether they were alive or dead. Later, through a special program, she was able to learn their whereabouts and that the second sister had died while the younger two sisters were still living. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, she made several trips to North Korea by way of Beijing in order to meet her surviving sisters in person. Rosa is survived by her sisters and halfbrothers and by her son, John. In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation in memory of Rosa Hae Sook Choi Kim to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or make a donation to plant a tree (www13.funeralwebhost.com/zmt/ obituary/Rosa-Kim/1072559/memorial-tree). Visitation was held on Jan. 6 at St. Luke Catholic Church, followed by Mass and interment at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Sandy Testore, 81 Longtime Oak Park resident
Sandy Testore (nee Mruk), 81, died peacefully on Dec. 15 at home with her son at her side. Born to Ann Podbelsek Mruk and Theodore Mruk on Oct. 29, 1942, she grew up on Cermak Road and met Bob in “the neighborhood” sharing many mutual friends. They married in 1967 and moved to Oak Park where they lived for over 25 years. They made lifelong friends while in Oak Park and loved their time on Woodbine Avenue. In 1999, they moved back into the city, settling in the West Loop. She found joy throughout her life and brought joy to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed. Sandy was the wife of the late Bob Testore; the mother of David (Maggie) Testore; grandmother of Matthew, Anna and Quinn Testore; sister of Ted (Susan Branham) Mruk; friend of Dr. Frank Zappa; and cousin, aunt, great-aunt and friend to many. Per her wishes, a party will be held to celebrate her life on Sunday, Jan. 28 at Trattoria 225 in Oak Park from 1 to 4 p.m., with shared reflections at 3.
George Van Verst, 88 Longtime local dentist
George Orthel Van Verst, 88, died peacefully at home on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Born in 1935, he was a lifelong Presbyterian and member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. His favorite experiences as a teenager included summers at Camp Highlands in Sayner, Wisconsin. A graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School, Hope College, and Loyola Dental School, George served in the Army for two years as a dental officer. For 36 years, he practiced dentistry in partnership with his brother, Richard, in Oak Park/River Forest.
O B I T U A R I E S His passions included golf, Bridge, travel, and learning the German language. He enjoyed playing the clarinet and was a lifelong lover of classical music, especially the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Known for his sense of humor, character, and gift for storytelling, his pleasant and cheerful personality made the world a better place. George was the son of Katherine Opal Orthel and Paul Herbert Van Verst, and the brother of David P. Van Verst and Richard H. Van Verst, He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ellen Vugteveen (2004), and survived by their children, Janet Mary Van Verst and Scott Paul Van Verst, husband to Mary Elizabeth Vosteen. He is also survived by his wife of 17 years, Nancy Long Sutherland, and his step-children, Michael Dale Clevenger II and Ami Celeste Fischer, wife of William George Fischer III, parents of Cameron Grace Fischer. A memorial service to celebrate George’s life will be held on Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 7551 Quick Ave., River Forest, IL 60305. The service will be livestreamed online at www.firstpresrf.org/memorials.
Donna Curry, 73 Food and wine expert
Donna Jean Curry, 73, a member of River Forest community who will be missed by all who knew her, died on Nov. 21, 2023. An expert in food and wine, her passion for these was evident in everything she did. Following a successful career in the wine and spirits industry at the Wirtz Corporation, she moved on to the real estate world, dedicating over 25 years of her life to the Rubloff real estate family. Traveling the world with her partner of 35 years, Franklin Capitanini, was one of her greatest joys. She was preceded in death by Franklin. Their love was a source of strength and inspiration. Donna is survived by her family, Ray, Gina, Frank (Trish), Lisa, and Alfredo (Pamella) Capitanini, as well as 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a goddaughter, Ave Maria Limperis, as well as longtime friends Cathy O’Connell and
Fred Venrick, Joan Rossi, and Tom and Julie Limperis among others. To quote a friend, “The world is a little dimmer without her in it.” A ceremony to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave., River Forest, on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Private inurnment will take place at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Hillside. Arrangements were handled by PetersonBassi Chapels.
Jamie McCaffreyBoss, 23 Artist, dancer and singer
James “Jamie” Vaughn McCaffreyBoss, 23, died on Dec. 9, 2023 in Chicago. Born on Jan. 25, 2000 in Chicago, he was a resident of Oak Park, Highland Park, and the Dunewood Community in Bridgman, Michigan. Jamie (he/she/they) was a 2018 graduate of Highland Park High School. As an artist, Jamie had a beautiful singing voice, an amazing talent for art and fashion, was a middle-school track star, and a lifelong dancer. Jamie was in several performances of The Nutcracker with the North Shore School of Dance; many friends remember times together that included dancing and singing. While in Oak Park, Jamie attended the Academy of Movement & Music, Pilgrim Congregational Church, and Beye School. She had a light and a determination that touched all who knew her. Jamie is survived by her parents, Roger V. (OPRF 1970) and Christopher A. McCaffreyBoss; her brother, Robert McCaffrey-Boss; her grandmother Inge (Scheffler) Boss; aunts, uncles and cousins Alexa Boss Martin, Randy Martin, and Erich and Ryan Martin, Aldrich L. Boss, Sandi Weber, Kay Weber, and Kim Weber, Owen McCaffrey, and John and Michele Moore; and many more cousins, friends, and honorary aunts and uncles. Jamie was preceded in death by her grandparents William A. Boss, Lois (Weber) Wiley, and Roger Longfellow McCaffrey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jamie’s
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
35
memory may be made to Covenant House or Lambda Legal. Funeral services were held at Drake and Son Funeral Home in Chicago, with interment at Rosehill Cemetery on Dec. 18, 2023.
Rosemary Irmis, 85 Retired from Standard Oil
Rosemary Irmis, 85, a lifelong resident of Oak Park, died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2023. She attended schools in Oak Park and went on to earn her master’s degree in business, retiring from Standard Oil after a successful career. She volunteered at numerous sites in Oak Park as well as in Chicago and enjoyed world travel and visiting friends. Always cheerful, she will be missed by all. Rosemary is survived by her sister-in-law Terry Irmis, her nephew Sam Irmis and his wife Laura Irmis, and their three sons, Mitchell, Mason and Madox. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Miles and Rose Irmis, as well as her brother, Miles Jr. A memorial service will be held at Mount Emblem Cemetery (20 E. Grand Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126). Please meet at the office before 10 a.m. for a procession to the grave site on Monday, Jan. 15.
Mary Del Vecchio, 97 South Oak Parker
Mary C. Del Vecchio (nee Kenealy), 97, a longtime resident of south Oak Park, died on Dec. 28, 2023. She was the wife of the late Anthony Del Vecchio; the mother of Mary Ann (Charles) Smith, Jane (Bob), Nancy (George) Yund, Peggy (Ray) Komorowski, Julie (the late Dave) Lyons, Anne Barber, Tom, and the late John (Mary Kay); the grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of 16; sister of the late Jane (the late Louis) Corso and the late Fr. John J. Kenealy, S.J. Donations to USA Midwest Jesuits, 1010 N. Hooker Street, Chicago, IL 60642 would be appreciated. Services are private. Arrangements were handled by Peterson-Bassi Chapels.
36
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
11 spots for winter fun around town
As temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, visit these places to soak up the winter wonderland By JESSICA MORDACQ Contributing Reporter
From sledding and ice skating to enjoying walks outside, these seasonal, cold-weather activities in Oak Park and River Forest will help you celebrate the winter season.
Sledding hills The Park District of Oak Park closed parts of Barrie Park at 1011 South Lombard Avenue at the end of May 2022 to add inclusive features to the playground and renovate a fence around the sledding hill, which reopened in November. Oak Park also has sledding hills at Field Park at 932 Division Street and Taylor Park on West Division Street. Euclid Square, at 705 Fillmore Street, boasts very small hills. “Barrie sled hill is a more advanced hill that serves mostly older children and their families, compared to the sled hills at Taylor Park and Euclid, which are much more appealing and appropriate for toddlers or those seeking a more gentle slope,” said Ann Marie Buczek, communication and community engagement manager at the Park District of Oak Park. Barrie Park and Taylor Park both have a “sled library,” Buzek said, where people donate sleds that others can use while visiting the hills. “We are grateful to have a community that is always willing to share with, and support, one another,” she said. In River Forest, with any small amount of snow, you can often find kids and adults alike sledding at Keystone Park on Central Avenue, said Karen Stille, River Forest Park District’s superintendent of recreation, who can see the “decent-sized hill” outside her office window. “There’s a lot of activity once there’s snow,” Stille said. “It’s usually really packed out there.”
Ice skating In Oak Park, at the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex at 415 Lake Street, the Paul Hruby Ice Arena offers yearround skating – though it’s most popular this time of year. “December through February is the busiest season,” said Kayla Lindgren, aquatic and rink manager for the Park District of Oak Park. To get into the winter spirit, visit Paul Hruby Ice Arena on
FILE
Families sled together at the Keystone Park sled hill in River Forest in 2022. Friday, Saturday and Sunday for public skate sessions for $8 per person, or from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. any weekday for $5 noon skate. Ice skate rental is an additional $3. The ice rink offers youth and adult ice-skating classes and hockey leagues. For first-time hockey players registered for the rink’s Learn to Play classes, children ages 3 to 10 can rent gear for free through the USA Hockey One Goal Gear Program. This “gives them the opportunity to give the game a try without having to make the financial commitment that comes with purchasing gear,” Lindgren said. If you have your own skates and want to enjoy the winter weather, check out Taylor Park after a sledding trip, or visit Longfellow Park at 610 South Ridgeland Avenue. Because the park district doesn’t have refrigerant systems, the rinks are only open during extended periods of cold temperatures, and if they’re flying a green flag. “These outdoor rinks are very labor-intensive to set up and maintain,” Buzek said. “We will often close them when a resurfacing is needed and typically conduct this work late at night to take advantage of the much colder temperatures, which helps us get them reopened as quickly as possible.” In River Forest through February, Constitution Park at 7715 Greenfield Street offers daily hours for both hockey and free skating. If a green flag is flying over the rink, visit with your hockey stick and puck on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. or on the weekend from 12 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. Or bring your own skates for free skate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. or on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m.
Other winter activities in Oak Park Oak Park’s Winter Wildlife Walk on Jan. 14 will explore animals’ ecosystems at Chicago’s Columbus Park Lagoon. Participants meet at the front porch of Fox Center (624 South Oak Park Avenue) at 10 a.m. to board a bus to the lagoon, surrounded by prairie and woodlands.
Last year, the first time the park district offered this program, it was called Winter Bird Walk. But they revamped it for 2024. “We saw more than just birds last year, so we changed the program name to reflect that,” said Hannah Szuch, Park District of Oak Park’s nature and adventure program supervisor. For $11 for Oak Park residents and $14 for non-residents, the one-hour trip includes transportation and hot chocolate. “We hope that participants will gain an appreciation for nature and realize that it’s around us, even when we live in urban areas like Oak Park,” Szuch said. “We also hope to teach some interesting information about our local wildlife that they can share with their friends and family.” Toward the end of January, Oak Park celebrates Winter Fest at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Avenue. The free pop-up event’s seventh year will include outdoor, winter-themed games. To warm up, gather around the fire pit or head inside the Nature Center for a nature game and craft. “We know that during colder months, people tend to stay indoors,” Buzek said. “We wanted to provide our community an opportunity to get out in nature and engage with others.”
Trailside Museum in River Forest In addition to offering a variety of hiking trails through Thatcher Woods, where you can enjoy a snowy winter scene, River Forest’s Trailside Museum at 738 Thatcher Avenue also provides various seasonal events. On the morning of Jan. 20, observe birds visiting the museum’s feeders with bagels and coffee. Then head outside for a free bird walk with binoculars, guided by Chicago Bird Alliance’s John Elliott. Through March, local artist Judy Steed will have a glass mosaic exhibit at the museum. Attend the Winter Artist Showcase’s official opening on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. to meet Steed and hear about her work.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
37
SPORTS OPRF pulls away from Proviso West But Huskies fall to Rolling Meadows By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team started sluggishly in its West Suburban Silver home game against Proviso West, Jan. 5. But the Huskies got their act together in the second half and pulled away for a 71-56 victory over the Panthers.
While OPRF coach Phil Gary was happy with the win, he wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about his team’s effort. “We found a way to win, but we’ve got to be better,” he said. OPRF (6-8, 1-2 in WSC Silver) led 15-13 after the first quarter, despite the slow start, thanks to the play of center Alex Vincent, who scored 12 of his 17 points in that period. “He’s a force,” said Gary of the 6-9 junior, who added 17 rebounds for a double-double. “Coming back from Pontiac has helped him gain more confidence, and we’ve got to keep feeding him.”
CAROL DUNNING
Huskie’s center Alex Vincent goes strong to the basket. The 6-9 junior had a doubledouble with 17 points and 17 rebounds in the Huskies’ 71-56 victory.
CAROL DUNNING
OPRF forward Alex Gossett goes up for a layup in a West Suburban Silver boys basketball game against Proviso West on Jan. 5. The junior scored 17 points in the Huskies’ victory.
Junior forward Alex Gossett came alive in the second quarter for the Huskies, scoring nine of his 17 points to help raise OPRF’s lead to 34-27 at halftime. Trailing 53-42 after three quarters, Proviso West (6-9, 0-4) started the fourth with a 10-2 run and was down just five points at 59-54 with 3:22 remaining. But a threepoint basket by Joe Halper (six points, four rebounds) followed by a three-point play from Vincent kickstarted the Huskies’ game-ending 12-2 spurt. Senior guard Max Johnson had 14 points and five assists, while junior forward Justin Bowen added eight points and six rebounds. Moreover, Gary was pleased with the energy provided by the bench players: juniors Dominick Hale, Mateo Heidkamp-Pi-
mentel, Kris Ward (six points), and Andrew Zhou; and sophomore Jerome Delaney. “The bench guys are super-important,” he said. “It’s better when we have six to eight guys playing instead of just five.” On Jan. 6 in the Mid-Suburban/West Suburban Challenge at Addison Trail, Gossett had 19 points and nine rebounds with Johnson adding 18 points. But it wasn’t enough as OPRF lost to Rolling Meadows 66-58. “[Vincent] battled foul trouble all game and Rolling Meadows went small so it was tough for him,” Gary said. “We battled but just couldn’t overcome their hot shooting from three.” After facing hosting New Trier on Jan. 9 (after deadline), the Huskies meet York in a WSC Silver home game, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
38
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
S P O R T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Trinity preps for 2nd Annual MLK Showcase Girls basketball event features schools led by Black coaches
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Every year on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, there are several high school basketball invitationals and events across Illinois. But when Trinity High School coach Kim Coleman decided to create her own event last year, she wanted it to be unique in a way that would put Dr. King’s ideals on display. “Our MLK Showcase was created to highlight and promote African-American coaches who serve as leaders of their respective programs and communities,” she said. Given how well-received last year’s event was, Coleman decided to bring it back. This year’s showcase takes place at Trinity on Jan. 15, King’s birthday, and consists of
eight games, all featuring schools coached by African-Americans. “We want to continue to make it about the coaches and the impact they’ve had on their schools and players,” said Coleman, adding that each coach will receive polo shirts commemorating the visit. They will also be served meals, courtesy of Blackowned vendors onsite. The event features local flavor as both OPRF and Fenwick are participating. The meaning and importance are not lost on the coaches. “I would like for my team to understand the importance of working together and competing,” OPRF coach Renee Brantley said. “There was once a time in our history when we would not have been allowed to do so, which wasn’t that long ago. To be able to play with and against others from different backgrounds shows that we can come to-
Second Annual Trinity MLK Basketball Showcase 8 a.m. – Walther Christian vs. Ridgewood 9:45 a.m – OPRF vs. Senn 11:30 a.m. – Amundsen vs. Thornwood 1:15 p.m. – Deerfield vs. Westinghouse 3 p.m. – Hope Academy vs Taft 4:45 p.m. – Fenwick vs Thornton Fractional North 6:30 p.m. – Phillips vs Mother McAuley 8:15 p.m. – Trinity vs Hyde Park Tickets cost $10 and are good for admission to all eight games. They can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.
gether and progress in the right direction.” “Obviously, MLK is a day in history for us. I am excited to be able to participate in this event,” said Fenwick coach Lenae
Fergerson. “It is always inspiring to see the number of schools that are being led by African-Americans. This day is just another reminder of how far we have come.”
Fenwick, OPRF ready for next Hruby Cup game Players on both teams grew up together, proceeds benefit Beyond Hunger
By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter
The Fenwick and OPRF boys hockey teams are set for their next matchup, as they square off for the second time this season. The Friars (22-25-0) will host the Huskies (8-21-2) on Friday, 8 p.m., at the West Meadows Ice Arena for game two of the Paul Hruby Cup series, named for the Oak Park hockey pioneer and Illinois Hockey Hall-ofFamer. As in the past, the series supports Beyond Hunger, an Oak Park charity with a mission to end hunger in the near-west suburbs. Ticket proceeds will go to the nonprofit and fans can also donate online. “It’ll be a great atmosphere and an emotionally charged game,” said Fenwick head coach Nick Fabbrini. “Fans have several different opportunities to donate to the organization.” “I definitely think the charity aspect brings the community together,” said OPRF head coach Mike Murphy. “As a club,
we’ve been teaching the guys the importance of giving back; you want to play for your high school because it’s such an important part of your upbringing, and it’s important to play for the community.” Fenwick and OPRF have partnered with the charity for many years, via an existing relationship established by former Huskies head coach David Dyson. The Hruby Cup challenge has had grade levels from both
schools compete against each other to raise funds, and last season $4,500 was donated. In addition to the high level of competition in these games, the charity aspect is also something that brings everyone together as fans can turn out to support their team and also help their community. “Even though the games will be away from OPRF and Fenwick, we really hope people will come out to watch a great sport and help support a great cause,” Fabbrini said. “We’ve always been happy with the turnout for this series, it’s always been a fun event with a lot of energy,” Murphy said. “Our students and [media relations manager] Jason Clary have done a great job getting the word out.” Fenwick notched a 5-2 victory in game
one of the series on Dec. 2, and both coaches know that this one will be another close matchup. “It’ll be Fenwick against Oak Park, so you know it will be an emotional game,” Fabbrini said. “It’ll be exciting; these are always games that we have circled on our schedule.” “This is the biggest game we have to look forward to on our schedule,” Murphy said. “The guys are really excited for it; hopefully it will be the pinnacle of their seasons.” “Players from both teams probably took their first steps on the ice together,” said OPRF club president Laura Fransen. “And they were certainly teammates for some club in years past, so these games are filled with friendships, not just between players but entire families as well. Any fan in attendance should expect to see a great game that only that kind of history can provide.” Fans can purchase tickets to Friday’s game through either Fenwick’s website or OPRF’s hockey website. Game three of the series (if necessary) will be on Sunday at West Meadows Ice Arena.
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024 39
Let the sun shine in...
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.
Your right to know...In print • Online BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNIT YMEDIA .ORG
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
The River Forest Township Board of Trustees approved the following meeting dates for 2024:
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION January 25, 2024 AT 7:00 P.M.
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETINGS Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (also Annual Meeting) Tuesday, May 21, 2024 Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Tuesday, Sept 17, 2024 Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Meetings will take place in person at 6:00 PM (except January 23 at 5 PM) at the River Forest Civic Center Authority Building 8020 W. Madison Street, River Forest, IL 60305. The River Forest Civic Center Authority (RFCCA) Board of Managers approved the samemeeting dates. The meetings of the RFCCA Board of Managers will take place in the same location immediately following the River Forest Township Board of Trustees meetings. Any changes in time, date or location as well as Zoom remote participation information will be posted in advance on the River Forest Township website (www.riverforesttownship.org), at the RFCCA Building and at the River Forest Library. Published in Wednesday Journal January 10, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
2024 Sewer Lining Improvements (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 1,997 lineal feet of Cured-in-Place Piping (CIPP) as a sewer lining as well as other miscellaneous work required to install the aforementioned CIPP, including some manhole bench repairs, and point repairs. The bidding documents are available for download starting Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening. The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. Published in Wednesday Journal January 10, 2024
NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois for the purpose of considering a request for a final planned development application for a property located at 8845 Burlington Ave, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PINs 15-34-433-001-0000; 15-34-433-002-0000; 15-34-433003-0000) by Peter Haleas for a proposed 12-unit, 3-story new construction residential condominium building with enclosed parking. Legal Description: Lots 17, 18, and 19 in Block 29 in the Subdivision of Blocks 27, 29 to 34 Inclusive, in Grossdale, a Subdivision in Section 34, Township 39 North, Range 12 east of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. The proposed final planned development application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 or at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Please reference PZC Case 24-02. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman..
LEGAL NOTICE
Legal Description: UNIT NUMBER 9211 IN 9207-9213 BROADWAY CONDOMINIUM, AS DELINIATED ON A PLAT OF SURVEY ON THIS FOLLOWING DESCRIBED TRACT OF LAND: LOT B IN MRAZ SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 2 IN BLOCK 1 IN PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLATT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED MARCH 17, 2009 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 0907645123.
The full RFQ can be found at: https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/requests-proposals. Questions should be emailed to lgriffin@oak-park.us.
The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 24-01. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
The court date will be held: On January 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom at
By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.
Zoom Access Code: 914 3462 0283 Password: 988648
Published in RB Landmark January 10, 2024
To access Zoom by phone call 312626-6799 then enter the Access code and password listed above. Published in Wednesday Journal January 10, 17, 24, 2024
OPPORTUNITY
The Village of Oak Park -- Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive sealed proposals until 4:00 pm. on Friday, January 26, 2024 for Phase I Preliminary Engineering Services & Phase II Design Engineering Services for the Home Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Replacement. In general, The Village of Oak Park, Illinois (the Village) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit qualifications from interested engineering firms to provide Phase I Preliminary Engineering Services and Phase II Design Engineering Services for the for the replacement of the Home Avenue Pedestrian Bridge (IDOT Structure Number 0162060) over the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and railroads. These services will be procured in accordance with the Village’s policy on Qualifications Based Selection (QBS).
The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.
PUBLIC NOTICES EQUAL HOUSING
NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from Li Dong for a Special Use Permit for a Massage Establishment use at 9211 Broadway Avenue (PIN 15-34-307026-1003).
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Robert Thomas Vishneski to the new name of: Robin Titania Vishneski
Published in RB Landmark January 10, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICES
Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission January 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.
Request of Robert Thomas Vishneski Case Number 20234006707.
PUBLIC NOTICES
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
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•RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com•AustinWeeklyNews.com
PublicNoticeIllinois.com
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
Our Community Needs Community Journalism It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.
Partner with us. Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization
40
Wednesday Journal, January 10, 2024
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
January 10, 2024
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
B1
AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE A GCM GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
ABOUT THIS SECTION
This monthly special section focuses on ways to grow Black and Brown homeownership on the Greater West Side. This Growing Community Media project is funded by a grant from the Chicago Community Trust. Share your thoughts with Erika Hobbs, our editor, at erika@ growingcommunitymedia.org
Advice from an Expert: Q&A with Austin resident and realtor Camella A Sutton
PROVIDED
Camella Sutton tours a high rise rental building in Millenium Park.
By DELANEY NELSON
Special Projects Reporter
ustin resident Camella Sutton knows first-hand how overwhelming the process of buying a home can be. When she and her husband bought their home in 2013, she didn’t know all the ins and outs of the maze that is homeownership and relied on a realtor to lead her through. Now, Sutton is the realtor helping people achieve homeownership — and she wants you to be empowered throughout the process, too. While Sutton works as a realtor throughout all of the city and some of its suburbs, she tries to focus on Austin, where she’s lived since she was a kid. Austin Weekly News spoke with Sutton about the local housing market and what to expect from the buying process.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Austin Weekly News: Why did you pursue a career in real estate? Camella Sutton: I wanted people to know, not so much about real estate, but how to advance, and really the one thing that never goes away is land — that’s the thing that people fight for every day. So, I really try to now focus in on educating people on the benefits of owning, of ownership as a whole.
See CAMELLA SUTTON on page B4
B2
January 10, 2024
AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE
A prospective homebuyer’s list of terms
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
Confused by all the terms? We got you with this glossary
By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter
T
he process of getting ready to buy a home can be complicated — and wordy. Especially if it’s your first time. Here, we’ve made it a little easier for you by defining some of the words and phrases you’re likely to come across at the start of your home buying journey. Here are some of the terms you’ll need to know.
THE BIG PICTURE
Mortgage: an agreement between a homebuyer and lender that says if the borrower fails to pay off their loan plus interest, the lender can take possession of the property. Mortgage is also often used to refer to a home loan. Mortgage rate: the percentage of interest on a home loan. Mortgage rates can change with overall economic conditions, but also depend on your credit score and financial circumstances. Variable rate mortgage: This is a type of mortgage where the rate will go up and down as the economy changes. Fixed rate mortgage: This kind of mortgage has a rate will stay the same for the duration of the mortgage. Appreciation: an increase in the value of a home due to changing market conditions, home improvements and/or other factors. Depreciation: a decrease in the value of a home due to changing market conditions, wear and tear, and/or other factors.
Equity: the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is currently worth. Real Estate Agent: a professional who has completed training and passed a state examination to sell or rent real estate within a particular state. Real estate agents work under a real estate broker. A Realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS.
PAYMENT AND FINANCING Before looking at potential houses or meeting with a realtor, it’s important to make sure you’re financially ready to buy a home. Mortgages almost always require a down payment, and saving for one is a major first step that can take years, depending on your financial situation. Assistance programs do exist that can help with your down payment, only require small down payments or don’t require one at all. Knowing more about down payments and what type of loan you may qualify for will help you plan how much to save. Down payment: the percentage or amount a buyer pays upfront when buying a home. The average down payment for first time buyers in 2023 was 8%, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors. AMI (Area Median Income): the median (average) household income within a certain geographic area. AMI is calculated and published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a key factor for determining eligibility for many down payment assistance programs.
Assets: Broadly, assets are things of value. Some assets that may be used for mortgage qualification include bank accounts, property and retirement accounts. DPA (Down payment assistance) programs: loan or grant programs offered by nonprofit organizations, employers or state or local government entities that help people purchase a home. These programs are generally for low- to moderate-income families or first-time homebuyers (FTHBs). FHA loan: a government-backed loan available to low to moderate earners, including those with lower credit scores or other financial issues. FHA loans allow lower down payments than conventional loans. Maximum housing expense: the greatest amount an individual or household can afford to spend on housing-related expenses. These include mortgage payments, property taxes and property insurance. A frequently cited rule of thumb is housing expenses should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. VA loan: a home loan backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs for U.S. veterans. These loans have a low down payment or none at all — and nearly 90% of all VA-backed home loans are made without a down payment.
CREDIT Working to improve your credit score is another step you can take toward preparing to buy a house. Understanding how credit scores work can help you improve your own. And they do matter: A strong credit score proves to lenders that you are likely to pay back their loan — and is often necessary to qualify for a home loan with optimal terms. Credit score: a three-digit number that attempts to predict how likely a borrower is to default on a future loan. Companies like FICO and VantageScore calculate credit scores using information about a borrower’s bill paying, borrowing and loan repayment history. They generally range from 300 to 850 — the higher your credit score, the better. A strong credit score makes it possible to qualify for more favorable loans. Credit bureau: a company that collects and retains credit information and then provide that information — for a fee — in the form of a credit report to lenders or creditors. A credit bureau is also commonly referred to as a credit reporting agency. The three main credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Continued on next page
AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
January 10, 2024
Overwhelmed by homebuying?
B3
Classes can help By DELANEY NELSON Special Projects Reporter
N
avigating the homebuying process — and all of the lingo, steps and actors that come with it — may be confusing and overwhelming. Classes can help. Really. Any potential buyer’s first step should be to find a local housing counseling agency, said Danielle Matthews, director of homeownership services at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. “Typically, people go straight to a realtor or a loan officer when they’re ready to buy,” Matthews said. “That’s kind of like starting in the middle as opposed to starting up front with a housing counseling agency that will help them get prepared, and then hand them off to a loan officer and then eventually a real estate agent when they have that strong buying profile.” The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides a list of approved housing counseling agencies, where certified housing counselors can help potential buyers maneuver each part of their journey, from pre-purchase and home buying programs to closing and post-purchase costs. Matthews leads NHS’s HUD-certified homebuyer education courses, which cover budgeting, credit, inspections and down payment assistance programs. The organization also provides financial literacy and foreclosure prevention programming and one-on-one guidance. Connecting with housing counseling and understanding the process of becoming a homeowner is crucial to success, she said. “Our goal at the organization is not only to create a homebuyer, it’s really more around creating a sustainable homeownCredit repair companies: private, for-profit businesses that claim to help borrowers with debt or credit difficulties. Many companies that say they can “fix” credit problems fast are predatory. Credit repair companies are not the same as credit counseling organizations, which help borrowers safely rebuild their credit.
er. That’s how we want to impact the buyer — making sure that we’re delivering a level of education to them that teaches them not just to purchase the home, but to keep the home,” Matthews said. “Getting that person in housing counseling is step one, so that we can dismiss the myths around buying and put in a plan of action to help start the process.” NHS is just one of many organizations that can provide counseling to potential home buyers on the West Side. Some, like those at NHS, are even offered online. Others that can help include:
Credit report: a record of a borrower’s credit history, including data from banks, credit card companies, collections agencies and more. This includes whether payments were made on time. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003 requires all three major credit reporting agencies to provide credit reports to each consumer once a year upon request, free of charge. Consumers can request their report at annualcreditreport.com. Default: failure to repay a loan according to terms agreed upon between the borrower and the lender. Generally, one goes into default when they completely stop making loan payments for a period of time. Defaulting hurts your credit score, but there are paths to building your credit back up after a default. Delinquency: any late payment on a loan, credit card or other
• Oak Park Regional Housing Center/West Cook Homeownership Center • Spanish Coalition for Housing • Smart Money Housing • Northwest Side Housing Center • Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) • Center for Changing Lives • The Resurrection Project
debt payment. Depending on how long the loan remains unpaid, your credit score could be affected. DTI (Debt-to-Income ratio): monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income equals your DTI. Lenders use this number to determine how much a borrower can afford to spend on monthly home loan payments. Equal Credit Opportunity Act: enacted in 1974, it made it illegal for any creditor to discriminate against any applicant based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, receipt of income from public assistance programs, or the applicant’s good faith exercise of his or her rights under the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act. Non-Traditional credit: If a potential buyer lacks an established credit history, they might assemble a non-traditional credit history which would involve proof of regular payments to entities other than a lender. These might include rent, utility or cell phone payments.
GETTING SERIOUS
After you’ve built up your credit and saved for a down payment, the next step might be prequalification or pre-approval for a loan. In addition to showing sellers you’re serious about buying, prequalification or preapproval will also give you a clearer idea of what you’re able to afford. Mortgage pre-qualification: an estimate from a bank or other lender of how much they would lend a borrower. This is based on information provided by the borrower. Mortgage pre-approval: an offer from a lender to loan a certain amount, good for a given time frame. This is based on information verified by the lender including a credit check and is more formal than pre-qualification. Follow us each month in print and at https://www.austinweeklynews.com/ at-home/, where you’ll find additional resources and useful information.
B4
January 10, 2024
CAMELLA SUTTON Continued from page B1
AWN: What are the benefits of homeownership? Sutton: One of the biggest things is that it creates generational wealth. Having ownership, whether it’s a home that you’re growing with equity in, or if it’s a multi-unit, you’re constantly collecting rent — it’s something you can pass down to your family. It’s the beginning of generational wealth. AWN: What are some things people interested in starting the process of buying a home should know? Sutton: The first thing I do is I tell people it’s not HGTV. That’s for sure. And then really just having them determine what they’re truly looking for, teaching them to live within their means. A lot of times we see these beautiful, decorated homes that we see on TV and automatically you’re like, “Oh, I want that.” [It’s important to] be realistic with your search and know that you can transform anything into a home. The second part is educating them on the finances. A lot of times they go online, they’ll get a pre-approval, and it’s like, oh, I’m qualified for $300,000 — that’s not what that means. You need to factor in the taxes, the insurance, the what-ifs. If you’re going into a house that isn’t as updated, what to expect from things like that. That’s also something I’ve educated myself on. My husband is a home inspector,
AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE so I had him teach me everything about what to look for when I’m going into a home, so I know when I’m showing people things, [I can see] what needs to be repaired. Let me explain to you what this could look like for you in the future. I really like people to go in with everything they need to know. I like to prepare people and really educate them on the process, even after the closing of a home. AWN: What are some of the financial items people need to have in line before they even start the process? Sutton: For one, knowing what you can and can’t afford, knowing your own budget. Having money saved up for, you know, your first mortgage payment, but what if something should happen? I like to tell people to have anywhere from three to six months’ worth of reserves in their account, not that you’ll need them — but anything can happen. You can lose your job, [there can be] acts of nature, your roof caves in, and you just never know. So, I like people to be prepared financially. Also, having them look at their credit report and knowing what’s on there. And also looking into different [financial] programs — don’t settle for the first lender that you see online. There’s so many great programs that a lot of people don’t know about and are not widely advertised. One in particular that I love to tell people about is called [Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America]. NACA allows you to obtain a home with bad credit, it doesn’t go off your credit score, it goes off your ability to pay your bills. It’s
PROVIDED
Sutton directing a photo for a new listing.
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA But now that I know, obviously I move differently. In my process, it was very overwhelming, to say the least. I learned a lot about different contractors, different developers. It was a lot of up and down, but in the end it worked out very well. I absolutely love where I live. I love my community. I would absolutely do it again. AWN: If you could give advice to yourself before you started the process, what would it be? Sutton: I would just tell myself to be a little more realistic within your search, and don’t limit yourself. So, I would tell myself to really just expand outside of my comfort zone.
Camella Sutton
Real estate broker
an awesome program that I like people to know about because it offers so much. So really just knowing what’s out there is big, and knowing what you can and can’t afford, being realistic with yourself. What are you willing to cut back on? What sacrifice are you willing to make to get to the point of homeownership? AWN: What are the first things you tell a potential client? Sutton: You’ve already taken the first step when you called me. The next thing that we would do from there is we will have just a great conversation, me getting to know you and know your likes or dislikes so that I can better assist you along the way. I’ll also find out a little bit more about your current situation financially so that way I can direct you to the lender that’s going to help you in your situation. Some people are veterans, so I want to make sure that we get you to a [Veterans Affairs] lender. If you are someone that can purchase the house, but maybe you don’t have all the down payment, I want to get you to a lender that has a great program that’s giving you money at closing. Every situation is going to vary. Some people already come with their lender, which in that case, again, I’m getting to know you so that way we can start your search. Each person will be different based on their needs. AWN: You’re a property owner yourself. What did that process look like for you? Sutton: Our process is another reason why I became a realtor. When I actually purchased a property that I live in, I did not have my license. My husband and I were flipping homes, but we had a realtor take care of this stuff for us. When I went to purchase my home, I felt I was being steered into certain areas. I felt that everything that I should have been informed about, educated on, I wasn’t given that opportunity.
AWN: What does the market look like in Austin right now? Sutton: The market in Austin is on fire. We are at an all-time high. The property values of our community are through the roof at this point. You’re seeing a lot of high property values, so a lot of equity in a lot of these homes. You’re seeing things that you probably would have never seen before — houses being brand new built over here at $600,000 and more, you’re seeing half-a-million-dollar properties being built. So, our community is taking a huge turn. We’re seeing a lot of growth and hopefully, that will lead to more businesses and more opportunities growing in the neighborhood as well. AWN: If you could give any advice to someone in your community who is interested in getting started with the process, or someone who is apprehensive about homeownership, what would you say? Sutton: Don’t be afraid, trust in yourself. Definitely do your research, and just go for it because the cost of living isn’t going down. If you’re waiting for that $100,000 house, it doesn’t exist anymore, so it’s no sense in waiting, because the prices are going up. AWN: Is there anything else you’d like the people in your community to know? Sutton: There’s so many great things coming to Austin. Definitely don’t be afraid to invest in your neighborhood. Become part of the neighborhood, join different clubs. There are so many great programs that are over here, from Build Chicago to the Good Neighbor Campaign. There’s so many great things that are happening here. Get out and be a part of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is going to be what you make of it. Follow us each month in print and at https://www.austinweeklynews.com/ at-home/, where you’ll find additional resources and useful information.