WednesdayJournal_082025

J URNAL

Shah

By GREGG VOSS

Contributing Reporter

Without comment on the reasons for Supt. Ushma Shah’s unexpected

resignation last week, the school board at Oak Park’s District 97 el-

ementary schools voted Monday evening to appoint Dr. Grif f Powell and Dr. Patricia Wernet as co-interim su-

perintendents for the 2025- 26 school year, beginning Sept. 15. The duo also served in the same in-

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s village government is ironing out a deal that would provide a sales tax rebate to the landlord of the long vacant for mer department store that will become a new Barnes & Noble location.

The village board was set to vote on a sales tax incentive package at its Aug. 5 meeting that would’ve seen the village rebate 50% of the local sales tax revenue it received from sales at the Barnes & Noble location back to the building owner. The measure was tabled from that meeting’s agenda, as the building owner requested to renegotiate elements of the deal, according to John Melaniphy, Oak Park’s assistant manager for economic development.

Melaniphy said that none of the major figures in the deal will change before the item comes back before the board. The village wants its deal with the landlord solidified well before the landlord is set to turn over the

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Harmon appeal of $9.8 million state election board ne set for this week

Oak Parker says he helped write campaign law and followed it

By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter

A hearing by the Illinois State Board of Elections on a proposed $9.8 million fine against State Senate President Don Harmon’s campaign fund is scheduled to take place Wednesday morning in downtown Chicago.

The decision of the ISBE hearing officer will be known no later than Sept. 16.

Harmon (D-Oak Park) who re presents the 39th State Senate District, is accused of illegally accepting nearly $4 million in political contributions over a nine-month period in 2024. The ISBE has demanded that Harmon’s campaign forfeit the excess contributions and pay a fine amounting to 150 percent of the alle ged improper contribution total.

the November 2024 general election.

The ISBE says unlimited contributions were no longer allowed following the 2024 primary election in March. Harmon argued that was incorrect, and that the contribution cap remained suspended due to the fact that he wasn’t in a primary election until 2026.

Harmon will be re presented at Wednesday’s hearing by veteran election attorney Michael Kasper, who has re presented many high profile clients, including Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Secretary of State Jesse White “and many other members of Congress and the General Assembly.” He is also an expert on redistricting.

Harmon did not seek nomination or election in 2024, the contribution limitations were somehow re-applied to his committee following the 2024 primary election.”

Kaspar quoted from the ISBE’s published campaign disclosure guide, which states, “Candidates seeking office in the General Assembly have their election cycle reset every general election re gardless of participation.”

However, State Senate candidates do not run every two years, as House members do, Kasper noted.

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf

Senior Audience Manager Stac y Coleman

Sta Repor ter Brendan He ernan

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Columnists Marc Bleso , Nicole Chavas, Jack Crowe, Vincent Gay, Mary Kay O’Grady, John Stanger, Josh VanderBerg

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Marketing & Adver tising Associate Emma Cullnan

In a March 19 letter, Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) Campaign Disclosure Director Tom Newman infor med Harmon that his campaign fundraising committee, Friends of Don Harmon for State Senate, had exceeded the state’s fundraising limits in 2024 by accepting more than $4 million over legal limits following the 2024 primary election.

Newman said the campaign fund faced a fine of more than $6 million, as w ell as fo rfeiture of the excess campaign donations. The final figure was later determined to be $9.8 million.

State Board of Elections spokesman Matt Dietrich said the ISBE hearing officer conducting Wednesday’s proceedings will produce a re port with his/her findings. That re port, Dietrich said, will be published prior to the ISBE board meeting scheduled for Se pt. 16, “probably by Sept. 11.”

Both Harmon and the ISBE ag ree that Harmon lifted the contribution limits for both himself and any other candidates for his 39th Illinois Senate District when he loaned his campaign $100,100 in January 2023. At issue is whether those allowed unlimited contributions ended with the March 19, 2024 primary, or continued until

Harmon said in a July op-ed in the Chicago Tribune that he disagreed with the ISBE’s analysis.

“I am a lawyer and was one of the primary authors of the law they’ re referencing, so I’m confident our interpretation will win the day when it has been presented to the full board,” Harmon wrote in his Tribune commentary.

Kasper was more hard-edged in his response to the ISBE’s ruling, calling the finding “absurd,” “unconstitutional” and “contrary to the plain language of the applicable provisions of the Election Code.”

“I’m con dent our interpretation will win the day when it has been presented to the full board.”

The ISBE, Kasper alle ged, “makes the unsupported assertion that the contribution limitations somehow reattached to Mr. Harmon’s committee (and those of any of his opponents), after the March 19, 2024 primary election – an election in which the office Mr. Harmon seeks (State Senator for the 39th Legislative District) did not appear on the ballot. This is contrary to the plain language of Section 9-8.5(h), which removes the contributions limits for all “candidates for that of fice.”

DON HARMON State Senate Presiden

Harmon, Kasper argues, “… contributed more than $100,000 to his candidate committee, Friends of Don Harmon for State Senate, on January 13, 2023. This contribution had the legal effect of removing any contribution limitations applicable to his committee, and those of any of his opponents, and the committee accepted certain contributions that would have exceeded the pre-existing, but removed, statutory limitations.”

Kasper continued, “…despite the fact Mr.

“It makes little sense that the board would treat Senate and House candidates the same for purposes of applying contribution limitations, but differently for removing contribution limitations after a primary election,” Kasper argued. “Instead, the General Assembly structured election cycles so that all legislative candidates are treated the same.”

Kasper said the ISBE’s interpretation of the law “results in an absurd application of the Election Code where contribution limitations are removed for the third and fourth year preceding an election but applied in the two years closest to an election…”

“Here, the only election after January 13, 2023, at which candidates can possibly seek election to the “office” of State Senator from the 39th Legislative District is March 17, 2026,” Kasper argues.

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

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Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

Oak Park children’s book author to debut new title at Dandelion Books

Local author DJ Corchin will o cially release his newest book with an Oak Park launch par ty Aug. 31

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Parker DJ Corchin has made a career out of using children’s books to help children and care givers start complex conversations

After early career stints as a high school band director, Apple Store worker and unicycling trombonist — yes, you read that cor rectly — Corchin is set to release his 25th book since inking a “life-changing” deal with Naperville-based publisher Sourcebooks, which has published 18 of his books. Corchin will kick of f the book’s release with an event at Dandelion Bookshop, 139 S. Oak Park Ave., on Aug. 31, before setting of f on a Midwestern promotional tour.

“It’s nice to have a home store, as an author,” Corchin said. “Someone who understands the hustle and grind at that retail level reality.”

His collaboration with the local bookseller has also included setting up tools for schools and people he meets on tour

to order their copies of his books through Dandelion, he said. Dandelion Bookshop owner Jamie Ericson, herself an author of young adult fiction said building relationships with local writers is a key part of the business.

“It’s definitely a good thing to be working with authors, and there’s so many of them around Chicago,” said Ericson, whose store opened last February. “It benefits both sides, it feels really good to be working with a real person instead of a huge corporation. It’s more flexible.”

About half of the store’s catalogue caters to young readers, so it’s a fitting collaboration, Ericson said.

Corchin has also set up methods for schools and others from around the country to order his books directly through Dandelion Bookshop.

His work has centered around using the storybook medium to explore topics like feelings, friendship, creativity and communication. His books are often used in child psychology settings, he said.

“My lane is to provide the words to start the conversations, and then the professionals do what they’re supposed to do from there,” Corchin said. “I just hope that my writing le gacy can be that I leave just a little bit of the wisdom that I’ve received from children’s books and pass that along.”

His new book “A Million Yes’s” — a follow-up to the Barnes & Noble bestseller

HOME STORE: Author DJ Co rchin values the relationship he is buildin g with Dandelion Books on Oak Park Avenue

“A Thousand No’s” — has a core message around healthy boundary setting.

“It’s about setting healthy boundaries, which is another lesson we don’t teach really well,” he said. “How you still be kind but have boundaries, kind of like the oxygen mask on a plane. You put yours on first, then you can help others.”

Corchin re gularly visits elementary schools to speak with schoolchildren about his work, and he said he’s looking to bring

some of that energy for the Oak Park neighbors who turn up to Dandelion Bookshop later this month.

“I hope it’s a celebration of literacy and community,” Corchin said. “I really want to have the community not just celebrate me but to make it an Oak Park celebration.

An Oak Park author, an Oak Park bookstore and that’s a chance to show support at a time when bookstores of all things are being attacked.”

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Free baby supplies available at Oak Park village hall

The Collaboration for Early Childhood is providing free baby bundles

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

A local community organization is providing new and expecting parents with resources and childcare supplies with some help from the Oak Park’s village government.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood ofOak Park and River Forest is providing free “baby bundles” to caregivers with children under two years old. People can sign up to receive the bundles online and set up a pick-up time through the collaboration’s website, or they can ask for them at the front desk ofOak Park village hall as part ofa new initiative this summer.

“Village Welcome Center staf f make it easy to pick up a baby or toddler bundle any time Monday through Friday during re gular business hours of9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” the village said earlier this week.

Oak Park village hall will be closed after 12 p.m. on Fridays until after Labor Day, according to the village

The Collaboration for Early Childhood is a non-

profit group dedicated to supporting families in the re gion with children aged five and under as they prepare for elementary school. The bundles will contain diapers, children’s books, baby toys and resources for parents.

“We believe that by welcoming new and expecting parents with goodies and resources, they have the tools to be their child’s first and most important teacher,” the collaboration said ofthe program.

“Each Baby Bundle includes a printed copy ofour Early Childhood Resource Directory, which is a comprehensive list oflocal childcare, preschool, and home-based programs as well as places for little ones to create art, music, and move their bodies. “

Each bundle will also include information about resources for postpartum mental health care and a booklet the group produced about the stages of child development, according to the group.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood is also conducting a survey ofOak Park parents to help shape future family programming, according to the group. The group will raffle of f 10 $100 gift cards to survey participants, the group said.

First wave of Bi ke Plan construction comes in under budget

Newlook, same mission.

The work, originally projected at million, will cost ar $810,000

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN

Work on the recently approv Bike Plan has begun –and its initial costs are less than expected

On Aug. 5, Oak proved spending for the first round of bicycle infrastructure laid out in the bik plan that the board ratified in round ofimprov lage $809,903, less than the $1.4 million was budgeted, according to village staf f.

The cost is also offset by a Cook County grant Oak Park received in 2024, which will pay for 5% ofthe work — about $40,500. The South Elgin-based company Maintenance Coatings Co. is the contactor on the project.

Trustee Brian Straw said that the work coming in under budg et is a great start to the rollout ofthe plan, which village officials hope will drive increased interest in cycling in Oak Park by making the entire village safer for bike riders.

“That’s a savings of approximately $600,000 on this project and it is a great project,” he said. “You’ll be seeing a lot of neighborhood greenways being installed and being installed in the next several months. That is something I am very excited about.”

The work is related to establishing the wide-ranging neighborhood greenway system laid out in the plan. This includes signage and pavement markings along Lemoyne Parkway and portions of Lombard Avenue, Harvey Avenue, Scoville Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, Home Avenue and Kenilworth Avenue, according to the village.

Adding more neighborhood greenways was a central part ofthe bike plan, which also included measures creating new pro-

tected bike lanes, increasing bike-share access and a variety ofother traffic calming strategies.

“A centerpiece ofthe plan is the development ofNeighborhood Greenways, a network oflow traffic, residential streets designed to prioritize bicycle travel and improve safety for cyclists ofall ages and abilities,” the plan said. “These greenways are intended to calm vehicular traffic, enhance street crossings, and provide seamless connections to key destinations like schools, transit hubs, and local businesses. The study identified an initial series ofeast-west and north-south routes and a toolbox of infrastructure components that can help prioritize bike travel through the community.”

Once the work’s completed, new greenways will connect north and south Oak Park via Lombard and Harvey Avenues and east and west Oak Park via Lemoyne Parkway.

With the approval ofthe construction contract, village staf f are drafting an ordinance that will lower the speed limit to 20 miles per hour on portions of Lemoyne, Lombard, Harvey, Scoville, Elmwood, Home, and Kenilworth, according to village staf f.

Tra c calming at Pleasant and Grove recommended

Experts recommend curb bump outs and new signage at residential intersection, but no four-way stop

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

needs intervention because it is adjacent to multiple churches, shops in the Hemingway District, is two blocks away from Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School and is used as a school bus stop, according to neighbors.

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“There seems to be very little downside and tremendous upside to traffic stopping momentarily on Pleasant Street,” residents said in their petition.

Oak Park’s Transportation Commission and the village’s traffic calming petition consultant have recommended a set of traffic calming measures for a busy residential intersection.

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The village’s transportation commission unanimously approved recommendations for new traffic calming measures for the intersection of South Grove Avenue and Pleasant Street at the body’s meeting Monday, Aug. 11. The commission voted to approve recommendations from Civiltech staf f, the village’s consultant that responds to traffic calming petitions from residents, that would put new “paint and pole” curb bump outs on all four corners of the intersection as well as install new “cross traffic does not stop signage” on the block.

The residents had asked that the intersection be made a four-way stop, but the consultant said that the intersection functions safely as is, with few speeding drivers and rare accidents.

“The traffic data shows that this intersection is operating safely and efficiently and does not warrant additional stop controls,” the consultant said in its re port.

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The intersection has stop signs on Gr ove Avenue but none on Pleasant Street, which meets its four-way stoplight intersection with Oak Park Avenue feet after the intersection with Grove. Both streets are narrow — no wider than 30 feet — and they both allow street parking.

Residents submitted the petition on Sept. 14, 2024, citing concerns over pedestrian and motorist interactions, including poor visibility for drivers. The intersection also

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“Stop signs are present 350 feet to the west at South Kenilwor th Avenue and a traffic signal is located 350 feet to the east at Oak Park Avenue. If stop signs were installed at Pleasant Street, drivers could become frustrated with the succession of stop signs/signals and stop compliance could decrease, compromising safety.”

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The commission asked that re painting high visibility crosswalks on Grove Avenue be added to the recommendations

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The stretch will also receive neighborhood greenway signage treatment in 2026, as part of the recently approved Oak Park Bike Plan, and these new additions would likely be completed at the same time as the greenway treatments, according to village staf f.

The recommendations will go before the Oak Park Village Board for final approval in the coming months.

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ART BEAT

Local actress/artist provides mental therapy through her arts

Ar t and healing can go together

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

By way of her Creative Minds Center of the Arts in Oak Park’s Southtown District, visual artist and actress Teala Stampley created a space where mental health and art collide.

“It’s a space for healing from being human and adulting and all the things,” said Stampley, 34. “It’s an opportunity to get out of your head.”

Stampley has occupied her live/work space for approximately a year and half.

Some of the events that take place at Creative Minds include The Painted Tongue: Open Mic and Art Exhibition every third Thursday at 7 p.m. Let’s Talk About It Paint and Conversation takes place every fourth Saturday. It’s BYOB with light hors d’oeuvres. Stampley leads the art work part of the event, a licensed therapist leads the conversation.

There’s no pressure for deep conversation during the event, Stampley said. Rather, it’s an opportunity for creating community and allowing for other ways for growth and healing. Contacts for professional resources are available.

“We have a lot of resources for the Black and Brown community because re presentation in mental health is important, “ she said. “Therapy is big but we need tools outside of that as well. Tapping into something like art, or even if you write something down, paint something or draw something, you don’t have to show it to anybody. Once you get it out, if you want to you can toss it. I have some paintings that are just in my A breezy morning in July found the talented artist setting up her work space at 803 Van Buren St., for a viewing party for her co-starring role (Season 7, episode 9) as a nurse in the popular Chicago-based television drama series The Chi. The se-

ries, created by Emmy Award winner, Lena Waithe, chronicles life in a Chicago Side neighborhood

“I’ve always wanted to be an actress and I’ve always loved films,” said S whose struggles with self-doubt and currences initially kept her dream of at bay. “When I turned 30, I said, ‘Something got to change.’ I auditioned for The or five times and then the last time it hit.

Stampley’s acting credits also include starring role in The Burden of Guilt rently streaming on Tubi about gling couple seeking counseling following their son’s passing.

Her acting talents are also seen her portrayal of the character Brenda, in writer/director Muhammad Bilal’ do, which centers on an African-American man who reluctantly seeks therapy suppressed memories from a past run-in with police are triggered.

Background work in Chicago American police procedural television series broadcast by NBC) is also part acting portfolio.

“I started doing background wo Chicago PD from 2001 and 2002,” Stampley said. “I stepped on set doing back three months later I had an agent I knew what I wanted to do.”

A great support system of people surrounds her, she said, including her family and actors such LaRoyce Hawkins who plays Kevin Atwater on Chicago PD

“It’s really good to know that people in Chicago can look out for each other,” she said.

Painting, poetr y, art exhibitions and healing activities

Multifaceted in her artistic expression, along with acting, painting, writing poetry, makeup artistry, sketch artistry and seam-

LIVE/WORK SPAC E: Teala Stampley in her work/live space in e 801 on Van Buren in Oak Park.

stress skills are all part of her arsenal of creative talents.

Like others with undiscovered hidden talents, Stampley wasn’t aware of her painting ability.

“I started painting about a year and a half ago as a form of healing because I suffer from anxiety and major depression,” she said. “I was going through a little bit of a dark e pisode. My uncle is also a painter and he used painting to kind of help heal himself so I just grabbed the paint brush and said I want to put some paintings in here.”

Stampley describes her genre as mixed media three dimensional.

“I do portraits and abstract art work,” Stampley said. “I mix portraits and abstract together. It’s just kind of my style.”

Several of her mixed-media, three-dimensional creations are on display as part of her “Anxiety Project” exhibition. Anxiety, she said, is thinking too far into the future and depression is focusing too much on the past.

The exhibition was her way of letting

Celebrating 100 Years YOUR BEST LIFE withLisaCapone

Cantata Adult Life Services (formerly known as the British Home) turned 100 this year, and we’re marking this milestone with a community-wide celebration you won’t want to miss! Join us on Saturday, September 13 for the Cantata Centennial Festival, a full day of live music, delicious food, family fun, and special moments honoring our century of service. Enjoy performances from talented local musicians, explore unique vendors, and sample offerings from popular food trucks. Kids will love the family-friendly entertainment, while adults can relax with beer, wine, and great company.

We’ll also announce winners of our 50/50 raffle—supporting Cantata’s mission while giving lucky participants a chance to win big. This once-in-a-century celebration is our way of saying thank you to the community that has been part of our story for 100 years.

A fresh Field School

The private Christian school opened Aug. 16 for the school year

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

This school year, the two-building Field School at 535 N. Parkside Ave. in Austin will be fully o the first time since 2013 when Chicago Public Schools Francis Scott Key Elementary.

For the 2025-2026 school year, over 300 kinder through eighth graders will occupy Field School, 24% from Oak Park and River Forest, over 27% from Austin, and the rest from western suburbs and West Side neighborhoods of Chicago.

The Field School’s north building opened in 2022, but middle schoolers have been attending the Field School out of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park the school started in 2017 — because there wasn space at the Austin campus.

After renovations to the south building, now all the students will be on the same campus again. T he north building will mainly host kindergar ten through fifth grade, while the south building will hold classrooms for middle schoolers.

Healing and opportunity: the Austin HOPE Center story

Stone CDC and Lurie Children’s Hospital collaborate with community engagement specialist Oliver to meet local needs; opening next year

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

T he Austin HOPE Center, a par tnership between Stone Community Development (Stone CDC) and Lurie Children’s Hospital, is shaping up to be a lively hub for youth and f amilies in the Austin neighborhood.

Expected to be completed in 2026, it will bring to g ether pediatric care, behavioral health services and community progr ams all in one place, along with spaces for youth development, local organizations and outdoor progr amming

Austin resident Aisha Oliver was hired as the community eng ment specialist for to strengthen relationships between Lurie Children Hospital and the Austin neigh borhood, particular Black residents

“I ultimately came in and created a community eng ment strateg y and from there,” Oliver said. “The focus was not just on someone to carry out community eng agement; really wanted someone was rooted in the community someone who could help build new relationships while also deepening the existing connections the hospital already had in the Austin neighborhood.”

tween Lurie Children’s

Stone CDC, having already Stone CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic. She met Stone CDC’s CEO, Pastor Contrell Jenkins, who sought her guidance in maximizing progr ams while directly benefiting the neighborhood.

Nearly a year later, Oliver brought Stone CDC and Lurie Children’s Hospital to g ether after learning Stone CDC’s goal of using its space as a flexible hub for children and families

T he project be g an in spring 2023, when architecture firms were selected to design the new facility. In summer 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony was held. Construction is expected to continue through 2026, with the anticipated opening next summer

Oliver facilitated the connection be-

Upon joining, Oliver conducted a thorough review of Lurie Children’s departments and progr ams to identify existing ties to Austin and oppor tunities for meaningful community eng agement.

Said Jenkins: “We have been unning progr ams focused on outh development, working with children in after-school and summer progr ams, teaching dance, theater, music and Through these progr ams, have gained a deep understanding of the children’s needs. As a result, we be gan seeking mental and behavioral health services, which led us to partner with Lurie Children’s Hospital to bring these progr ams and access to quality healthcare to the Austin community.”

Mary Kate Daly, Lurie Children’s chief of Community Health, appreciates Oliver’s deep impact with the Austin HOPE Center

“At Lurie Children’s, we care for many patients from the Austin community and we certainly have many employees who live there. However, we don’ t have the same deep roots in the neighborhood, so we really rely on Aisha to guide us in com-

munity eng agement. She is a true exper t,” Daly said.

When asked how Lurie Children’s Hospital will balance clinical care with community-focused activities at the Austin HOPE Center, Daly emphasized that the center’s layout separates by floor clinical care from community-focused progr ams.

T he second floor is dedicated to patients and f amilies receiving physical and behavioral health services, including asthma care, preventive cardiolo gy, adolescent medicine and sickle cell treatment, with offices and group therapy rooms for mental and behavioral health.

T he first floor is designed for community health progr amming, featuring a large conference room for training, educational sessions, and group activities that address the specific healthcare needs and interests of the neighborhood Jenkins said that youth played a key role in developing the name of the Austin Hope Center.

“So these are the four pillars of healing. H is for Healing, O is for Opportunity, P is for Par tnership, and E is for Equity. This is what’s going to transpire. This is what drives the progr ams, the services, the people, the community. Everything is built on these pillars — they are core to what’s going to happen. From this space comes healing and oppor tunity,” Jenkins said.

Oliver’s goal is to ensure that all of her work reflects the needs and voices of the neighborhood and its residents. She views community not as a place to simply live in, but as something that must be actively built.

“Every aspect of the Austin HOPE Center was built around the existing needs of the neighborhood, a focus I have been eng aged in. Much of the necessary work was already underway even before [Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital] became involved, so being brought onto the team was an added bonus. I was then able to show them how to reco gnize and build upon what already existed in the neighborhood,” Oliver said.

Food Aid ‘strengthens the community’

The fourth annual music festival will support local organizations ghting food insecurity

By ELIZABETH SHORT  Contributing Reporter

During the pandemic, Oak Parker Donnie Biggins, founder and operator of Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, saw many existing social inequalities grow Wanting to help others in the area, he decided to take action against food insecurity, an issue that he knew he could “make a positive impact on.”

That action became Food Aid. Since 2022, the annual music festival has been dedicated to combatting food insecurity. Now in its fourth year, Food Aid’s mission has remained the same: “to prevent individuals and their families from experiencing hunger.”

Beyond Hunger, the Oak Park Community Fridges, and the Westchester Food Pantry.

In its first three years, the festival raised over $25,000 to combat food insecurity in Chicago’s Westside and sur rounding ar eas. This year’s goal is to raise $20,000 for the cause

As federal budget cuts are due to decrease SNAP access – putting around 360,000 Illinoisans at risk of losing benefits – it is the community’s responsibility to step in, said

Berwyn-based musician Cheryl Lynn Tomblin has performed at the Food Aid

Robert’s Westside, along with WBEZ as a presenting partner, is hosting Food Aid 2025 on Aug. 22 and 23. Rock band Crack will headline the event, with openers The Shams Band (self-described as “rock n’ roll with a banjo”) on Aug. 22 and Chicago based Americana artist Rachel Swain on Aug. 23. Robert’s Westside is at 7321 Madison St.

This year, the festival is introducing the Food Aid Block Party at O’Sullivan’s Public House on Aug. 23, an event that will be “family friendly and fun for all ages,” said Biggins. The block party will be free with donations collected on site. DJ Bounce House, Cheryl Tomblin, Maggie’s Farm The Szurko Trio, Haymaker, and High & Lonesome will perform at the Block Part O’Sullivan’s is at 7244 Madison St Food Aid takes a local approach to this global issue, supporting community organizations based on the West Side and the near west suburbs. Proceeds from the event will go to A House in Austin, Austin Eats Initiative, Best of Proviso Townshi

is a great way to learn more about the resources available to those experiencing food insecurity. “If people know that there are larger organizations that are there to support, maybe it will help to take some of the personal ne gative connotations away from the fact that one might need to go to the food pantry to get the things they might need,” she said.

For people who might be experiencing food insecurity for the first time, Tomblin said that the Food Aid festival can help to show people that they “aren’t alone” and that they “do not have to go far to access these resources.”

Food Aid is also a chance to explore the local music scene and hear local bands, said Tomblin. “I think that it’s just going to help to strengthen the community and bring these two things (music and the fight against hunger) together,” she said. “And it’s going to help both communities grow; musically, absolutely, but most important is the social awareness. And that’s the main point of the Food Aid festival.”

General admission is $50 plus service fees. Reserved table + GA is $60 per seat plus service fees. More information is available at foodaidfestival.com.

The Food Aid Block Party is free. If you ould like to make a tax deductible donation by check instead of cash, Food Aid sks y ou to write a check directly to one of the beneficiaries (the festi val does not have a 501c3).

CRIME

Brick put through Oak Park business’ window

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park police are investigating an incident in which a woman re por tedly put a brick through a local business’ window, according to recent police activity re ports.

Just after 8:20 a.m. Aug. 14, a woman re por tedly threw a brick through the front lobby window of a business in the 800 block of South Oak Park Avenue, according to police.

The woman then fled the scene in a gold Chevrolet Equinox that was waiting to pick her up, according to police.

Bike theft

Police are investigating an incident in which multiple bicycles were stolen from an Oak Park home.

On Aug. 13, police learned that someone had entered the garage of a home in the 200 block of Madison Street. The intruder then made of f with a Vanmoof electric bicycle and another single-speed bicycle, according to police.

TEALA STAMPLE Y

Painting is therapy

from page 9

people know they don’t have to struggle with their mental illness.

“Painting became so therapeutic and I would tell my stories,” Stampley explained. “I was literally creating them to tell my story. Now people see it and it’s really kind of vulnerable because I wasn’t creating them for anybody to see but if I can help somebody else…”

According to the Mayo Clinic, feeling anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful, is normal. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). .

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population with women twice as likely to be affected as men. GAD often cooccurs with major depression, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

An ongoing theme in Stampley’s painted

The total value of the stolen bikes is estimated $3,450, according to police.

Burglary arrest

Oak Park police arrested a 45-year-old on burglary charges last week, according to police.

The man was charged in connection with a that re por tedly occu rred in the village in the 500 block of Lyman Avenue last month.

Police arrested the man on the afternoon of and transported him to bond hearings, according to police.

These items were obtained from Oak partment re ports dated August 11 – 15 and a portion of the incidents to wh Anyone named in these re ports has only with a crime and cases have not We re port the race of a suspect only crime has been committed, the suspect is still at la and police have provided us with a detailed a tion of the suspect as they seek the public’s making an arrest

work on canvas are the clocks you’ ll see reflected in them.

“The clocks are a reminder to keep you present,” the artist said. “The best remedy for anxiety is to just try and be present and in the moment. You may not be able to relate to some of my paintings but the clocks in them…anybody can relate.”

Stampley used real glass in the eyes of the people depicted in her pieces.

“They’re a mirror so that you can see yourself,” she said.

According to the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, just seeing art can impact the brain whether it’s part of a creative arts therapy exercise, or something experienced in everyday life, artistic expression is beneficial.

“I would say to people dealing with mental health issues the first thing is you don’t have to struggl e.” Stampley said. “There’s help out there in many different ways and forms. If you don’t like therapy, find another healthy way to cope but you don’t have to be miserable or sad. It’s ok to ask for help.”

For more information about the events at Creative Minds or to contact Teala Stampley, visit her website at www.tealastampley. com or visit her Facebook page at Creative Minds Center of the Arts.

In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound.

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DISH ABOUT A DISH

Oh, the pork chop at Autre Monde

This chop has a following

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

Brian Brock has, by his own estimation, eaten at Berwyn’s Autre Monde more than 500 times. The pork chop is his go-to meal, when he’s not tempted by the specials. He fell for the restaurant’s welcoming, neighborhood vibe as he searched for a new home

“My husband and I were living outside of Ann Arbor, and we were both like, where’s our next place going to be?” Brock said. “A friend from college posted that some friends he used to work with at Spiaggia were opening this place in Berwyn. And my husband’s like, ‘Where? Oh, my gosh. Brian, look. At these houses.’ We started making the drive to check out houses, and then we would stop at Autre Monde every time.”

Brock and his husband, David, bought the house in Berwyn and became regulars. Brock keeps circling back to one item.

“When I go out, I want to eat something that I’m not going to go through the trouble at home or have a failure at home. The pork chop is that that dish,” said Brock.

For the partners at Autre Monde the pork chop is special too.

buys the whole rib rack it in house.

“There’s meat around the bone ly is sitting on top of the po cooks, it releases all that kind of internally basting itself,” Chef Pancake said.

The g rill is special too. It was an essential featur kitchen.

“They wanted a g rill in there because meat is just so different it that way,” Tully said. “The temperatur bit of char, the caramelization something like that.”

“We pull the door and it with that wood smell. And I’m li

“It’s been on the menu in some iterations since we opened,” Christine Tully, partner and managing director, said.

“I love the pork chop. I think it is, if not unique, pretty special in the world of pork chops,” Dan Pancake, chef and partner, said.

The chop itself comes from a Duroc breed pig raised in Iowa on a farm where it’s allowed to roam freely. The restaurant

erly is letting it rest properly We let all of the meat, especially the pork chop – because it’s a little bit bigger piece of meat, let it rest for five to ten minutes,” said Pancake.

Then it’s onto the plate.

“I love the olives and then the kind of sweet anise flavor from the caramelized fennel. It’s just a really nice dish, really tender, flavorful,” Brock said. “It’s a big pork chop, so I will take some of it home. And then before the night is over, you can gnaw on the bone in the comfort of your kitchen.”

want the pork chop,” Brock said.

But before the chop hits the grill, it begins a Mediterranean transformation with a soak in brine: pink pe ppercor ns, red pe pper flakes, black peppercor ns, some sliced onion and salt. Then, after it’s grilled to perfection, it still has a few more steps

“What is as important as cooking it prop-

“On the menu there are probably three to four or five things that have survived the test of time. Maybe this is prideful, but I think we figured out how to best re present those dishes. We found the right product and the right way to cook it in the right combination of flavors,” Pancake said.

While the restaurant has this very thoughtful, mature process for getting food

onto the table, the overall dining experience is meant to be approachable.

“This is still a neighborhood restaurant,” Pancake said. “The whole point is to create an experience that begs people in of f the street to eat at a neighborhood restaurant.”

Six new murals capture essence of River Forest

Young artists paint homes and public buildings along Central Avenue

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Thirteen young local artists under the direction of River Forest resident Molly Burns brightened the walls along Central Avenue across from Keystone Park with six colorful new murals this summer.

The murals join other artwork along that stretch, including eight murals created by Burns in 2018 when she ran a similar camp.

An art teacher at Garfield School and Roosevelt School in Maywood, she and her young artists created the artwork as part of a two-week-long mural camp. She also is a mother of five and a River Forest District 90 parent. An art teacher since 2004, her previous teaching stops include schools in Oak and Chicago. public art reflects the creativity and collaboration of our esidents,”

President Cathy Adduci said in the village’s e-newslettter . “Thank you to all the artists who helped to create this beautiful addition to our community.”

Jack Bielak, director of public works and engineering, said Burns reached out to village staf f members in January to suggest the project, which showcases three “historic” homes and three village buildings -- the library, village hall and the pumping station, which he said he suggested due to its significance as a historical building. The homes are in the 500 Block of Franklin Avenue, 900 block of Bonnie Brae Place and the 700 block of Keystone Avenue.

“She sent over concepts of what they wanted to do and it looked good,” he said. “Then we cleared some of the brush and provided barricades for the duration of the camp so they could paint.”

Burns said she has painted murals in the past, including the camp in 2018 and at a mural camp at Lincoln School in Ri ver Forest in 2023. Five of this year’s artists also part icipated in the mural camp at Lincoln.

“I know how to do this,” Burns said. “It’s a lot of fun and I love doing it.”

T he camp was of fered in two weeklong sessions from 9 a.m. to noon each week.

Participants ranged in age from a rising second grader to four high schoolers.

Campers are Mary Burns, Dierdre Burns, Grace Donahue, Evie Rowe, Adira Block, Briella Block, Claire North, Violet North, Maeve Behan, Molly Haley, Yeojun Kim, Nicholas Wrobel and Gabe Wrobel.

Burns said the project was more challenging due to the heat and humidity.

She said she set up a tent to provide a shaded area for the young artists who needed a break. She also allowed them to

sit in her car with the motor running and the air conditioner on. In addition, they could spend some time in the nearby park or busy themselves with crafts she had on hand to keep them occupied when taking a break.

Burns said studying under longtime Oak Park art teacher Kay Sorenson led to her career. Sorenson taught art in Oak Park’s District 97 and served as art curriculum coordinator for the district.

“I grew up in Oak Park and she was my teacher,” she said. “I was inspired to follow her.”

Burns said she wanted to celebrate River Forest by selecting the historic homes, not-

ing “there are so many great homes” in the village

She said they used outdoor latex paint, starting with a coat of fresh white. Burns said she purchased some of the paint with the remainder being “recycled,” that is, opened cans donated by family, friends and neighbors from their basements and garages.

“People were stopping all the time, checking our progress,” she said. She also said some parents helped out as well. Burns said she’ll “probably” run another mural camp next summer

“I love doing it so much,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and I have passion to do it.”

BARNES & NOBLE Deal delayed

tate this 100-year-old building and any incentive would be focused on that objective, no funds would be provided to Barnes & Noble,” Melaniphy said.

from page 1

space to Barnes & Noble on Nov. 1, he said.

“We were disappointed that we weren’t able to move forward at the last village board meeting, but we will in the near future,” Melaniphy said. “The landlord decided to postpone the village board agenda item to refine the terms of the agreement, and I expect the landlord to provide revisions in the coming weeks. None of these items will materially change the deal’s terms.”

The building has certain structural issues that have made it difficult for new businesses to make the space productive, which makes the village’s economic incentives necessary, Melaniphy said.

“The space has been vacant for more than 12 years and has generated no sales tax productively over that time period and the property taxes reflect the vacancy of the space,” he said. “Both of those revenue streams could be enhanced with the rehabilitation and occupation of the space.”

The Oak Park board meets next on Sept. 9 following a month-long summer hiatus.

The building — the for mer Marshall Field and Company department store site at Lake Street and Harlem Avenue — has sat vacant for well over a decade. Its last tenant that produced sales tax revenue was a Borders bookstore location, which closed in 2011 when the company went under.

The village had previously worked on a sales tax incentive package to help conver t the space into a Dom’s Kitchen & Market grocery store location, but that deal fell apar t in 2022 before the company closed all its locations in 2024.

Karris’ firm is set to spend $4 million on renovations before turning the property over to Barnes & Noble this fall, according to the village

The near century old building is owned by the entity 1144 Lake Street LLC which is run by Nicholas Karris, according to state business records. Building ownership is also seeking local historic landmark status for the building, according to the villa ge

The proposed rebate deal is set to go forward as a 20-year ag reement, which would pay Karris’ firm no more than $2 million over the life of the contract. No village sales tax funds would be rebated to the Barnes & Noble corporation through this deal, Melaniphy said.

“The posture of the village is to rehabili-

The bookstore is expected to open in the summer of 2026 as a 25,000 square-foot two story store with a cafe, company leadership told Wednesday Journal last month. The Oak Park location is expected to employ 60 people, according to the village.

Following the closing of The Book Table early this year, two independent and locally owned bookstores have opened in Oak Park. Dandelion Bookshop is open at 139 S. Oak Park Ave. and The Book Loft opened in a portion of the space previously occupied on Lake Street by the Book Table last weekend.

SHAH RESIGNS

terim capacity during the 2021-2022 school year.

They will re place Shah, who abruptly tendered her resignation Friday. The board for mally accepted Shah’s resignation at a special meeting Monday and appointed Powell and Wernet to their new roles. The board also appointed Patrick Robinson, district assistant superintendent of elementary schools, as acting superintendent until Powell and Wernet begin.

Both the district and the board were mum about why Shah had departed, especially since she received a two-year contract extension in May and the matter was not discussed at the Aug. 12 re gular board meeting, where Shah was in attendance. Wednesday Journal has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for Shah’s resignation letter and other materials related to her departure.

dedication since June 1, 2022,” the release said, “bringing visionary leadership, a deep commitment to student success and a collaborative spirit that has strengthened our school community.”

The release said her accomplishments included guiding the district through postpandemic challenges, ne gotiating a new contract with the Oak Park Teachers Association (OPTA), and creation of the trait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate.

Multiple calls and texts to Shah over the weekend and Monday were not retur ned.

According to her LinkedIn profile Tuesday morning, Shah still listed herself as district superintendent. She was also listed as superintendent on the District 97 website Tuesd morning

“Our job is to provide the resources and the support to maximize the support of our students on a daily basis. This will be a lot easier, because I know the majority of the players. We have a good working relationship with the unions and with the senior sta . ”

GRIF POWELL Co -interim superintendent

Board president Cheree Moore said post-meeting she didn’t “have any additional comments at this time.” The district issued a joint press release with Shah Friday that said the board was “grateful for Dr. Shah’s service” over her three-year tenure.

“Dr. Shah has served the district with

Robinson has worked for the district for seven years, serving as assistant superintendent of elementary schools since 2023 and prior to that, Whittier Elementary School principal.

Powell and Wernet are familiar faces for District 97, having served in those roles during the 2021-22 school year. A district release late Monday said that during that time, “they navigated a number of critical challenges – including leading our safe and smooth reopening of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic – and remain deeply familiar with the Oak Park community and staf f.”

In that statement, Moore said the board was excited to bring back Powell and Wernet. “Alongside our dedicated administra-

tive team, they will help guide the district with stability and care,” she said.

The release said the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System limits the number of days a retired superintendent can work each school year, which is why the pair will divide responsibilities and workdays. Their schedule will be determined once they are able to meet with the board and district administration.

Powell, who is in his 14th interim engagement and third with Wer net, said Monday evening that the two are clear about their role

“Our job is to provide the resources and the support to maximize the support of our students on a daily basis,” he said. “This will be a lot easier, because I know the majority of the players. We have a good working relationship with the unions and with the senior staf f.”

While he was unable to provide any insight about why Shah resigned, he said he is excited for the challenge.

“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s a great community. I know a number of people in the community.”

PROPER TY TR ANSFERS

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from April 2025. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

OA K P ARK

37 Harrison St

$4,313,000 Op Apartments Llc Flt Evelyn Llc

Madison St $2,723,000 Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr Agree Rlty Llc

S Grove Ave $1,201,000 Ingram Erin Fallon Farmand Ashkon

Linden Ave $1,109,000 Greenberg Sander J Tr Boies Carolyn

N Taylor Ave $1,075,000 Kavinsky Cli ord Jay Sieg Jonathan

S East Ave

$1,020,000 Rafter Luke Unger Seth A 644 N Elmwood Ave $971,500 Anderson Floyd D Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr

Gunderson Ave

S Ridgeland Ave

436

Gibson James David Tr Mcknight Catherine M

Brown Eric Stewart Kristin 819 S Kenilworth Ave $770,000 Greenwell Prop Llc Hefner P Allison 926 Columbian Ave $765,000 Sandvoss Timothy T Tr Maychruk Andrew C

N Humphrey Ave $760,000 Menzies Julie Anne Van Aartsen Daniel 918 N East Ave

Bruno Osbert Williams Matthew Anthony

S Euclid Ave $725,000 Zinanni Leo R Marcia A Mahoney Trust 215 Forest Ave $712,500 Tikkanen Je rey R Tr Garner Michael J

1000 S Kenilworth Ave

170 N Taylor Ave

$670,000 Flanigan John B Majer Peter

$638,000 Shipley Nicole G Sackett Kandi 647 N Cuyler Ave

726 N Elmwood Ave

335 S Harvey Ave

$635,000 Wenzel Gary E Tr Pett Carl

$630,000 Butler James T Anderson Douglas

$625,000 Gri n Je ery Neil Jendusa Michael Francis 546 N Lombard Ave

407 N Taylor Ave

511 Forest Ave

106 S Taylor Ave

$620,000 Chaudhry Vivek Tr Allen Je ry Scott

$576,500 Rademacher William Westschotte Arica Marie

$575,000 Marx Kari Zamula Sergiy

$570,000 Talley Steven C Conley Shon 1018 Chicago Ave

1037 S Ridgeland Ave

810 S Lombard Ave

$570,000 Marx Kari A Zamula Sergiy

$570,000 Dominion Partners Llc James Alice M

$565,000 Newton Kyle Michael Lindberg-Fisher Kayla Jean 812 Wisconsin Ave

1156 S East Ave

1118 Clarence Ave

1025 S Cuyler Ave

110 S Marion St

937 Hayes Ave

$560,000 Kessy Marion E Tr Solheim Jennifer

$555,500 Bell James E Calendo Brittany

$545,000 Bhf Ent Llc Monahan Delaney V

$535,000 Sitkowski Mollie D Visessurakarn Korn

$520,000 Ma Chunye Simon Verneta J

$510,000 Murphy Regina M Tr Brozek Alexandra K 1040 Hayes Ave

321 N Scoville Ave

1167 S Taylor Ave

1228 N Ridgeland Ave

1006 Home Ave

641 S Maple Ave

1110 S Grove Ave

617 S Humphrey Ave

$505,000 Teague Philip Louderman Sarah

$500,000 Strong Sidney D Pediment Llc

$497,000 Egwuekwe-Smith Latoya Schmidt Elizabeth

$495,000 Adamsick Randolph P Mcsherry Trust

$490,500 Balakrishnan Dinesh Walton Matthew Douglas

$480,000 Debartolo Merrit M Tr Tillhof Katherine

$475,000 Dipasquale Andrea Tr Schoen Audrey

$475,000 Elliott Samantha Pansino Vincent

817 Clarence Ave $430,000 Ness Joseph Anagnos Sophia

510 S Grove Ave

RIVER FOREST

$425,000 Hanert James C Tr Opam Kwame 603 N Cuyler Ave

Worl Ryan Keegan Patrick

Phillips Bruce A Tr Knier Brian

Moroney Deborah Extr Belenke

Homes

Local Realtor, interior designer combines both careers

Mallor y Slesser says she is a whiz at managing her time

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Oak Parker Mallory Slesser has homes in her blood. The busy mom of three is combining two careers — real estate and interior design — to make the village she calls home a little nice r, one house at a time.

“I grew up in the Hinsdale and Burr Ridge area. My dad was a custom home builder. My parents built new homes, and we moved every few years,” Slesser said, discussing her life-long interest in how people live

After finishing colle ge, she enrolled in interior design classes at Harrington Colle ge of Design and embarked on a career in which she worked for showrooms and then as a freelance designer.

The year 2017 was a turning point, she said. “I started my own LLC and had my second child. I also took the real estate

exam three weeks postpartum. I’ve been doing real estate and interior design hand and hand since then.”

Wearing multiple hats and juggling multiple responsibilities is a part of the job that Slesser relishes. “I’m fulltime at real estate and interior design,” she said, “As a single mom of three, I’m good at managing my time and really maximizing both.”

A Realtor at Baird and War ner, Slesser said her long history in interior design helps her help clients find a local home. Her experience in the rehabbing industry pays off when clients are trying to imagine themselves in a space and trying to determine what home projects will get them there.

VICTORIA KRAUSE SCHUTTE, MPA

Broker

O: 708.214.8108

Victoria@atproperties.com @properties - Oak Park 1011 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60301 1336 Wesley, Berwyn • Open House

Saturday, Aug. 23, 11am-1pm & Sunday Aug. 24, 1:30-3pm Luxury Living in North Berwyn |4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | Nearly 3,000 Sq Ft

expansive windows, and a seamless open-concept layout. At the heart of the main level is a chef’s kitchen with crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an oversized island, opening to airy dining and living areas anchored by a statement replace. Upstairs, the primary suite retreat, with huge walk-in closet shines with a spa-inspired bath with marble nishes, double vanity, and oversized shower. Two additional, sun-lit bedrooms share a exible second bath. The nished lower level o ers 8-foot ceilings, a recreation room with wet bar, 4th bedroom, full bath, and laundry—ideal for guests, a gym, or media room.

Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with a welcoming front porch, private back deck, and detached 2-car garage.

With quick access to Oak Park, public transit, and downtown Chicago, this home delivers the perfect blend of style, function, and location.

A before and a er of a central OP primary ensuite, designed by Mallor y Slesser Design. Slesser “stole” some space from the o ce next door to create a full primary bathroom.

MALLORY SLESSER

Selling

by design

from page 21

“Especially in this [fast-moving] market, it’s essential to work with someone who has real construction knowledge, negotiation skills and can hone in on what your needs are and get you the house,” she said, She can help her clients see on their first walk-through what others might miss. “I know what to expect behind the walls and can almost do a small inspection for my buyers before the inspection,” she said. “A lot of people don’t see what I’m going to see. A lot of the time, I’m helping people see the whole picture. Not just the shiny objects. People can be blinded by flips, and I help them see if the quality is there.”

She said that it can also be helpful to have been with clients through the home selection and buying process when it comes time to rehab of a property. She estimates that 65 to 75% of her home buyers end up needing her rehab skills once they purchase the home.

Full-service design is Slesser’s bread and butter. Most of her projects involve new builds, kitchens, bathrooms, additions and basements. If she has time in her schedule,

Northeast Oak Park bathroom redesigned by Mallor y Slesser. “ is was a true vintage bathroom that was lacking functionality for a family w ith 2 young children. We went with a beautiful terrazzo oor and a handmade look wall tile for the shower. e oating vanity allows for the illusion of more space within the tight quarters but also increased storage. We also added a beautiful open shelv ing closet to increase storage.”

she will also do paint consults, room freshes and furniture consultations.

Getting her clients a great result is Slesser’s end goal. She has long-term professional relationships with contractors, which allows her to give her clients what they want.

All of that is infor med by her design philosophy.

Slesser summed it up this way: “My main design philosophy is that interior design done well is a form of practicing well-being and wellness. If you start your day in a bathroom or space that you hate, that permeates your day. I strive to give clients spaces that reflect who they are and that give them peace and joy. You see ov whelmingly positive results when people feel like their homes reflect them.”

One of Slesser’s latest listings is a unique, a newly-constructed home in Ri Forest at 111 Thatcher. Slesser sold her ents the vacant lot. Her clients got transfer red mid-construction on their dream house, and Slesser is now listing the Vi rian-inspired home for $2,250,000.

She described it as a rare opportunity for someone to get old-world character with modern conveniences.

“There are very few new construction homes in River Forest. They thought a lot about giving the home architectural character. They used tiles like you might have found in the 1900s and brought in a lot of

found and re purposed items like stained glass and light fixtures. What they’ve done is really try to pay homage to that time period, while building something new. And they are working with the fabulous and re-

nowned XCED Design and Build.”

Slesser, who is the real estate agent but not involved in the construction or design process, said the home should be completed at the end of 2025 or early 2026.

IShrubtown: Trump takes charge of the Oak Park police!

e tipping point

VIEWPOINTS

t’s never lost on me how lucky we are to have an abundance of highquality coffee shops in our area. As an extrovert who works from home, I love star ting my day or breaking up my after noon with a stop at a café — not just for the caffeine, but for the human connection.

ee in Forest Park, I found something refreshing beyond the excellent latte: a big, clear sign that said “No Tipping. We believe that exceptional service isn’t something extra — it’s something you deserve, every single time.” ing up in the 1900s — yes, that makes me sound ancient — tipping worked different. Many service jobs paid a base wage below minimum, with the assumption that tips would make up the difference. I had colle ge friends who made a small for tune bartending or waiting tables in Philadelphia, and the etiquette was clear: you tipped when you ed direct, personal service. at clarity is gone Today, it feels like any business with an iPad has a tipping prompt. Sometimes, you’ re even asked to tip when you never interact with a human being — ordering entirely through a screen.

The problem isn’t tipping itself. It’s the awkward social pressure of having the payment screen flipped toward you while someone watches. If we’re going to keep this system, it needs to be less uncomfortable. Why not start with an opt-in screen that asks if you’d like to leave a tip before showing the tipping amounts? And can we stop hiding the “no tip” button in microscopic print or behind three menus? Another frustration is the mystery of where your money goes. Is the tip going directly to the person who took my order, or is it pooled with everyone on shift? Transparency would go a long way toward making customers feel good about giving extra.

I recently had an experience at a market that summed up the inconsistency. One week, I bought a drink from the re gular checkout line — no tip prompt. The next week, the line was long, so I paid at the deli counter instead. Same drink, dif ferent re gister — and suddenly, there it was: the tipping screen.

It’s all part of a modern capitalist loop. Companies like Square and Stripe make the tip prompt the default. That drives up the total cost of each transaction, which increases the percentage they collect in processing fees. Businesses win because higher tips can help them raise pay without raising listed prices. But in the end, the consumer loses — paying more than the posted price without necessarily receiving better service.

Tipping should be a genuine gesture of appreciation, not just another form of participation trophy

Vince Gay has over 20 years of experience in education, ranging from classroom teacher to building administrator. The proud parent of two school-aged children, he has been an acti ve member of the Oak Park community for more than a decade.

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

FAV ORITE THINGS

e Rehm Park playground

ak Park is for tunate to have many parks, 18 to be exact. Some have playground equipment, tennis courts and sandboxes. Other parks are filled with mature trees and winding paths. My family’s favorite is Rehm Park. Located in the south part of Oak Park at 515 Garfield St., corner of East Avenue, south of I-290, it has a swimming pool, two tennis courts, a Gaga Ball pit, sand volleyball courts, and both a toddler’s and children’s playground. There is also a selfpropelled train on a track that wasn’t open the day we were there.

One View

stopped at the Oak Park Conservatory, a botanical garden across the street, at 615 Garfield. They have interesting plants and fruit trees from all over the world, two parrots, and an outdoor children’s play space with a water pump (Infor mation can be found at www. oakparkconservatory.org).

Named after Colonel Arthur D. Rehm, the second board president of the Park District of Oak Park, it was acquired in 1913. Did you know that the original park was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen? But very little of the original design is still there. When my grown children and their children and I visited Rehm on a recent Saturday, all of us found fun activities to do there. My grandchildren especially loved the merry-go-round and the bumpy metal slide. Everyone’s “favorite thing” at Rehm Park were the ziplines. All of us, from toddler to grandmother (me), took turns on the ziplines, one with a sturdy plastic swing to sit on (I chose that one) and the other, a round metal seat with a rope to hold onto. While we were in the neighborhood, we

A DAY IN THE PARK: Joy and her prides and joys take a break from playing at Rehm Park before heading to Sticks and Cones for ice cream

We also stopped at Sticks and Cones, an ice cream shop at 308 Madison St. (www. sticksandcones.com) that opened in 2023. Jennifer Wimmer, the owner, told me her favorite thing about the store is that “We have something for everybody, and some free family enter tainment on the side!” In addition to traditional ice cream, they offer Dole soft serve, smoothies, Hawaiian shaved ice and non-dairy flavors. My grandchildren were intrigued with the vintage style Pac-Man video arcade games and a shelf of free board games. We wondered if the store was open in the winter and Jennifer said that business is pretty slow over the winter months, but they host birthday parties, social gatherings, and offer free use of the space in their main dining room to local groups and organizations looking for a fun space to meet.

Joy Aaronson is an Oak Park resident who writes stories for the Wednesday Journal about her favorite things in the village. Previously, she contributed to Chicago Pa rent and wrote the Kids’ World column for the former Logan Square Free Press.

OUR VIEWS

D97’s silence

For a school district that, like all Oak Park taxing bodies, professes transparency, we are deep in the murk at the District 97 elementary schools.

So many peculiar aspects to the sudden resignation of Supt. Ushma Shah last Friday. It came less than one week before schools open for the year. This school board extended her contract by two years in May. There has been no announcement of a new job elsewhere for Shah.

And while there was a press release issued Friday that was touted as a shared announcement, declaring Shah to be a “visionary leader,” no one will say a word about what has transpired here.

The Jour nal has been working this story since Friday. Texts. Phone calls. Emails We’ve reached out to Dr. Shah repeatedly. No response We’ve reached out to the district’s PR person and are told the gushy press release is their only comment. We watched Monday’s special board meeting where Shah’s resignation was accepted without a peep from any elected official. We have filed a FOIA request asking for her letter of resignation. We’re told the district will reply within five business days. We have sent another FOIA asking for all records and communications related to her contract and her departure. We will see whatever comes back

And we have contacted Cheree Moore, president of the school board, multiple times, asking for comment, only to be told she had no comment before the board met on Monday. Not surprisingly she had no comment after the board met on Monday. In fact, she texted our reporter, Gregg Voss, asking him to stop calling her and to direct all requests through her board email.

This is all unacceptable

Moore is the top elected official in a school district in tur moil. Not talking is not the right answer. Meanwhile here we are again.

On Monday evening the school board hired the tag team of Powell and Wer net, retired superintendents, who will share the interim superintendent title to stay within state regs on their pensions. If the names Griff Powell and Patricia Wer net are familiar, it is because they played the same roles in District 97 during the 2021-2022 school year when the district was last between superintendents

To state the obvious, it is not a good thing when over a five-year period a school district has interims for two of those years.

Then there is the search process, which will be very time consuming for the school board over the next year, and then there is the ramp-up for any new superintendent to learn the ropes, make a plan, develop a vision, reorganize the senior staff and work to begin executing. And maybe that choice will be an excellent one. Or not.

This district’s track record on hiring superintendents is not a good one (and we were fans of Dr. Shah). Kelley. Collins. Roberts. Not stellar

Our conclusion. It starts with candor toward the community.

Sixth grade has begun for my gr Tyler and Bryce. Middle school. One giant leap for studentkind. That tale will be told — we hope happily — but first one last look at the summer of 11 y old

It was a lot like the summer of 10 years old Nine Wednesdays (and one Friday), luxuriously long days off the clock, the Papa Summer Camp. This year they actually w to camp, five days away from home on thei own, sleeping in cabins with kids they didn know, along with, reportedly, millions of spiders (some small measure of exaggeration there perhaps), but the boys still declared it “super-fun.”

e sum er of 11 years old

also did something I’ve wanted to check my list since childhood — touring the els of the World War II German U-Boat. Cramped, hot quarters, with beds next to torbrought underwater warfare alive To pth charges and submerge faster, the ould run to the nose and pile on top of on another We were game to recreate history, ut it was verboten.

TRAINOR

Before all that, the summer began with two sessions of indoor rock climbing (Urban Air one week, Vertical Endeavors the next) because the early June weather was decidedly cloudy, rainy and smoky. Inside, they scrambled up knobby walls like Spiderman without the sticky stuff. Har nesses and ropes helped. I admired them greatly from the ground as I prepared to catch any falling bodies.

The following week we visited Brookfield Zoo, and fearlessly sat in the infamous “splash zone,” suffering the slings and stings of outrageous salt water flung from dolphin tail fins. Following the first tsunami, Bryce chose the better part of valor, seven rows up, while Tyler and I got gloriously soaked. There is something undeniably therapeutic about getting drenched in the pursuit of fun.

Wednesday after they retur ned from we explored Egyptian mummy tombs and massive dinosaur skeletons at the Field Museum, including an exhibit tracing the evolution of life on Earth, demonstrating that millions of years can really add up to something

A week later, we attached our bikes to my new rack and headed to Morton Arboretum to take advantage of the long downslopes through the forested section, momentarily outgliding any nerves about our uncharted futures We also completed nine holes of mini-golf, with many do-overs, much questionable scorekeeping, and wild protestations about the inherent unfairness of the universe.

Bowling followed, where the winner at mini-golf, a model of sportsmanship, traded places with the winner at bowling and morphed into a raving lunatic.

The next week we took the Metra to Oak Park, then hopped on the Green Line and headed to the Loop, where we perused the Art Institute gift shop, and played 18 holes of Chicago-themed mini-golf at Maggie Daley Park, which offered twice as many opportunities for wailing and gnashing of teeth and all the rest.

Next up was the Museum of Science and Industry, which included a high-tech exhibit with gorgeous, immersive music and special effects, including a maze of mirrors. We agreed it was the best time we’ve ever had while getting eco-scolded about overusing plastic.

The following week, my friends Rick and Gail, who live in Winnetka, helped us gain entry to one of the public beaches for several hours of being blissfully removed from everything except sun, sand, breeze and lapping waves. Bare of foot, awash in the wash, shadowed by seagull drones, we dragged our digging tools, castle molds and buckets to this sandy shore to build towers, moats and ramparts. The slowly rising tide tested their seawalls. Surprisingly, God made an appearance, in the form of a smooth, gray stone atop Bryce’s sand mountain, which was heaven, he said. A second stone on the side of the mountain was the door God used to go out into the world each day to admire creation.

Eventually, the lapping waves got the better of heaven, and Bryce infor med me God was a casualty. “He wasn’t immortal,” he explained, “but he might come back,” adding, “Now I have to make a church.” Theologically, that sounds about right. They created a burial circle with a large stone in the center to cover God’s resting place. Bryce found two stems of straw grass, deftly tied them into a crucifix, and planted it overlooking the tomb. Mythologist Joseph Campbell, I think, would have approved.

Personally, I thought the entire beach was heaven.

On our final Wednesday, we returned to Brookfield Zoo to see the recently-opened outdoor primate area. It was hot, so one of the gorillas hid in a small patch of shade behind a man-made tree. The other crouched in a shaded cor ner next to the glass where people pressed close to watch every move. The boys and I discussed how human he looked and acted, and so we left — out of respect for our cousin’s privacy.

After one last stop for ice cream, the summer of 11 years old drew to a close. Far too soon. With their future insistently beckoning, will they remember any of this? Someday, perhaps … when their past beckons with equal insistence.

Remembering Connie Rakitan

I’d like to tell a cross-Oak Park/Austin border story involving Connie Rakitan who died recently at 74 years old.

In 1979, Connie founded and then ran the Faith & Fellowship Ministry for adults with serious mental illnesses out of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish on Austin and Washington boulevards.

Faith and Fellowship focuses on the spiritual needs of a nearly forgotten group: West Side residents who live in large institutional mentalhealth facilities. A few years ago, I met, or rather re-met, Connie in her messy office in the for mer rectory at St. Catherine’s. I had bumped into her previously at the parish. In 1989, my wife and I were married there. Connie had taught Sunday School to my daughter. So we kind of knew each other.

JACK CROWE

meeting room.

I didn’t really understand

It was nearing Good Friday, so Connie invited me to join her for a Good Friday Service she was running at a residence called Central Plaza on Central Avenue immediately south of the Lake Street el in the Austin neighborhood

I’m embarrassed to say that even though I had driven by this nondescript building many times, I had no idea it housed 100 or more adults requiring mental-health care. On Good Friday, I entered that building sheepishly and was shown to a large gathering room filled with residents

This meeting was about introducing Connie to the idea that she would need to start sharing the underutilized for mer rectory building with a new group: a Migrant Ministry serving newly arrived, mostly Venezuelan immigrants who were camping outside the nearby Austin Police Headquarters on Madison Street.

Connie was skeptical. She showed me where Faith and Fellowship had regular meetings with the adults who traveled from nearby mentalhealth facilities. It was important to her that the people she served could have a place to keep their artworks in progress untouched in a basement

Then Connie walked in like she owned the place, and in a way she did. She unpacked a crucifix while saying hello to everyone. She was known. And welcomed. She had someone read a very short Good Friday Bible reading. And then Connie did something that happens too little in Catholic circles: As a lay woman, she preached

She talked about how the residents were loved by Jesus. She sang familiar hymns with them. Afterward, she made the rounds like any good pastor, checking in with anyone who seemed open to checking. She was warm and encouraging. In a room that looked cold, worn and institutional. Faith and Fellowship will continue without Connie. She worked quietly in the vineyard of the forgotten for over 40 years.

With few resources, she created a community.

Community solar is solar for all

No roof? No problem! You can still go solar with “community solar,” subscribing for a share of the energy generated on a shared solar “farm.” You’ll get a discount on your electricity costs while helping to increase the proportion of clean, renewably sourced electricity in the overall supply.

Community solar is equity in action: in our area, anyone with a ComEd account can subscribe That includes renters, landlords, condo owners and condo associations, businesses, and institutions like houses of worship and nonprofits, as well as homeowners ineligible for rooftop solar because of shade, roofing material or condition,

or financial considerations Lear n all about community solar, how to pick a provider and sign up, and more at an upcoming free webinar, Solar Is For Everyone! Organized by Oak Park Climate Action Network, it takes place on Sunday, Sept. 21, 3-4 p.m., part of Sun Day, a national day of celebration of the power of the sun.

Register at opcan.org/communitysolar. It’s better for your wallet, better for the planet, available to all.

Wendy Greenhouse Oak Park

A seriously mistaken village board vote

On Aug. 5, the Oak Park Village Board considered two motions: one to terminate without delay a contract with Flock for eight licenseplate-reading cameras; the other to deactivate the cameras for 90 days, providing for board study and public engagement, as well as discussion with police staff (1). The first motion passed with five votes. I believe the board majority made a serious mistake.

The number of retirements and the difficulty of fully staffing the Oak Park Police Department (2) strongly suggest that our police don’t feel supported. Denying them the opportunity to make their case for what they believe they need is the opposite of support

In contrast, the River Forest Police Department is fully staffed (3). Its village board recently approved without controversy their police chief’s request for 37 more license-platereading cameras (4). For that matter, Berwyn and Cicero — both with large Latino populations — are also adding such cameras (5). Apparently, they’re not worried that ICE is going to use the data.

The opponents of Flock cameras, including those on the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, say they don’t work (6). First, let’s remember that Chief Johnson (who all the trustees say they respect) considers them a useful tool. Then consider that the cameras haven’t been allowed to work as well as they could (7). They’re permitted to report only on cars stolen violently, though stolen cars are associated with committing crimes in general. And our police have just eight of the 20 cameras requested, scaled down from an original request for 50 (8).

Trustees Leving Jacobson and Enyia may have believed they had the votes to terminate the Flock contract. I think that’s why they rushed to introduce the motion just two weeks after receiving OPPD’s annual report But having the votes didn’t make passing this motion right. By voting to terminate the Flock contract now,

the board majority denied the opportunity for public eng agement. (Some trustees said there had been plenty of public discussion already, but there has been no outreach to average Oak Parkers who mostly haven’t followed this issue.) The alter native motion provided for this. Their vote denied our police the opportunity to research and recommend technologies that will work for them and to address concerns, including possible modifications by Flock. The alter native motion provided for this. And they denied themselves the opportunity to make a fully infor med decision. The alter native motion provided for this, too.

The alter native motion of trustees Taglia and Wesley even gave Flock opponents a 90-day camera deactivation. It was win-win for all interested parties. And it was the right thing to do. I very much hope there are better board decisions regarding our police in the future.

Sources:

1) https://www oakpark. com/2025/08/12/the-flock-cameravote/

2) https://www oakpark. com/2025/04/01/oak-park-chiefshares-hiring-goals-as-police-staffingwoes-continue/

3) https://www.oakpark. com/2025/04/21/river-forest-promotes-next-police-chief-from-theranks/

4) https://www.oakpark. com/2025/04/01/oak-park-chiefshares-hiring-goals-as-police-staffingwoes-continue/

5) https://www.atlasofsurveillance.org/search?location=Berwyn% 2C+IL&sort=agency_asc

6) https://www oakpark. com/2025/08/05/decide-rationallynot-ideologically/

7) https://www.oakpark. com/2024/06/05/flock-cameras-oakpark-police-contract/

8) https://www oakpark. com/2022/04/05/oak-park-to-geteight-license-plate-reading-cameras/ Judith Alexander Oak Park

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

Two remarkable human beings

Oak Park said goodbye to two remarkable human beings in the last year — Julie Samuels in 2024, and Bruce Samuels this July. Their passing is a profound loss, but their legacy — both in what they built and in how they lived — still surrounds us

Bruce and Julie were more than activists, more than organizers, more than public servants. They were people who believed deeply in our shared humanity, in the power of community, and in the idea that ordinary people can make extraordinary change when they act with empathy, courage, and persistence.

They didn’t wait for others to fix things. They saw injustice — redlining, environmental threats, inequality — and they stepped in. They helped shape our political conversations, not by chasing attention, but by staying rooted in their values. Whether they

were challenging powerful institutions, building new ones from the ground up, or simply mentoring younger activists, they carried themselves with integrity and purpose

I was lucky enough to work with them during the Village Citizens Alliance campaign more than two decades ago. Bruce and I ran together on a ticket that tried to bring new energy and new voices to local gover nment.

Julie was an essential part of the effort — sharp, grounded, and always focused on what mattered. We won a seat, and though Bruce didn’t take office in that race, he never lost sight of the bigger picture. He and Julie knew that every campaign, every meeting, every effort was part of a longer story — a deeper push toward justice and community.

Bruce had a calm intellect, a quiet moral force that made you listen. Julie brought clarity, tenacity, and a remark-

able ability to organize people around shared purpose. Together, they worked for environmental justice, affordable housing, equitable education, and transparent gover nment — not because it was fashionable, but because it was right. They reminded us, constantly, that democracy isn’t just voting or serving — it’s living out your values in your neighborhood, your school, your block.

The institutions they helped build and the policies they helped pass are part of their legacy. But more than that, it’s the example they set: of living with purpose, acting with compassion, and never letting cynicism drown out hope.

Bruce and Julie Samuels made Oak Park better. They made it braver. And those of us who knew them will carry that forward, as best we can.

Robert Milstein Oak Park

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

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Oak Park’s search for a ordable housing

According to an article in Wednesday Jour nal [Eliminating single family zoning up for discussion, News, Aug. 13], the village board is once again talking about eliminating single-family zoning in Oak Park, while not mentioning some of the basic facts of housing life in Oak Pa rk

According to the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, in 2024 Oak Park’s housing stock was: single family, 40.4%; buildings with 5+ units, 32%; condos, 19.2%; and two- to four-flats, 8.3%. So approximately 28% of Oak Park’s housing stock is currently considered “missing middle.” I have not seen any statistics concerning the board’s goal of a percentage of missing-middle housing in Oak Park. All we know is approximately 28% is not enough.

e

Now the plan for eliminating singlef amily zoning is that this is alle gedly going to create more availability for missing-middle housing. However, the key factor here is how many vacant parcels of land exist in areas that are zoned single-family housing where someone could build missing-middle housing. Apparently no one employed by the village of Oak Park knows this, so Oak Pa rk taxpayers are paying an outside consultant $200,000 to find out.

According to the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors, in 2024 the average sale price of an Oak Pa rk single-family home was approximately $660,000. I guess the village board’s idea is that if there is no vacant land in single-family zoned areas, Plan B is that someone will buy one

more bookstores the merrier

So, a Barnes & Noble might be opening in downtown Oak Park next year. Dandelion Bookshop opened earlier this year on Oak Park Avenue, and The Book Loft is scheduled to open this August across from the Lake Theatre. Can all three survive? Are indie bookstores a dying breed? As a for mer bookstore co-owner and bookseller, I believe all of these bookstores can be successful in Oak Park. Going back to pre-pandemic years: 2019 saw 111 new bookstores open in the U.S., according to the American Booksellers Association and 25 bookstores were sold to new owners. No figure was given for bookstore closings. In 2024, 323 new bookstores opened with 37 closings. In 2019, there were 1,887 member companies with the ABA with 2,500+ locations. 2024 saw an upsurge of 2,863 bookstore members with 3,281 locations. And, what about the publishing world? Peter Warwick, president and CEO of Scholastic, pointed out the “continued

strength in children’s publishing and distribution.” The trend is more bookstores, not less.

Oak Park is an educated community of readers. Those who like big box stores will gravitate to B&N. Those who appreciate the local community vibe will support Dandelion and The Book Loft. Indie bookstores tend to enthusiastically hand-sell the lesser-known reads, introducing folks to debut authors and illustrators. Bookstores thrive when they are frequented, and booksellers love to share their favs. So I’d like to encourage my community to check out the wealth of reading opportunities, writing workshops, author visits, book launches, storytimes, etc. And let’s not forget that the exploration of new ideas, whether found in political tomes or fiction, helps to nourish our democracy.

Iris Yipp Former co-owner, Magic Tree Bookstore

Oak Park welcomes criminals?

Marc Stopeck is always spot on. Here’s an idea for a Shrubtown cartoon: A pole with someone posting a new sign stating, “Welcome to Oak Park: speeders, car thieves, and criminals” and a Flock camera on the ground.

Marlene Scott Oak Park

of these existing $660,000 houses. They will then tear it down, haul it away, and build a triplex where it stood. Given the size of Oak Park’s lots, this triplex would probably not face the street but have to face the neighboring house.

To me, this whole idea sounds like symbolism over substance, or as Shakespeare once said: “Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” But I could be wrong. After all, the WJ article said in Columbus, Ohio, the outside consultant, Opticos, found space for 90,000 new housing units to be built. A Goo gle search says Oak Park has approximately 24,600 housing units. Good luck finding space for 90,000 new housing units. However, finding space for 90,000 new housing units in Oak Park in itself could be worth

$200,000. The village board could already be planning to spend all that new real estate tax revenue.

But rather than symbolism, there is actual substance available for the village board to consider. A Wednesday Journal editorial [T hat’s a big gas station, Our Views, July 16] stated that the old Mohr Cement site was the largest undeveloped piece of land left in the village of Oak Park. This is the absolute perfect place for the villa ge to zone that land for missing-middle housing: duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, bung alows and multi-bedroom condos

What do we hear from our village board? Absolute silence.

Help make OPRF welcoming for everyone

All community members are invited to join Oak Park River Forest High School on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m., in the South Cafeteria to complete the district’s Racial Equity Analysis Tool (REAT) for Project 3, the next major facilities project that has been proposed.

Project 3, which is in the early design phase, focuses on performing arts.

A new wing for band, orchestra, and choir facilities, as well as the black-box theater, will re place the current spaces, which were built in the 1960s. T he REAT will examine the impact of these proposed facilities on various dimen-

sions of equity, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, learning differences, and so for th. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at bit.ly/OPRFREAT. Whether you’ re a parent, neighbor, alum, or community member, your voice matters. To gether, we can help ensure that future facilities at OPRF are welcoming, accessible, and affir ming for everyone.

LaTonya Applewhite Executiv

e director, Equity and Student Success OPRF High School

Flocking the Flockers

Was just reading about F lock licenseplate-reading cameras, of which we in River Forest are privileged to have 37, as opposed to our neighbor Oak Park, which just got rid of its eight.

I think we should all take a half hour out of our day and locate a favorite RF Flockie and drive past it numerous times, perhaps in a caravan driving

around the block again and again, giving the Flockers something to do as our license plates flood their data.

I mean, if the village is going to consistently violate the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, intruding on our privacy, let’s get some fun and value out of it

Ed McDevitt River Forest

SPOKEN W ORD

Interstellar birth

Doctors’ stethoscopes were flying saucers, Rotating ’round his chest like orbiting planets

Family and I shuttle into a waiting room full as the moon on the night of his birth. Claustrophobia made me feel like an astronaut. I needed space.

April 11, 2002 ...

A star cradles a glow too luminous for 9 months of hibernation in maternal galaxy

Water breaks Orion’s Belt 4 months before it wraps around mother’s waist. He takes his first breath.

Lungs the size of birthday balloons before breathing celebration into them.

Weeks later, Jayson arrives home.

His body the size of an average human hand, holding 22 ounces of cosmic dust.

Light enough for gravity to question its own laws

But, he grew gracefully into a heavy heart.

Heavy like hearing him say, “I love you” at the end of every phone conversation. Heavy like watching him share every piece of his Milky Way with friends

Just so they can taste how heavy-hearted this galaxy should be … but it isn’t.

Jayson wears hearing aids to keep up with the speed of sound. His speed of thought travels on low fumes

The medicine launched inside of his incubator saved his life, but sacrificed his brain and some friendships Kids treat Jayson like he’s from another planet.

But just because it takes some of us a little bit longer to develop into a star, does not mean there is something wrong.

I think we keep forgetting.

Being born premature is just the universe’s way of saying, “9 months is too long, we need you here now.”

Isaiah Mākar Oak Park

Isaiahmakar.com

What goes around …

An hour or so after the Anchorage summit, and reporters’ evaluation that President Trump’s primary goal — getting a ceasefire in Ukraine — failed abjectly, this is what I read in War, Bob Woodward’s 2024 book, page 38: “On Fox News, Trump declared that Biden’s [June 16, 2021] summit with Putin was ‘a good day for Russia. … I don’t see what we got out of it,’ Trump said to Fox News anchor Sean Hannity. ‘We didn’t get anything. We gave a very big stage to Russia, and we

got nothing.’” That was, in effect, what news commentators across the news outlets said. But they typically were a bit more kindly and circumspect; that’s how responsible people in the news media function. As we know so well, DJT puts no limits on what he spouts, which is blunt, basic, and so often barbaric And, in this case, embarrassingly accurate about his so-called “summit.”

Fred Reklau Oak Park

Oak Park’s lm fest is upon us

Are you curious about how a film festival is created? About how filmmakers connect to festivals? About how the films are selected? Would you like to get an idea of what the upcoming Oak Park Illinois Film Festival will be like and what makes it unique?

Everyone is invited to a free presentation about these topics and more at 1:30 this Wednesday after noon, Aug. 20, at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 N. Forest Ave. in Oak Park

I will talk about behind the scenes of the Oak Park film fest, how the festival was for med and what to expect at the Se pt. 11-14 festival.

Complimentary coffee and tea will be served. If you can’t attend this Wednesday, go to http://www.opilff.org to learn more and sign up for the email newsletter. You can hear some of the information when I am interviewed live on the radio, Sept. 4 at 5:20 p.m. on 1680 AM. At 7 that evening, board member Timothy Sedalacek will be at the Oak Park River Forest History Museum to talk about the history of movie theaters in Oak Park. I hope to see you at the Nineteenth and at the festival.

Joyce Porter President, Oak Park IL Film Festival

Don’t throw Flock out with the bath water

Quite understandably, most Oak Park residents, including me, never bother to read the village’s Annual Police Report Perhaps due to smoke-related cabin fever this year I read the report

I was aware the Flock contract for licenseplate-reader cameras had been cancelled and I felt less safe as a result. However, I did not know the details of how well F lock kept us safe. Here are a few examples, according to the report: In 2024, Flock alerted police to 1,728 stolen vehicles, 81 missing persons, 33 violent of fenders, a reckless firear m discharge on Greenfield, armed robberies on both Harvey and Austin, and led to the

capture of a suspect in a stolen motor vehicle fleeing a homicide

I appreciate some villagers’ and some trustees’ concer ns over maintaining privacy, especially for our most vulnerable residents. But surely, there are ways to maintain appropriate privacy and keep Flock on the job supporting our safety. Trustees, there was no need to throw the baby out with the bath water. I hope our village leaders reconsider the Flock contract in the near future. If we don’t have a safe Oak Park, we won’t have any Oak Park

e irony of asking for input

Recently, our Historic Preservation Commission sent out a letter inviting public input on a requested modification in a condo in the Ridgeland-Oak Pa rk historic area. The condo owner wants to change a 4-panel French door to a 3 panel French door. In sharp contrast, a little over a year ago 1,875 citizens signed a petition re garding the leaf-

bagging project. This petition was summarily dismissed at a village board meeting. The Historic Preservation Commission is looking for input while our villa ge board rejects it. Does anyone besides myself see the irony here?

Shelly Uslenghi Oak Park

Don’t negotiate with a war criminal

I don’t even know why we are negotiating with Putin. It legitimizes the invasion. The only discussion should be withdrawal and re parations. And the U.S. and Europe should

pour arms into Ukraine. And increase the sanctions on Russia.

James Whalen Oak Park

Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning to acquire skill. Proverbs 1:5

We all listen dif ferently, and we all like to be heard.

When I had a troubling situation or vexing decision to run past my parents, Mom and Dad listened to me, but each did so in her or his own way. Mom listened from a faith standpoint and focused on how I was feeling and what might be troubling me as I mulled over what was happening. Dad didn’t ignore my emotions, but what he listened for was honed by his conservative political views and his traditional Catholicism: Was I in danger of getting something wrong from the standpoint of classical morality or Catholic beliefs?

As their hybrid, I have my own way of taking in what I hear. I deploy some of their tendencies but have discovered others as well. I’ve learned that as an “introvert” and an “intuitive,” I’m inclined to first inter nalize what I experience, including what I hear, and then let it stir unconsciously for a while. You might say that my soul keeps listening inside to newly arrived communications, but on the outside, my ego’s atten-

Listening in a time of fe rment

tion has shifted to other things. That’s the introvert in me. And as an intuitive, I’m inclined to lean into ideas and conceptual insights more than practical observations. As a result, my listening style outwardly exhibits longer stretches of silence on my part, and when I do respond, it shows more focus on the others’ ideas, rather than behavioral details they might have shared.

RICH KORDESH One

View

I like to listen. And I appreciate being listened to, especially when the other is doing so with empathy. Just as there are varied ways of listening, there are different forms of empathy.

Daniel Goleman differentiates emotional, cognitive and compassionate empathy:

■ Emotional empathy helps one understand the other by reading his or her feelings.

■ Cognitive empathy focuses more on the other’s thought process.

■ Compassionate empathy shapes one’s understanding of the other so that one can be helpful.

Each form, in fact, is somewhat like what I experienced with Mom and Dad; with Mom emphasizing the emotional, Dad the

cognitive, and each in their own way incorporating the compassionate approach. Mostly, the listening I’ve done in my life has come naturally without labeling it as such. But in recent months, I’ve become engaged in a beginning initiative locally in our Oak Park Catholic community referred to simply as “listening sessions.” Along with a few colleagues, I’ve become interested in listening with empathy to the different kinds of faith jour neys that individuals have traveled.

My own faith jour ney began Catholic. And I am now again a practicing Catholic. I’ve always followed Christ in some fashion but have done so with different institutional affiliations: I’ve been unchurched, a member of a United Church of Christ community (where our four kids were baptized), and a participant in two dif ferent Unitarian churches.

Certain pivotal moments along the way shifted my standpoint toward Jesus. One of the most memorable incidents occurred when a sidewalk preacher on campus confronted me about whether I had a personal relationship with Christ. My traditional, Catholic upbringing had never pressed me

Local hospital history

As I read Wednesday Jour nal last week [West Sub on the brink, News, Aug. 13], I was very concer ned about various comments made about Oak Park hospitals, both pro and con.

First, when there is a discussion of different organizations who “gave up” on West Suburban Hospital, I feel Loyola Health was unfairly portrayed. Loyola Health acquired West Sub as its first “feeder” hospital, along with MacNeal and Gottlieb. Loyola has become the major west suburban tertiary-care medical center with well-renowned cardiac, burn and major trauma programs as well as a 57-bed Level 1 Emergency Room. The problem Loyola had, though, is that it is frozen at 575 inpatient beds and major programs that require significant pediatric, surgery, orthopaedic, maxillofacial/ENT support. In order to meet this

new challenge Loyola has closed beds in numerous other units especially Inpatient Psychiatry, in order to remain under statemandated caps. The three acquired hospitals allowed for patients to be transfer red to another Loyola Medicine-managed hospital to ensure continuity of care. (I was the Thursday p.m. social worker for the Loyola ER for 25 years and was directly affected by the closure of the inpatient psych unit at Loyola since this closure put on us the responsibility for ar ranging an inpatient bed at another hospital for patients needing psych admissions.)

MacNeal and Gottlieb have thrived under this arrangement; sadly West Sub did not, due to opposition to having another Catholic hospital in Oak Park. Despite major investments into West Sub, Loyola Medicine could see that community physicians and many

patients found this to be a problem, so they sold the hospital. One of the key attractions to Loyola Medicine were the vibrant residency program in OB-GYN, Family Medicine and Internal Medicine, which allowed Loyola Medicine to expand its already large and varied medical school and residency/fellowship programs, especially the Family Medicine Residency Program. Sadly, all three outstanding programs went out of business with successors.

I was very disappointed by West Sub owner Dr. Prasad’s unfair characterization of Rush Oak Park Hospital as a small, less desirable hospital. My experience as a family member, patient, and Emergency Room LCSW is totally different; in fact, Rush Oak Park is my preferred hospital. In my ER role, I often recommended the Rush Oak Park ER as a high-quality, less-frenetic

on that question. I left that encounter a changed young man.

This is also, possibly, a pivotal time in the life of the Church. As I told a July gathering of “Theolo gy on the Green” at St. Giles, recent research shows that the overall decline in attachment to Christianity, including Catholicism, has leveled off in the U.S. (see Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study, https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/).

Locally, some indicators point to a possible resurgence in Sunday church attendance. There’s growing interest in knowing how the ways people identify with Christianity are evolving.

If this is a time when more are pausing, reflecting on, and reconsidering their attachment to the faith, then it’s going to be important for thoughtful folks — church insiders as well as those on the margins — to listen to each other. Sharing our jour neys can make it possible for others to understand what’s changing. Paying attention can ready us for good conversations. If we listen with empathy, we can better grasp the truths each of us brings to the table.

Rich Kordesh is a longtime Oak Park resident.

ER that has the full-resources Rush Medical Center to back it up

I have had numerous friends with critical medical problems who were stabilized then transferred to main Rush for comprehensive care. When my late father was hospitalized there for a routine problem he received exemplary ER and short-ter m inpatient care

The on-campus office center and the clinic at North and Harlem bring the very best outpatient care to our village. Their phlebotomists and lab are superb. And they have brought independent practices on campus for non-Rush-provided services

The Rush emergency stroke intervention unit-on-wheels spends time on campus. And their ER gave me outstanding care. It’s a gem.

Frank Vozak Oak Park

Social activism vs. sound management

Recent village developments and board decisions have made clear that a primary raison d’etre is to solve social ills, while neglecting key issues that threaten to hamper our long-term safety and financial health, impairing the achievement of those very same goals.

The recent vote to eliminate flock cameras — which expose illegal guns and lead to their confiscation — was done to protect privacy. At the same time, the board has repeatedly expressed firm support of ridding the village of illegal guns. It was shocking to see this vote to eliminate from one trustee who listed gun safety as the number one campaign issue. Apparently there was no serious effort to consider the conflicts embedded in the vote, which simultaneously sent a ne gative message to our police force that they are not to be trusted with flock-gathered information.

A recent opinion expressing the belief that more housing is the answer to all our ills, without specifics on exactly what or how, reflected board support for af fordable housing. But the board also chose to involve itself in the cause of reducing greenhouse gases, leading to the vote to prohibit fossil fuels in new construction. An unintended consequence is the village is being sued by the very construction firms that would create that housing. Again, there appears to have been no consideration of the tradeoffs in these silo-ed causes.

Meanwhile, we have witnessed with a disturbing lack of transparency the early exodus or outright firing (despite hiring a management coach!) of staf f whose primary purpose is to ensure financial health and develop new opportunities to enhance village revenue and thereby achieve its goals. We desperately need a realignment of board priorities.

Robert Parks Oak Park

OBITUARIES

Gary Mancuso, 74 Oak Park Realtor

Gary Mancuso, 74, a lifelong Oak Parker, died on Aug. 7, 2025. Born on July 3, 1951 in Oak Park, he was a beacon of kindness, quiet resilience, and steadfast integrity. His warm presence and genuine care for others were typified by an extended helping hand or a supportive word. His infectious joy for life left a lasting impact.

In his real estate career, he served as president of the Oak Park Board of Realtors from 2006 to 2008 and was honored as the 2003 Realtor of the Year. He took immense pride in guiding first-time homebuyers through the intricate process of purchasing their dream homes, ear ning respect for his dedication and leadership. His generosity was evident through his active support for numerous charities and community organizations.

Gary leaves behind his husband of 45 years, Jerry Far mer; his brother, Greg, and sister-in law, Mary Mancuso; his sister, Gail and his brother-in-law Brian Downs; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Vi Mancuso

He chose to donate his body to medical research, a final act of generosity that reflects his lifelong curiosity and commitment to improving lives.

Though Gary will be deeply missed, his light will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at a later date.

Jerr y Klein, 91 Statistician, Scout leader

Jerome D. Klein, 91, of Brookdale Senior Living, Chicago, Illinois, died on Aug. 4, 2025 surrounded by family in his home. Bor n on March 11, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio, the only child of Marion Schwarzell and adoptive father Milton Klein, he married Helen Butkowski on Sept. 1, 1962 at Old St. James Church in Chicago. After over 50 years of marriage, Helen died on Jan. 13, 2013. They were longtime residents of Oak Park.

A 1956 graduate of Ohio State University, he worked as a statistician in Chicago, West Virginia, Oak Park, and Cook County from which he retired in 2007. Ever a volunteer in his community, he served most notably as scout leader in both Girl and Boy Scouts. His greatest joy came from being with family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his four children, Kathryn Sanderson, Robert, Timothy, and Margaret Klein; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Skyline Room at Brookdale Lake Shore Drive on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gene McCormack, 85 Teacher, coach, docent

Eugene “Gene” McCormack, 85, died on Aug. 13, 2025. Known to many as Skip, Dad, Grandpa, or Coach Mac, Gene was a kind and empathetic man with a smile that lit up any room he entered

Bor n on April 26, 1940, to the late Mary and Gene McCormack, big brother to Linda (Ron Samolinski) Teresa (Mike Brunick), he was a ifelong learner with a deep passion for knowledge. A voracious reader, as a wa, Illinois the public library was a beloved place el at a word spoken that caught his ttention. He would stop and say, “Oh, good word!” For decades, he was a gifted and loved high school math teacher, sharing his wisdom at East and West Leyden, IHM, and OPRF high schools He happily tutored many of his grandchildren, from Algebra 1 to Calculus. He loved to coach, mentoring young athletes in basketball, football, and baseball, keeping up with many of the team members after the whistles stopped. He was a constant supporter at his grandchildren’s sports and activities, often keeping score at baseball games or giving a warm hug after a tough race For 62 years, he was the husband of Nancy (Hertzner) and loved telling the story of how he met her in English class at Marquette High School. He and Nancy raised their three children on Wesley Avenue in Oak Park surrounded by Ascension Parish families who became lifelong friends. He cherished nature (dogs especially) and his summer vacations — packing in sunset boat rides on Berry Lake and buying donuts for all the kids

He was a dedicated volunteer at both the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio and PFCU, a testament to giving back to his community. His legacy will live on.

Gene was the father of Jeffrey (Amy), Kelli (Chris), and Kristin (Greg); the grandfather of Sydney (Corey), Maeve, Sean (Faith), Sammy (Natalie), Vivian, Henry, Ruby, and Violet; and the great-grandfather of Jamie, Lainey, Nolan, Elsie, Addison, Payton, and Sophie. His love for his family was palpable to all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascension-St Edmund Parish.

Services will be held at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 30, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30. Luncheon afterward at the Carleton Hotel, 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park.

Familiar face takes over Fenwick boys golf

Two-time state quali er Sweeney returns for girls

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

A longtime coach is making his return to competition this fall at Fenwick High School. Kyle Perry, who coached boys water polo from 2012 to 2023, has taken over the Friars’ boys golf team, replacing another longtime coach, Jerry Kribs.

“I am excited to be [varsity] head coach,” said Perry, who served as the head coach of the junior varsity team and was Kribs’ varsity assistant the last three seasons. “Having worked with Coach Kribs over the past few seasons, he has left me with a great group of gentlemen. These guys love to play golf and love to grind out results.”

Fenwick returns seven golfers from last season: seniors Ryan Brennan, Johnny Cox, Aidan Haefner, Conor Hanley, Michael McMahon, and Luke Sherlock; and junior Alex Kulisek. Newcomers are freshman Marco Cefalu; juniors Clayton Dine, Danny O’Donoghue, James Papp, and Jay Raber; and senior Lee Sheahan.

“We’re leaning into our senior leaders, especially Luke and Johnny, as we begin this season,” Perry said.

Sherlock qualified for last year’s IHSA Class 2A individual finals and shot a two-day total of 163 to tie for 57th place. He, along with Cox and Kulisek, helped Fenwick advance to the sectionals as a team.

The Friars opened this season with a sec-

ond-place finish at the St. L tional, Aug. 14, shooting a total of lock placed fourth individually with a of 73; Cox and Kulisek tied shot a 77; and McMahon carded Chicago Catholic League dominated recently by F Academy, and St. Ignatius schools combined to win the last 10 championships. Perry figures that the Friars will again compete with the Ramblers and Wolfpack for this year’s title

“We hope to be playing some of our best golf at the conference championship,” Perry said, “and using that momentum to head into the IHSA state series.”

Fenwick girls

Fenwick brings back three golfers from last year’s team which finished second in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference and qualified for sectionals. One of those returnees, junior Mairin Sweeney, qualified for the Class 2A individual state finals for the second consecutive year

Despite the lack of experience, eighth-year head coach Mike Trankina likes how things are going so far.

“We have a strong returning core and some great younger golfers who can step up and have shown that they can in the past,” he said. “The biggest strength we have is our depth; we have six that can go low in their

PROVIDED

e Fenwick High School boys golf team began the season with a second-place nish at the St. Laurence Inv itational, Aug. 14. Golfers participating for the Friars were (le to right) seniors Johnny Cox, Aidan Haefner, Michael McMahon, Luke Sherlock, and Lee Sheahan, and junior Alex Kulisek. Sherlock shot a 73 to place fourth, while Cox and Kulisek each shot a 77 to tie for tenth.

scores on any day.”

Besides Sweeney, who finished 77th at last year’s state finals with a two-day total of 177, seniors Kate and Maddy Cox are back for Fenwick. The Friars’ other returnees are sophomores Lila Gaddipati and Madeline Roginski; juniors Maddie Brennan and Noel Gallery; and seniors Lola Martinez and Gia Vizzini.

“Noel played a lot of competitive golf over the summer and has put up some great scores,” Trankina said. “I also feel that our two returning sophomores are quite capable of a breakout season. They both posted some low scores at some varsity matches last year.”

Wheaton St. Francis won the GCAC last

year and appears to be the team to beat this season. Other strong contenders, according to Trankina, include DePaul Prep, Loyola Academy, Mother McAuley, and St. Ignatius. “I’d like to think that we’re up there with those teams,” he said.

Trankina adds that the program’s main goal this year is roster development. He believes good things are in store for Fenwick should that get achieved.

“Our goal is to make the state tournament as a team,” said Trankina. “That’d be great. But honestly, if our players develop and improve but we don’t make state, it will still be a successful season. I want Mairin to continue to improve, and I know she will.”

OPRF boys golf aims straig ht down the fairway

On the girls’ side, Vattana is returning state quali er

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

With eight returnees from last year, the Oak Park and River Forest High School

boys golf team is optimistic about this season.

“So far, the team is looking good. This is the most experienced team we’ve ever had,” said OPRF head coach Bill Young,

now in his ninth season. “They are a great bunch of young men who work hard, get along well with one another, and are committed to getting better.”

OPRF’s returnees are juniors Karsten Da-

vis, Jackson Dodd, and Will Timchak; and seniors Adam Dominowski, Hugh Dwyer, James Kelly, Griffin Lane, and Luke Roberts. Dodd and Roberts made last year’s All-West Suburban Silver Team, with Roberts getting

OPRF alum Metzgar on a roll in MMA

Still unbeaten and moving to ful ll his UFC goal

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Since he started his mixed martial arts career, Max Metzgar’s dream has been to join the crown jewel of MMA: UFC. The 2015 graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School took another step toward fulfilling his dream, June 7, at the Caged Thunder 32 payper-view event in Canton, Ohio. He defeated Jai Pfeiffer via submission at 3:58 of the first round, improving his professional record to 5-0. Four of Metzgar’s victories have come via submission.

“It was good,” Metzgar told Wednesday Journal. “Dropping down from 170 (pounds) to 155 made a big difference. I was actually kind of hoping to have a little bit more time in there; it’s always good to get that experience. But you go in there and leave without any injuries, can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Last week, Metzgar was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota preparing to make his debut for Legacy Fighting Alliance. He was scheduled to fight on the main card of LFA 214 at the Sanford Pentagon, Aug. 15, in a 155-pound bout against Steve Collins, who is from south suburban Harvey. The match was going to be

the nod for the second consecutive season.

“Luke is our leader. He’s been on varsity for the last four years,” Young said. “Karsten was a shot away from making it downstate last year and Hugh was a few shots behind him. Griffin was a key contributor last year and has had a great summer; his brother Trevor [a senior], who was not with us last year, won two Illinois junior golf tournaments this summer. And we also have James, who’s been on varsity for three years and has had some strong performances in tournaments this summer.”

Senior Nic Balesteri and Trevor Lane are OPRF’s top newcomers.

The Huskies won their season opener, Aug. 16, defeating Payton Prep/Jones Co-Op and Riverside-Brookfield at Indian Boundary. OPRF’s total of 140 strokes was 13 ahead of

shown nationwide on UFC Fight Pass, which would’ve provided Metzgar with valuable exposure.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned Collins withdrew from the match because at the weigh-in, Metzgar was over the limit by one pound. It’s something that left him disap pointed

“It was a rough weekend,” Metzgar said. “You get this big opportunity and think you’re going to break through to the next level, and it doesn’t happen.”

Usually, missing weight does not lead to MMA bouts being canceled, according to Metzgar. He said his camp offered Collins more money to keep the fight scheduled

“It was so shocking that they withdrew over one pound,” said Metzgar. “We offered [Collins] double what LFA was going to pay him as compensation. That’s usually how it goes. If you miss weight, the opponent gets a certain percentage of your purse.

“We were going to give him not only my entire purse; we were going to give him double, which is unheard of,” he added. “But they didn’t want to take it. LFA told me they’d never seen anything like that before, where someone pulls out of a high-profile fight over a pound.”

Metzgar recently had a staph infection and took antibiotics that messed up his digestive system, which led him to missing weight. Still, he doesn’t use that as an excuse.

“It’s my fault. As much as I want to say

Payton/Jones and 24 under RBHS.

Dodd and Kelly tied for first with a round of 34, one under pa r. Dwyer and Roberts tied for third with rounds of 36. Davis, along with the Lane brothers, all shot 37 to tie for fifth as OPRF had the top seven placers. Balestri (T-10th, 38) and Timchak (T-13th, 39) completed the lineup

Young anticipates the West Suburban Silver “will be tough competition as always.”

“Our goal is for each kid to get better every day,” he added, “so that by the end of the season our best six can compete with any team out there.”

OPRF girls

The OPRF girls return just four golfers from last season. But one of them, junior Nadia Vattana, is a returning state qualifier,

[Collins] should’ve still taken the fight, it’s my job to make the contracted weight, and I didn’t do that,” he said.

Now Metzgar turns to preparation for his next fight. He said it will be with the LFA in October or November against an opponent to be determined. The site, time, and date will be announced later.

“This will allow a little time for my digestive system to heal all the way,” Metzgar said. “I want to get another match in as soon as possible.”

finishing in a tie for 55th at the IHSA Class 2A tournament. And another returnee, senior Courtney Moore, was a sectional qualifier.

“We’re young with only one senior [Moore],” said ninth-year OPRF head coach Matt McMurray. “But we have a good core of experienced varsity players anchored by our star, Nadia Vattana. This team is hardworking and excited to improve and compete.”

OPRF’s other returnees are juniors Chaya Shah-Hempel and Lu Wojtowicz. The Huskies’ top newcomers are sophomore Maeve Gibbs and juniors Faith Sizemore and Maddie Zielinski

OPRF opened the season with a seventhplace finish at the Midlothian Challenge, hosted by Providence Catholic. Vattana shot a 43 to tie for sixth among individuals. Gibbs’ round of 49 tied for 19th. Moore (T-34th, 52),

Another reason he is eager to get back at it is the cable network ESPN. There, UFC founder and President Dana White has a new series called Dana White’s Contenders, which spotlights young MMA talent on the rise.

Metzgar believes if he’s able to get on the show, that would go a long way toward making his UFC dream come true.

“If I keep my weight in the appropriate range,” he said, “an appearance on that series would open up a lot of doors. [The cancellation] adds fuel to my fire.”

Zielinski (T-47th, 56), and Wojtowicz (T-51st, 59) rounded out the Huskies’ lineup.

In recent years, OPRF has acquitted itself well in the West Suburban Conference. While McMurray feels Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, and Hinsdale Central are the top teams in the league, he also believes the Huskies can compete for third or fourth place if they play their best at the end of the season.

“For a relatively inexperienced team, that would be a strong showing,” McMurray said. McMurray would also like to see OPRF qualify for the sectional as a team and advance both Moore and Vattana to the state finals

“I’d like to see Courtney and Nadia go downstate,” he said, “and see Nadia finish in the top 25 this year.”

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M25000761 on August 6, 2025. Under the Assumed Business Name of LISAMKEEFE. COM with the business located at: 1173 HOME AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: LISA KEEFE SCOTT 1173 HOME AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal August 13, 20, 27, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M25000804 on August 18, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of NEWLOOK DESIGN STUDIO with the business located at: 907 RIDGE ROAD, WILMETTE, IL 60091. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: STEVE ECONOMOU 1141 SHERMAN AVE, EVANSTON, IL 60202-1335, USA

Published in Forest Park Review August 20, 27, September 3, 2025

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.ADELYN V ANDERSON, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants 2022 CH 09721 1708 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 3, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 4, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1708 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-10-323004-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The judgment amount was $245,940.54.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT,

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-044489. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS

ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ

SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 22-044489

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2022 CH 09721

TJSC#: 45-1460 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 09721 I3270840

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.VIVIAN FLORES

Defendants 2025CH01171 839 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 2, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 18, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 839 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-10-331029-0000

The real estate is improved with a gray slate and vinyl siding, two-story single family home.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

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

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a

Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

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

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com

Attorney File No. 2520223IL_1175364

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 2025CH01171 TJSC#: 45-1500

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2025CH01171 I3271267

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

TOWD POINT MORTGAGE TRUST 2019-3, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, -v.-

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, QUANITA BROWN, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NATHANIEL BROWN, DECEASED, WILLIAM BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR NATHANIEL BROWN, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2023 CH 05396 319 49TH AVE

BELLWOOD, IL 60104

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 18, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 19, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 319 49TH AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104

Property Index No. 15-08-228046-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $291,483.89.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 23-116728. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.

com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS

ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 23-116728

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439

Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2023 CH 05396

TJSC#: 45-1652

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 05396 I3271416

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

NATIONS DIRECT MORTGAGE, LLC Plaintiff, -v.SAUL MARTINEZ CASTANON, ROCIO MARTINEZ, MARIA DEL REFUGIO CASTANON DE MARTINEZ, UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants 2025 CH 01429 1211 SUNNYSIDE DR BERKELEY, IL 60163

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 6, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 15, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1211 SUNNYSIDE DR, BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-07-217006-0000

The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C.

1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-25-00699

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2025 CH 01429 TJSC#: 45-1309

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2025 CH 01429 I3271456

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