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November 29, 2023 Vol. 44, No. 22

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JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

ACT special section INSIDE S

CTA expands homeless outreach to Blue Line’s Forest Park branch

Motion commotion

Mara Leonard tells her class to ‘keep moving’ and they do – into their 90s STORY BY JESSICA MACKINNON, PAGE 10 TODD A. BANNOR

Outreach workers will ride trains, visit stations on the West Side, Oak Park, Forest Park By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Outreach workers will be riding the trains and hanging out at stations on the section of the Blue el line that serves the Chicago West Side, Oak Park and Forest Park. The Chicago Transit Board extended the existing contract with Chicago Department of Family and Support Services in November, doubling the amount of money nonprofits get to provide services to people sheltering on the trains. See HOMELESS OUTREACH on page 14

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Political fund controlled by Oak Park Democrat fined $99,500 But collection seems unlikely because Luke Casson emptied the fund’s coffers nearly three months ago

Justice is responsible for payto 75 days late. In a WednesThe only contribution Chicago Indepening the fine for not reporting day Journal story earlier this dent Alliance has received since 2019, other Contributing reporter year, Casson explained the than the transfer from All for Justice, came its campaign expenditures on late reporting by saying it just one day earlier when it received a $200 time for Democratic Supreme An independent political action commit- Court candidates Elizabeth Rocontribution from the Andreou and Casson was a “scrivener’s error.” tee run by a prominent Oak Park Democrat chford and Mary Kay O’Brien, Casson did not respond by law firm. As of July 1, 2023, the Chicago with close ties to State Senate President who both won their 2022 races. deadline to Wednesday Jour- Independent Alliance had just $5,206.62 in Don Harmon was fined $99,500 last week “I’m not sure exactly what nal’s messages left for him at cash on hand. by the Illinois State Board of Elections for happens from this point on,” Dietrich said that All for Justice is his law office. violating campaign disclosure rules. said Matt Dietrich, the spokesThe August 3 letter from the still responsible for paying the fine, even Whether that fine will ever be paid is an- man for the Illinois State Board of Elections informed though it has no money left after the transother matter. Board of Elections. “The fines Casson and All for Justice that fer. But it appears that Casson’s timely LUKE CASSON That’s because after receiving word of are due and owing. They did it had 30 days to file a notice of transfer will make that unlikely because the impending fine in August, Luke Cas- not appeal the fines, which appeal if it wantCasson has no personal liabilson, the head of the All for Justice inde- makes this kind of unusual.” ed to contest the fines. No apity for the fine. Dietrich said pendent political expenditure committee, But collecting the fines seems unlikely peal was filed. Instead, Casson that he knew of no other case emptied out the fund’s bank account by now that All for Justice has no money left transferred remaining funds where a political committee transferring all of the committee’s re- in its bank account. Casson has no person- to the Chicago Independent transferred money to another maining funds to a what had been a dor- al liability to pay the fine. Alliance. political committee to avoid mant political committee that has the “It’s the committee that’s being fined, so Chicago Independent Allipaying a fine. same mailing address as All for Justice it’s not something where we can go after ance was created on Jan. 1, The only recourse availand Casson’s law firm. The individuals to pay what is 2019. Its stated purpose is “to able to the Illinois State fine and fund transfer was owed,” Dietrich said. make independent expendiBoard of Elections is to refer first reported by the Chicago Casson is a former member tures in support of indepenthe fine to the Illinois AttorTribune. of the Triton College Board dent candidates and common ney General for collection. On August 31, Casson empof Trustees who was defeated sense economic policies for But that would require a matied the All for Justice bank when he ran for reelection in growth and prosperity.” Its jority vote by the members account by transferring 2021. He is active in the Dem- chair and treasurer are listed of the elections board, which $149,515.94 to the Chicago Inocratic Party of Oak Park, as Mary Chunn Daves, a resiis made up of eight Demodependent Alliance, which where he has served as politi- dent of Hinsdale. Its original crats and eight Republicans. shares a mailing address with cal director and is a close as- contributors were mostly “If the board so decides All for Justice and the Andresociate of Harmon. electrical and other contractthey can send any owed fines ou and Casson law firm. CasOn August 3, 2023, the Illi- ing firms. that are not being paid, then son is both the chairman and nois State Board of Elections Chicago Independent Alliit can send it to the Attorney DON HARMON treasurer of All for Justice, sent a letter to Casson and All ance paid nearly $14,000 to an General to attempt collection, which raised and spent apfor Justice stating that All was Oak Park firm, Professional but that’s not something that proximately $7.3 million to help elect two Justice was going to be fined for 35 sepa- Circulation Inc, which was inwe as a staff can do on our MATT DIETRICH Democrats to hotly contested seats on the rate instances of late reporting of cam- corporated in 2017, and is not own, that takes a vote of the Spokesman for the Illinois State Illinois Supreme Court to preserve and ex- paign expenditures of more than $1,000. currently in good standing. board,” Dietrich said. Board of Elections pand the Democrats majority on the bench- Illinois law requires independent expen- The address for Professional Dietrich also said that an es. Harmon’s personal campaign commit- diture political action committees, such Circulation, Inc. listed on the outside entity could file a tee contributed $500,000 to All for Justice. as All for Justice to report all expendi- State Board of Elections webcomplaint asking the State When asked to comment about the All for tures of $1,000 or more within 10 days, or site is 315 S. Grove, which is also the resi- Board of Elections to refer the matter to Justice fine, Harmon issued a statement two days if they were made in the 30 days dence of Luke and Amie Casson, according the Attorney General. through a spokesman. before an election. to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds web“An outside entity would file a complaint “All political committees in Illinois have However, All for Justice did not report site. Chicago Independent Alliance has been against the committee alleging that coma responsibility and duty to comply with most of its spending until a little more dormant since July 2019, when it paid $950 to mittee intentionally moved this money beall applicable campaign finance regula- than two months after the November the Illinois State Board of Elections in civil cause they knew that this fine was coming, tions,” Harmon said. 2022 election. The expenditures were re- penalties for not timely reporting contribu- so the most likely scenario would be that Despite its empty bank account, All for ported to the State Board of Elections 44 tions of $1,000 or more. someone files a complaint,” Dietrich said.

By BOB SKOLNIK

“If the board so decides they can send any owed fines that are not being paid, then it can send it to the Attorney General to attempt collection, but that’s not something that we as a staff can do on our own, that takes a vote of the board.”

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Musical Performance by Noteworthy Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6:30-7:15 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Special evening musical concert from Noteworthy, the award-winning Oak Park and River Forest High School show choir. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK November 29-December 6

Healing Through the Holidays Sunday, Dec. 3, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library The holiday season can be hard for many of us. These sessions will help ease any grief you might have. Come to any or all of the sessions below. Special wellness gift bags will be given out while supplies last. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. 12:30-1 p.m.: Check-in Circle 1-2 p.m.: Inner Peace Art Workshop 2-2:30 p.m.: Break with Refreshments 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Sound Bath With Reiki Healing Energy

DJ Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library The DJ collective Walking & Falling for an instructional workshop on DJ equipment and techniques, including hands-on demonstrations of mixing records with vinyl turntables and CDJs. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Classroom Kitchen: Feliz Navidad Fiesta Mexican Holiday Cuisine Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30-8 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library Kristyn Slick of Classroom Kitchen hosts an interactive winter-themed virtual cooking series. For this installment, she will focus on Mexican cuisine. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish Art and Gift Fair

Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Giles Church McDonough Hall Come see our 25 talented vendors from the Chicagoland area. This is a great opportunity to buy handcrafted gifts for the holiday. 10% of proceeds will go to Project Harambee, which helps families in Africa affected by the HIV virus. 1101 Columbian, Oak Park.

Meet The New Editor Thursday, Nov. 30, 3:30-4:40 p.m. (can go until 5), Oak Park Public Library, Veterans Room Erika Hobbs, editor of Growing Community Media, will meet with the community readership. Feel free to share news tips, ask questions, or just say hello. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Animal Care League’s 38th Annual Holiday Bazaar Friday, Dec. 1, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Berwyn VFW This special bazaar bonanza features holiday shopping, baked goods, raffle prizes, plus a special cameo appearance from one Santa Claus. 1529 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn.

Surviving the Holidays With Lori Gottlieb Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7-8 p.m., virtually through Illinois Libraries Present Lori Gottlieb, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast, hosts a conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season. Gottlieb will share tools to help in everyday life and especially as you prepare for the holidays. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries—including Oak Park Public Library—offering premier events. Register now at bit.ly/ ILP_LoriGottlieb.

Home For The Holidays Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio This is a special free tour of author Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, which will be adorned with special Christmas decorations in keeping with the Wright family tradition. Register at //flwright.org/homefortheholidays. 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

Learning To See Monday, Dec. 4, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Author Howard Axelrod will be in conversation with Amy Danzer about how digital technology shapes our perceptions. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park

Listing your event Wednesday Journal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper. ■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Oak Park may increase fees for leaf collection, yard waste

safety issues are unrelated to the curProposal sparks discussion of the rent ordinance, which only reflects the LRS contract update that may determine leaf disposal safety the new rates and fees residents will pay to

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Village Board proposed at their meeting Monday night increasing fees charged for refuse, recycling and yardwaste collection and disposal. The new fees sparked a discussion among trustees about safety concerns during leaf disposal. In addition to collection costs, the proposed new fees will cover collection and disposal costs, administration costs, leaf pickup, alley improvement and refuse sticker disposal costs. Lakeshore Recycling Services, or LRS, is currently responsible for collection and disposal services for owners of residential property containing 1-5 units. Next year is the second of a five-year contract with LRS, which ends March 31, 2027. LRS’s collection and disposal service 2023 rates already increased by 5 percent from 2022 and are expected to increase by another 4.3 percent in 2024. Raising the refuse rates by 4 percent will allow the Environmental Services Fund to cover all estimated 2024 costs in refuse, recycling and yard-waste collection and disposal. Trustee Lucia Robinson said she estimates Oak Park currently pays roughly $30,000 per week for leaf collection during the 6-week program, a number that would go up, given the proposed fee increase. She said she would like to decrease the number of weeks for leaf collection to pull back on increased rates and ensure the safety of residents. A few weeks ago, a car caught fire on North Kenilworth Avenue after the owner parked it on top of a pile of leaves. The catalytic converter, which was still hot, set the dry leaves on fire. Robinson said she also recently read about two kids who were almost run over by a car while playing in a leaf pile. “The village does a lot of marketing to try to get people to not pile leaves in the street,” Robinson said. “But that seems largely unsuccessful.” Public Works Director Rob Sproule said

the village to support refuse services. The five-year contract would have to be renegotiated to reflect changes for safety. “I don’t know if we are in a position right now to do that in this timeframe,” he said. “We could engage next year in a discussion about that to prep for 2025.” The leaf collection program was previously reduced from eight to the current six weeks, Sproule said, so another decrease would not necessarily result in a safer program. If time were reduced at the front end of leaf pickup, there would be substantial leaf pileup from previous weeks. If it were reduced at the end, leaves could be left in front of residences until snowplows start services. “We would run into a lot of challenges if we were moving to an even shorter window operationally,” he said. To address Robinson’s concerns, Sproule said the village would need to switch to having residents bag their leaves for collection instead. The price would be relatively the same through LRS, Sproule said, but would require a renegotiation of the existing contract. The earliest renegotiation would be in 2026, he said, for implementation in 2027. Trustee Susan Buchanan said she would support a renegotiation of the contract, citing environmental considerations, such as encouraging residents to rake leaves into flower beds instead of piling them up for pickup. Trustee Brian Straw said he is interested in moving to a leaf bagging program for both environmental and safety reasons. “The giant leaf piles that end up at the ends of blocks, particularly during morning commutes, create some safety issues and visibility issues,” Straw said. “We are creating massive visibility issues at intersections at a time when children are walking to school.” Village President Vicki Scaman said the board will continue this discussion in 2024. “There is still an opportunity to continue to grow our educational efforts and direct outreach around the issue,” Village Manager Kevin Jackson said.

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Oak Park board meetings may move to Tuesdays in 2024 Meetings have traditionally been held on the first and third Mondays monthly By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

FILE

The Oak Park Board of Trustees may be moving its regular meetings to Tuesday evenings in 2024. The meetings, which are currently held on the first and third Mondays of each month, serve as a forum for the village govern-

ment to discuss issues, approve ordinances and hear from public commenters. The board is expected to approve Tuesday night meetings on Dec. 4. The meetings are held in the Council Chambers of village hall at 123 Madison St. When a meeting is on a holiday, it is usually moved to the following evening. The board occasionally meets for special sessions depending on the agenda. The agenda and minutes for board meetings are available on the village website. The regular meetings are broadcast on VOP-TV and replayed throughout the week.

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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River Forest assistant superintendent of instruction resigns

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“pursue new opportunities at the end of the 2023-24 school year.” “We are fortunate that Dr. Hawley has River Forest District 90 accepted the provided the district a number of months resignation of Alison Hawley, assistant to prepare for a transition,” Rath said. superintendent of instruction, during D90 will soon begin the process to hire a their Monday night board successor director of curof education meeting. riculum and instruction Hawley, who will be to “build upon the strong leaving at the end of the foundation” already escurrent school year, said tablished, she said. the district was wrapSupt. Edward Condon ping up or transitioning said Hawley’s contribusome longer-term initiations to the district have tives, which made for the been significant. right time to “explore “She led systemic new opportunities.” alignment of our foun“It has been an honor dational curriculum and and a pleasure to work instruction across grade in District 90 for the levels and subjects, inlast eight years, and I cluding math, writing, am very proud of what reading, science, and sothe district has accomcial-emotional learning,” plished212during that StreetEDWARD he said. S Marion Fl G CONDON time,” she said. Condon also went on Oak Park, IL 60302D90 superintendent Hawley also thanked to acknowledge Hawley’s D90’s outstanding teachnumerous achievements, Bus: 708-383-3163 ers and administrative including chairing the www.colinfane.com team for their professionKindergarten Review alism and partnership during her time Committee and co-chairing the D90 StrateMonday & Friday 9am-5pm with the district, adding nothing could gic Planning process. Tues/Wed/Thurs 9am-7pm“Our educators and our students have been accomplished without collabohave benefited from the high-quality ration and shared decision-making. Saturday 9am-12pm According to Stephanie Rath, director professional learning partners she of communications and community rela- brought to the district, elevating and experience for tions for D90, Hawley leaves the district enriching the learning Colin Fane, Agent Colin Fane, Agent after eight years of excellent service to all,” Condon said. 212 S Marion Street Fl G

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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New building code requires all-electric construction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Oak Park is the first municipality in the Midwest to approve an electrification ordinance By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Developers aspiring to construct new buildings in Oak Park will be required to uphold a new building code calling for all-electric construction, a move to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. In June 2023, the village of Oak Park Board of Trustees adopted an electrification ordinance as part of the building code. The ordinance requires any new building constructed after Jan. 1, 2024, to be fully electric. This means there will be no natural gas hookups within the structure. The goal of the ordinance is to help Oak Park achieve its climate action goals laid out in the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan. The objective of this plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community 60% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This intention mirrors guidelines set by global climate scientists to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Electrification is a necessary step to achieve this goal because burning natural gas makes it impossible to reach community-wide net zero emissions, former Oak Park chief sustainability officer Marcella Bondie Keenan said. Residential and commercial buildings in Oak Park are collectively responsible for roughly 70% of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions. “This [ordinance] is a way of avoiding the problem getting worse,” Bondie Keenan said. According to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Oak Park is the first municipality in the Midwest to approve an electrification ordinance. While the ordinance only affects newly constructed buildings, it could potentially include buildings undergoing major renovations in the future, depending on what

CREDIT: DEREK EDER

Civic Tech builder Derek Eder is in the process of replacing gas appliances in his Oak Park home with electric ones. the Board of Trustees decides, Bondie Keenan said. Since the ordinance applies only to new construction, of which there are few so far, village of Oak Park trustee Susan Buchanan, who co-founded the Oak Park Climate Action Network, said it is more symbolic than effective in reducing Oak Park’s current emissions. However, she sees this ordinance as the first step, with the next being electrification in remodeled buildings. The community has been supportive of electrification, Bondie Keenan. Residents in Oak Park will not experience much of a change from the ordinance, but developers constructing new buildings in Oak Park will have to adapt. “There’s no way for the village to do this alone,” Bondie Keenan said. “It’s definitely a community effort.” Electrification will improve air quality. Gas stoves emit air pollution and can affect or even worsen respiratory illnesses, according to NPR. Energy efficient buildings could also provide affordable housing

to the community because of the reduced energy bill cost, Bondie Keenan said. Local architect Tom Bassett-Dilley, who founded Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects in 2006, works to design and renovate energy efficient buildings. He works to help people understand what it takes to create buildings that are more resilient, affordable and comfortable to run. “I really believe that architecture and the way we live should be in harmony with nature,” he said. “If we’re living in such a way that we’re ruining our environments, we can’t do that.” OP-CAN advocated for concrete action to reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions. The best way to phase out use of fossil fuels is to not allow new infrastructure that emits them to be built, Bassett-Dilley said. “I’ve been doing all-electric buildings for over 10 years, and I can see how much better they are than fossil fuel buildings from a health and emissions standpoint,” he said. A potential next step to reach net zero

greenhouse gas emissions could be to require gas appliances that are replaced to be traded out for electric appliances, such as heat pumps, he said. Ensuring buildings have proper insulation can also reduce energy waste. Cynthia Klein-Banai, a member of Heat Pump Neighbors, advocates for accelerating electrification in homes by replacing appliances such as furnaces, air conditioning units, or boilers with a heat pump. This technology is highly efficient, only requires electricity and helps the air quality in homes, she said. Heat pumps are more expensive to install than replacing the existing appliances, she said, but there are some incentives for doing so, such as tax credits. Not everyone can afford to make these changes, however, Bassett-Dilley said. “We have to be very, very careful we don’t shift the energy burden even more to impoverished neighborhoods,” he said. Buchanan said while she expected backlash from gas companies, there has not been any. Some developers have been worried about the cost of electrification in new buildings but when constructing new buildings, all-electric facilities are cheaper than natural gas, she said. The cost would, however, fall on the developers to ensure this new building code requirement is met. Laura Derks, lead facilitator of OP-CAN and director of the Nature, Culture and Human Health Network, said OP-CAN has been calling for electrification for the past three years. She is also hopeful that major renovations will be required to implement all-electric systems in the future. Derks said OP-CAN is also encouraging residents who are replacing appliances in their homes to install electric ones and take advantage of renewable energy. While the ordinance will not affect many current residents, Derks said she hopes they will advocate for electric conversions in single-family homes to help Oak Park reach its reduced emissions goals. “[Oak Park] is known for a commitment to green space,” she said. “We’re just hoping other municipalities adopt an ordinance without the natural gas industry getting in the way.”

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Holiday items • • Pet Items • • Gift Baskets • All proceeds benefit our shelter!

Friday, Dec. 1 • 3-9pm Sat. Dec. 2 • 9am-3pm • Sun. Dec. 3 • 11-3pm

‘Frosty Affair’ celebrates local businesses

The Dec. 8 event is free and open to the public By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The first annual “Frosty Affair,” an Oak Park-River Forest holiday market will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Arts Center. The market will feature diverse shopping opportunities by local businesses from both villages. “This festive occasion is designed to create lasting memories and support the vibrant spirit of Oak Park-River Forest,” officials said in a news release. The market will include a gift-wrapping

Growing Community Media

station, as well as childcare services. “The Frosty Affair is more than just shopping; it’s an experience,” Darien Marion-Burton, executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. “We want to create an atmosphere where the community can come together, celebrate and support our local businesses.” VIP pre-shop will be available from 3 to 4 p.m. for $25 where attendees can enjoy complimentary champagne and early shopping. Local food vendors will also provide refreshments throughout the evening. Admission to the event is free, but a $5 contribution is encouraged, according to the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. The Arts Center is located at 200 N. Oak Park Ave., in Oak Park.

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Because age is just a number, Mara keeps dancing The 71-year-old Oak Parker teaches movement, too By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

Mara Leonard has discovered her fountain of youth. A lithe 71, she is a firm believer in exercise — of the mind as well as the body. She is convinced that being a lifelong musician has kept her mind well-tuned, and leading exercise classes for almost two decades has kept her body well-toned. “It’s so important to keep moving. It will keep you in good health for so much longer. And it helps avert mental decline. I have had 90-year-olds in my class who have been so inspiring to me, including a woman who I had to keep reminding to slow down,” said Leonard, who teaches classes four times a week through the Park District of Oak Park’s Active Adults program. The classes, each of which average about 14 students, are held Tuesday through Friday mornings at Dole Library. A budding ballerina in her youth, Leonard was immersed in exercise until her

mid-teens, when she grew too tall (6 feet 2 on toe) and suffered a debilitating injury. Regular exercise wasn’t a part of her life after that, until the late 1990s when she felt things “were going south.” She started taking classes through the park district at Rush Oak Park Hospital and, later, at Dole Library. When the park district needed an instructor for its senior classes, she stepped up — and she hasn’t stopped since. Leonard intentionally includes cardio with dance steps and arm movements in her classes and incorporates hand weights, stretch bands and body bars of various weights. She focuses on movements that improve posture and offers accommodations for students with injuries or issues related to aging. Fran Sullivan has been taking Leonard’s class for about 10 years and particularly appreciates how she adapts her routines for aging students. “I’ve taken classes at other places, but they’ve been more aerobic than I wanted. I could probably keep up, but I’d be crippled by the end. Mara’s classes aren’t competitive and they’re social — it’s fun to exercise with other people,” said Sullivan, who is in her late 80s. Recently, the group got together at

TODD A. BANNOR

Exercise instructor Mara Leonard (left) with Rita Williams (second from left) at Rita’s 90th birthday lunch with their Dole Library exercise class at George’s Restaurant on Nov. 15.

TODD A. BANNOR

Instructor Mara Leonard (in magenta top) leads her exercise class at the Dole Branch of the Oak Park Public Library on Friday Nov. 24. George’s Restaurant to celebrate Rita Williams’ 90th birthday, a tradition that started more than a decade ago. Williams has been taking Leonard’s class for about 15 years. “We’re kind of a support group for each other,” Williams said. “And you can never have too many support groups as you get older. We follow up on each other’s health and vacations. It’s nice to know people care. Mara is very supportive of our limitations.” Leonard’s dedication to exercise might only be surpassed by her passion for music. She started playing piano at the age of 5 and picked up the violin at 8 and the cello at 12. At 16, she was drafted by her church to play the organ. But cello is the instrument about which she is most enthusiastic because of its beautiful tone and the opportunity it provides for playing with an ensemble, particularly with chamber groups. She played with her high school orchestra and was second chair with Chicago’s All-City Orchestra. Although she graduated from North Park University’s music program and earned her master’s degree in cello per-

formance from Roosevelt University, her parents, who emigrated from Latvia just before she was born, harbored hopes she would be a doctor like her mother. “The closest I came to my mother’s dream was working in the EKG Department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She was delighted, thinking I was finally headed in the right direction. I lasted two years,” Leonard said, laughing. She has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Northwest Indiana Symphony, the Illinois Philharmonic and the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest. She currently plays the organ and serves as the music director for All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs. She is also arranging performance opportunities this spring for her ensemble, “Sterling Quartet.” And she still gives private music lessons. Leonard, and her intrepid students, are examples of the importance of being active —physically and mentally — as we age. As her student Rita Williams said, “You have to keep the blood going to the right places.”

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2023 TAX LEVY RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP 1. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy for River Forest Township for 2023 will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the River Forest Civic Center Authority Building, 8020 Madison Street, River Forest, Illinois. This meeting may also be held by Zoom; the Zoom link will be posted on the River Forest Township website, www.riverforesttownship.org, prior to the meeting. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Supervisor Carla Sloan in advance, at: River Forest Township, 8020 Madison Street, River Forest, Illinois 60305; 708-366-2029 2. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $688,907 for the Town Fund and $11,578 for General Assistance. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $716,463 for the Town Fund and $10,000 for General Assistance. This represents a 4.0 (%) percentage increase over the previous year for the Town Fund and a 13.6 (%) percentage decrease over the previous year for the General Assistance Fund. 3. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $0.00. The proposed property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 are $0.00. This represents no percentage increase or decrease over the previous year. 4. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $688,907 for the Town Fund and $11,578 for General Assistance. The proposed total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $716,463 for the Town Fund and $10,000 for General Assistance. This represents a 4.0 (%) percentage increase over the previous year for the Town Fund and a 13.6 (%) percentage decrease over the previous year for the General Assistance Fund. John Becvar, Clerk River Forest Township

FILE

Capital improvement plan includes projects to keep residents moving Residents living on Ridgeland Avenue will be contacted about a potential protected bike lane in 2024 By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

More than 50% of daily transportation trips in the U.S. were less than 3 miles in 2021, data shows. But residents in Oak Park can now get more active and help the environment at the same time. The 2024-2028 Oak Park capital improvement plan has a blueprint for that. It’s the

biggest investment in active transportation infrastructure so far, officials said. A key component of the plan focuses on large projects designed to make roads safer for pedestrians and bikers because, in part, switching to active transportation can reduce up to a quarter of an individual’s personal carbon emissions. One project outlined in the recently approved CIP increases active transportation for residents by including new or improved bike lanes and an updated greenway plan. In 2024, residents living on Ridgeland Avenue will be contacted about a potential protected bike lane on that street, village President Vicki Scaman said. The village will have to address any concerns about the bike lane, including reduced parking access, she said, before approving a de-

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Village approves 6th extension for South Boulevard construction The extension lasts until May 31

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Oak Park’s Village Board of Trustees granted an extension for the completion of the planned development at 715-717 South Boulevard until May 31, 2024. This is the sixth extension to finish construction of the multi-unit residential building. The construction project was originally approved on March 6, 2017. The fifth extension was set to end Nov. 30. The zoning ordinance allows the village board to approve an extension if the applicant can provide sufficient cause. The developer, Art Gurevich, indicated additional time was necessary to complete interior design based on buyer preference. Gurevich was required to pay a $2,000 fee to offset the cost of his last extension request, which was paid Nov. 14. If he does not meet his new deadline, the fee will double. Trustee Lucia Robinson, the only dissent to the decision, said she feels the fee is too

low for the village to be properly compensated for the continued delays. She said she would like to discuss a more persuasive fee structure in the future that encourages quick project completions. If the village board denied the request for an extension, the planned development ordinance would be null and void and the units could not be occupied, village attorney Paul Stephanides said. Cameron Davis, assistant director of development customer services, said two units in the building have already been granted temporary occupancy. Gurevich is also showing other units to potential residents, Davis said at last week’s meeting, in addition to customizing units to the buyers’ preferences. “I can’t stand before you tonight and say, since I have very little control over it, that he [the developer] won’t be back again,” Davis said. The development has 14 total residential units in addition to a commercial unit and approximately 20 parking spaces. The 12 unfinished units are close to completion, Davis

said, but did not have specifics. The building is essentially finished, and all interior work is strictly cosmetic, according to an email exchange between village planner Craig Failor and developer Art Gurevich. “I’m not inclined to want to punish him [Gurevich],” Trustee Cory Wesley said. “Especially in a market like this.” Robinson said she does not see her push for increased fees as a punishment but rather a result of the developer’s own choices. Gurevich has every right to decide his selling model and customize units, she said,

but his delays resulting in higher market value are the result of his own choices. “I take issue a little bit with the idea that we should be saving every developer from the natural result of what their choices are,” Robinson said. “Maybe if we didn’t do that, they’d make better choices.” President Vicki Scaman agreed it would be helpful to plan a future discussion on how to incentivize developers to complete projects in a timely manner, but no decisions related to incentives were made at the time.

sign and greenlighting construction. A Neighborhood Greenways System Study, created eight years ago, recommended routes to implement trafficcalming measures, such as reduced speed limits, as well as additional crossing infrastructures and signs to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely. The new budget allows for the plan to become a reality. “The primary [benefit] is to make it safe for cyclists,” trustee Susan Buchanan said. “A lot of people in this village want to ride their bikes, but they don’t feel safe.” Oak Park also recently launched Vision Zero, an initiative with the goal of reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities while increasing transportation safety, according to Vision Zero Network. Scaman said this strategy is a holistic examination of the community’s pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle safety.

“This is a Board that is listening to what our constituents want,” she said. “We’re being responsive and we’re taking action.” A clear benefit of active transportation is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Buchanan said. The more people who walk or cycle, the less gas from cars can pollute the environment. “It’ll increase the use of cycling for transportation, which is great for the environment and great for traffic and great for people’s health,” Buchanan said. Sylvia Schweri, a board member of Bike Walk Oak Park, has always enjoyed biking. Schweri said she was hoping to bike more in Oak Park but was disappointed with the lack of locals interested in active transportation. She mostly cycles when running local errands and as a mode of transportation to public transit. “My average ride is usually not more than two miles,” she said. “I just try to sub-

stitute driving whenever I can.” This year’s CIP is the largest investment Oak Park has made in cycling infrastructure, Schweri said, partially due to the amount of residents saying they feel unsafe walking, cycling and even driving on the streets. Bike Walk Oak Park has been asking for increased funding in active transportation infrastructure since 2019, Schweri said, focusing on the greenway plan since it had been adopted but not yet implemented. The group has also asked for improvements in intersections because that can create the biggest difference in safety on the road, Schweri said. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the village budget had to eliminate anything deemed unnecessary or yet to be contracted, Scaman said. Now, the budget can accommodate more. “We’re grateful that they’re taking the

plan seriously,” Schweri said. Bike Walk Oak Park has not spent as much time advocating for bike lanes, however, because they are often unpopular with homeowners due to potentially reduced parking access. Rob Sproule, public works director, and village engineer Bill McKenna are responsible for overseeing these changes as they are implemented, Buchanan said. The investment in active transportation will hopefully encourage more people to feel confident and safe riding their bikes, Schweri said. It may also increase quality of life by encouraging people to be active and improve their physical health while also helping fight climate change. “We’re creating the opportunity for a generational shift in transportation choice,” she said. “Which is, in the end, going to impact our greenhouse gas emissions overall, as a community, significantly.”

Staff Reporter

JOHN CONRAD SCHIESS ARCHITECT

715-717 South Blvd. development rendering

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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HOMELESS OUTREACH

To those sheltering on trains from page 1 Tom McKone, CTA’s chief administrative officer, told the transit board that workers from the Haymarket Center substance use disorder and mental health treatment services organization works in two shifts – a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. day shift and an 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. night shift. Both shifts operate seven days a week as of November. Under the current contract, they only serve the section of the Blue Line between O’Hare Airport and UIC-Halsted stations. The extra funding will allow it to cover the entire line effective the start of 2024. Jeffrey Collord, Haymarket’s vice president of operations, told the transit board that while his organization specialized in treating addiction and mental health issues, it was only natural that they help homeless individuals as well. “We serve 12,000 [clients] a year, the majority of whom are experiencing or have experienced homelessness,” he said. “Almost all of them have no resources or are on Medicaid.” McCone said that the workers travel in teams of 4 to 5, so they could engage with several people at once, if necessary. The teams ride the trains, get off at certain stations, and engage with people experiencing homelessness. Collord said that they focus on “hot spots” based on what they heard from the CTA and residents living near the stations. The outreach workers start out simply talking to unhoused individuals, asking them if they are interested in food, hygiene supplies, or harm reduction materials such as drug testing strips. From there, the conversations may progress to connecting them to medical services and shelters. The goal is to try to get unsheltered individuals into stable housing. But McKone’s presentation to the board showed that it’s easier said than done. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, the annual survey of homeless people conducted in Chicago in January, 546 unhoused people were sheltering on the CTA. Threshold and Haymarket outreach workers report that 80 people were placed in shelters. Out of 236 people who signed up to get more permanent housing through the city’s Coordinated Entry System, only 24 have been placed, and five people were in the midst of the placement process in October. Last fall, the Chicago Transit Board, CTA’s governing board, approved a $2 million intergovernmental agreement with

IGOR STUDENKOV

Oak Park Blue Line station the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. This allowed the department to, among other things, contract Haymarket to send out outreach workers to the Blue Line. But their service never went as far as the Forest Park branch, the section of the line that mostly runs in the median of or alongside Eisenhower Expressway, between UIC-Halsted and Forest Park stations. The transit board’s decision will permit Haymarket to send outreach workers along the entire line effective early January 2024, as well as boost funding for Thresholds, which provides similar service along the entire Red Line. While past experience shows that the solutions take time and are limited by capacity, Haymarket believes that any concrete results they can produce are well worth the effort. The Blue Line is one of the two L lines that runs at night, so it’s not unusual for homeless individuals to shelter on the trains. Many unsheltered riders disembark at the Forest Park terminal and use the nearby Forest Park Public Library and Mohr Community Center. The Forest Park branch runs through West Side community areas that have the

highest rates of overdoses in Chicago. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has told the Review that isn’t unusual for riders to buy drugs on the West Side, use them on the trains or in the areas near the ‘L’ stations. According to Sheila Haennicke, who cochairs the West Side Heroin Opioid Taskforce’s Narcan committee, Kedzie-Homan, Pulaski/Eisenhower and Forest Park stations in particular are overdose hotspots. Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins has long complained that responding to those sometimes-overlapping issues has strained the village resources. He has lobbied CTA to do more “to provide services to unhoused persons and those with opioid addiction.” “Our police and fire personnel have been responding to steeply increasing call volumes originating from [the Forest Park terminal, Harlem/Lake Green Line L station and Harlem/Eisenhower Blue Line L station],” Hoskins said in a recent interview, adding that the fire department responded to seven CTA-related calls overnight on Nov. 20 to 21. Forest Park has been working with Housing Forward, ShowerUp Chicago, the Night Ministry and Loyola Street Medicine team

to provide services for individuals using the Forest Park terminal, but much of that outreach only one day a week. Collord said that he was happy to see their outreach expand. “Haymarket CTA outreach teams are some of our most passionate staff and we’re fortunate to partner with the passionate staff of Thresholds, and the passionate staff of DFSS and the passionate staff of the CTA,” he said. Haennicke, who attended the Nov. 15 meeting, said that she welcomed Haymarket’s service expansion, saying that the more service providers are trying to tackle the issues the better. “I think it’s sort of leading toward the same goal of making the CTA safer and more attractive and just really fulfilling its potential as a positive force in the city,” she said. Hoskins said that he will have to wait and see if the expansion bears fruit. “We appreciate the CTA taking steps to better serve the unhoused and those suffering from addiction,” he said. “Unfortunately, we do not see any indication that the number of emergency calls to CTA locations is trending downward.”

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Disturbing in design, yet strangely compelling By DAVID HAMMOND

Dining & Food Blogger

don’t think it was because I was speaking miserable Spanish. It was likely because this specialty is not even listed on the restaurant’s menu board; it’s on the “secret menu,” so you have to know it’s there. Though a little carb-heavy, this is a simple sandwich, and the sauce helps alleviate the heaviness. Unlike Chicago’s Mother-in-Law, the guajolota at a Mexican restaurant will use a more traditional tamale made of meat and finely ground corn meal, much preferable to the Chicago corn roll tamale. All in all, I prefer the Mexican version because

henever I’m in Mexico City, including this past Thanksgiving, I visit the Witches’ Market, the place to go for amulets, potions, statues of Santa Muerte, the usual stuff a witch might need during her busy, witchy day. Once, leaving the market, I spotted a food tent with a huge line in front. “Must be the good stuff,” I thought, so I got in line, not knowing what I was waiting for. When I got to the head of the line, I paid my money and received … a guajolota. The guajolota (wha-holow-tah) is a tamale, covered in green sauce, laid into a bolillo, an oblong bun. The word “guajolota” is based on a Nahuatl word, “guajolote,” a term for turkey, because the whole thing looks like a plump little turkey. Up until recently, I’d never seen a guajolota in Chicago, but I had seen something very close. At Fat Johnny’s in the Marquette Park area, I was introduced to the Mother-in-Law. We cover DAVID HAMMOND this Chicago original food in Made in Chicago: Stories The guajolota at Tamales Blanquitas Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites, and it’s basically a they use a better kind of tamale. poppy seed bun, the same used with a There’s a connection between the guajoChicago hot dog, but instead of a wiener, lota in Mexico City and the Mother-in-Law there’s a Chicago corn roll tamale. This in Chicago. Traditionally in Mexico, the hometown tamale is a tube of cornmeal guajolota is dappled with a green sauce, with a magenta core that *may* contain and in Mexico there’s a green sauce called meat; in the Mother-in-Law, the tamale is salsa de suegra, or mother-in-law’s sauce. covered in chili and dressed like a hot dog Of course, it’s unlikely the guys at Fat with sport peppers, chopped onions, blueJohnnie’s thought they were reproducing green relish, tomatoes, and a pickle slice. a Mexican classic, and if you ask why the On the first season of No Reservations, sandwich is called a Mother-in-Law, you when Anthony Bourdain visited Chicago, might get the smart-alecky rejoinder, “It, he pronounced it “disturbing in design, too, will give you indigestion.” yet strangely compelling.” Apologies to mothers-in-law everyIn early November, I found a place in where. We hope you had a happy ThanksCicero, Tamales Blanquitas, which serves giving, and if you’re tiring of leftover guajolotas. When I stopped by this tiny turkey, you might venture into Cicero for restaurant, the server gave me the sidea guajolota. eye when I asked for a guajolota, and I

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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OPRF school board takes first step toward geothermal Approves contract to dig a test well By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School hopes to use geothermal energy to mostly heat and completely cool the new physical education wing that will be built over the next 2½ years, commonly known as Project 2. OPRF District 200 Board of Education earlier this month took the first step toward determining whether that is a reasonable goal by approving a contract worth up to $165,000 with a company that will drill a test well to see how large a geothermal field would have to be to make that hope a reality. The OPRF school board chose Veregy, a Phoenix-based national company that specializes in energy transformations, over two other companies that bid on the con-

tract. Veregy engineers have designed more than 100 successful geothermal projects, according to a memo Arbogast prepared for the school board. If OPRF goes ahead with geothermal energy, Veregy would likely be the company that would dig the well field. The precise location of the test well has not yet been determi½ned but it will likely be near the football stadium or new track. The test will determine how productive geothermal wells at OPRF would be and how many wells would be needed to heat and cool the new Project 2 spaces. “When they drill that well it tells us how conducive our soil is to produce the well field,” said Tony Arbogast, assistant superintendent for business services. “So, some soil you have to put the wells 20 feet apart, so they

don’t disrupt each other, some it’s 25 (feet). We are hopeful that ours can be 15 feet apart, which would allow us to put more wells and produce more energy in a smaller footprint of area.” The test well will also determine how deep the wells can be. They could be anywhere from 300 to 500 feet deep. It is estimated that geothermal, which consists of using pumps to move air from deep underground into the building to cool the building in hot weather and heat the building in cold weather, will provide 100% of the cooling for the new Project 2 space and about 60% of the heating. Should the board go forward with geothermal the ultimate cost, currently estimated to be between $3 million and $4 million, will be dependent on how many wells

The test well will

also determine how deep the wells can be. They could be anywhere from 300 to 500 feet deep.

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need to be dug. That cost is in addition to the estimated $102 million construction cost of Project 2. The cost of digging a well field is likely to be offset somewhat by federal grants available through the Inflation Recovery Act and state grants. After the test well is dug and the size of the geothermal well field is determined, school board member Graham Brisben wants Arborgast to come back to the board with a detailed financial analysis comparing the cost of geothermal to the cost of traditional fossil fuel heating and cooling. “That model has to exist before we pull the trigger on this,” Brisben said. Last year, the school board considered committing to geothermal and digging well fields this past summer but ultimately opted to delay for a year when cost estimates came in at around $6.3 million, about 17% higher than projected. OPRF has a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 45% of 2012 levels by 2030 and to completely eliminate the use of greenhouse gasses by 2050.

DECEMBER

FRIDAY

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Ken Trainor’s “Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”…

Reasons ‘Our Town Oak Park’ makes a good holiday gift for your grown children: • They can relive May Madness, Erik’s Deli, Magic Tree Bookstore, playing lob ball in the park, the July 4th parade and fireworks, OPRF graduations, the Lake Theatre, Thursday Night Out, Maze Library, Hole in the Wall ice cream, trick-or-treating on Halloween, Farmers Market and A Day in Our Village • They’ll like it so much, they might move back • If they don’t move back, at least they won’t forget where they came from • If they can’t come in for Christmas, it’s easy to wrap and mail Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community is for anyone who lives in Oak Park, formerly lived in Oak Park, is about to move to Oak Park, is curious about Oak Park, or might live in Oak Park in the future. In other words, pretty much everyone. You can find it at Book Table, the OPRF History Museum, the Hemingway Birthplace Home, and, if you must, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Great Holiday gift for the “Oak Park fan” in your life!

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C R I M E

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Car-related arson results in $50,000 in damages

Someone set fire to a Bridgeview resident’s car parked at the 6800 block of West Roosevelt on Nov. 22. A witness saw two people, one of whom had a gun, leave the scene. The estimated loss is $50,000.

Catalytic converter thefts ■ The catalytic converter from an Oak Park resident’s 2008 Cadillac DTS was taken between Nov. 15 and Nov. 19. The car, located on the 200 block of Lake, has an estimated loss of $2,200. ■ Someone stole a catalytic converter from an Oak Park resident’s 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, located at the 200 block of North Oak Park. The estimated loss is unknown.

Burglary ■ Someone burglarized a residential property in Oak Park between 11:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and 4:45 a.m. Nov. 22. The suspect used a prying tool to get inside the residence on the 200 block of Washington. They took items including an Xbox gaming system and a safe containing jewelry. The estimated loss is $5,400.

■ Someone broke into and burglarized an Oak Park residence on the 100 block of North Austin Nov. 25. The person or people stole recording equipment, and the estimated loss is unknown. ■ A suspect entered an Elgin resident’s 2008 Toyota Camry and ransacked the interior, but no loss was reported. The incident took place on the 0-100 block of Washington Nov. 25.

Vehicle-related theft ■ Someone attempted to steal an Oak Park resident’s 2014 silver Jeep at the 1400 block of North Austin between the evening of Nov. 24 and the morning of Nov. 25. ■ An Oakbrook Terrace resident’s navy blue 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen from the 200 block of South Boulevard on Nov. 25. The estimated loss is $18,000.

Aggravated Robbery A man committed an aggravated robbery Nov. 25 at a bank on the 1000 block of Lake. He stated he had a gun and

demanded money from an employee. The estimated loss is $1,199.

Arrests ■ A woman was arrested Nov. 21 on the

900 block of North Austin for theft. The woman stole from an Oak Park resident on Nov. 14 from the 0-100 block of Lemoyne. ■ A man was arrested following a DuPage County warrant for driving under the influence. The arrest took place on the 1100 block of South Oak Park on the evening of Nov. 21. ■ A man was arrested for an aggravated DUI on the evening of Nov. 22. The accident took place at the 400 block of North Austin. The man was driving under the influence of alcohol and without a valid driver’s license. He was given a citation and a notice to appear in court before release. ■ A man was arrested for criminal damage to property and possession of drug paraphernalia on the morning of Nov. 23 at the 800 block of South Oak Park. He was issued a citation and released. ■ A man was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of

methamphetamine Nov. 25 by the 0 – 100 block of North Harlem. The man was issued a citation and released.

Car recovery ■ The Chicago Police Department recovered a 2020 Kia Soul that was reported stolen from a Cicero resident on Nov. 10. The police did not make any arrests. ■ Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin police recovered a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 that was stolen from Oak Park on Nov. 21. One apprehension was made after the recovery Nov. 25.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports, Nov. 22 – 27, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

— Compiled by Luzane Draughon

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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D97 student lands the lead role in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ The musical runs at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre through Jan. 14 By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

A seventh-grader from Oak Park School District 97 is taking center stage in Aurora this holiday season, proving you’re never too young to go after your dreams. Meena Sood, 12, will share the lead role, playing Charlie Bucket in Paramount Theatre’s production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The production runs through Jan. 14. Sood, who shares the role with fellow child actor Charlie Long, said this new version moves the popular story into modern times. “When I am on stage, Charlie is a girl,” Sood said. “And when he is on stage, Charlie is a boy. They wanted to be inclusive and show the audience that a girl can be a chocolate scientist too and show the inclusivity of the Paramount casting.” The show premiered on Nov. 17 and Sood encourages people to bring the whole family and be part of the holiday celebration. To prepare for this role, she attended four-hour rehearsals after school as well as going over her lines, both at home and during the long car rides to Aurora, with the help of her family. “They are very supportive with this all,” she said. “They encourage me to keep practicing even though it has already started. The show is very wordy, there are a lot of difficult words to say over and over, so it is good to run through the songs and make sure the lyrics are still fresh in my head for the show.” Her road to the stage began with putting on shows for friends and family and singing around the house. She began taking classes at Ovation Academy, on Madison Street, where she cultivated her passion for the theater, taking singing and dance classes as well. In her first show, she played Princess Fiona in Ovation’s production of “Shrek Junior,” and despite some first-show jitters, she had a blast. “My favorite part was interacting with the cast and crew,” she said. “Even though it was such an amazing show onstage,

LIZ LAUREN

Meena Sood (right) plays Charlie Bucket and Stephen Schellhardt is Willy Wonka in Paramount Theatre’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ through Jan. 14. Trent Stork directs. For tickets and information, visit paramountaurora.com, or call 630-896-6666. Note: Meena Sood alternates performances with Charlie Long. backstage is such a different environment. I love seeing the actors backstage and speaking with them.” Sood went on to perform in four professional productions including, “A Christmas Story: The Musical!” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, which was her professional debut. She also appeared in “School of Rock.” Sood said one of her favorite parts of acting is the first day, meeting the actors she will be sharing a stage with. “The first day of rehearsals, obviously you see familiar faces who you have worked with before, but I love meeting new actors and new parts of the crew,” she said. “You know you are going to be close with them for the next couple of months, so it’s really fun getting to know everybody and becoming a little family that is part of the cast.” With opening night as well as the 10 preview shows behind her, she said the audience’s enthusiastic reactions have fueled her performances. “The audience was so loud and fun and lively,” she said. “I think the audience makes it. Depending on how they react to the lines, how hard they clap, it really changes the whole show and how the energy is.” The time commitment needed to be a working actor can be a challenge to manage, especially for a seventh-grader, but Sood said all her teachers at Julian Middle School have been very supportive and work with her to make sure she maintains her grades without having to sacrifice her dream. “They figure out a way that I can do my work at home if I need to or in the car,” she said. “Most of my schoolwork is on the computer, which is really nice. They post stuff

on the class website, and I can complete it in my own time. They are helpful with deadlines, but I try to get my work in as soon as possible.” Her family’s support has also allowed her to pursue her dreams. Her parents work together to drive her to practice and shows while her older sister helps her run lines. Carolyn Sood said seeing her daughter on stage is absolutely incredible and a real moment of pride. “She works so hard. She really does put a lot of time into rehearsing and performing, and she stays very organized with school,” Carolyn said. “I am proud she is capable of managing all of that.” She dreams of continuing to act professionally, and is grateful for the opportunity to be in professional productions. “At some point, I have to check in with myself every so often and be like, ‘Oh my God, I am actually doing this,’” she said. “Thinking that I am in these real theaters with such talented people is really crazy.” As Sood continues to perform in local theater, she is excited to see what her future holds and continues to encourage others to follow their own dreams. “Just go for it,” she said. “I was very shy during the first couple of days of rehearsal for my first show, but I opened up and got used to it. Now it has become such a big part of my life, and you can never really know what it is going to do unless you try it.” Paramount Theatre’s production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will run through Jan. 14. Tickets can be purchased online at paramountaurora.com.

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society hosts its 25th Holiday Housewalk

GARRY GRASINSKI

By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing reporter

he Oak Park and River Forest Infant Welfare Society is bringing back its Holiday Housewalk and Market in person for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the annual event on-line for two years. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, which is the largest fundraiser for the IWS’s Children’s Clinic. Now open at its new location at 28 Madison Street in Oak Park, the Children’s Clinic provides medical, dental and behavioral health services to thousands of children from more than 50 neighboring communities. “I’m so excited that we’re back in person this year,” IWS volunteer Jennifer Goodsmith said. She emphasized the importance of the Children’s Clinic to children in need, calling it a medical home for many.

“This is a great opportunity for people to get acquainted with our new space,” she said, adding, “The Children’s Clinic not only offers dental care, which is hard to find, but it also offers behavioral services, which we’re seeing increased demand for.” Typically, the Holiday Housewalk features five homes, but in honor of the event’s 25th anniversary, this year’s walk will include six homes in Oak Park and River Forest, all beautifully decorated for the holidays. Housewalk chair Lori Parks said the houses are a fun way to get holiday inspiration. “The six houses are all different sizes and range from very traditional to contemporary. There’s a variety of sizes and styles. It’s fun to gather stuff from different styles in your own home,” she said. See HOUSEWALK on page 23

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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HOUSEWALK

Pulling out the stops from page 21 In Oak Park, four homes will be decked out for the holidays. Celebration Gatherings will feature innovative lighting and plenty of fragrant greens used as décor, and the fully decorated garden is a highlight of the house. Collected Christmas will showcase the homeowners’ unique collections from pottery inspired by visits to colonial Williamsburg to artistic treasures. London Christmas Carol features elements of Downtown Abbey style in a home with a stunning library and kitchen. Vintage and Organic is an English Arts & Crafts style home designed by E.E. Roberts and decorated with a silver bells collection. In River Forest, Sparkle & Joy is a newly built home decked out with family treasures in a contemporary setting. Inspiration Abounds is the home of an interior designer whose recently remodeled kitchen is home to a family-favorite Advent calendar. Ann Anderson is a long-time IWS volunteer and one of the homeowners opening her house to the fundraiser this year. Her family has been in the home for more than three decades, and their lively Christmas tradition includes a lot of music with everyone singing and playing their instruments. Whether offering a Swedish-themed Christmas Eve dinner in honor of her husband’s heritage or a formal Christmas dinner after church, Anderson said, “We love to pull out all the stops. It’s really a treasured tradition.”

GARRY GRASINSKI

Parks said that people like Anderson are a big part of the draw for participating in the IWS. When Parks moved to the area to be nearer to her daughter’s family, she found the IWS made the Oak Park and River Forest communities feel like home.

GARRY GRASINSKI

“I’ve met so many new people from people in the community, to the homeowners who open their houses to us, to the vendors who come to our market,” she said. For her and for the many who will join the IWS on Dec. 1 and 2, the IWS Holiday Housewalk and Market is the perfect way to kick off the holidays. “It’s the beginning of the season, so it gives you time to copy ideas and traditions and bring them into your own home,” Parks said. Rowena Abrahamson, marketing chair for the IWS, is looking forward to showing off the new Children’s Clinic. She said, “We will have 20 vendors offering unique holiday hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, holiday treats and decorations. Hot chocolate and more will be available for purchase to enjoy while shopping. We are also happy to announce that CarefulPeach Boutique, Geppeto’s Toy Box, Tulipia Floral Design and Nonprofit Legal Services, LLC have designed and decorated beautifully themed tabletop trees to be raffled. We appreciate the support of our community businesses.”

Before You Go Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.oprfiws.org/buy-tickets Tickets for the walk cost $70, and a $250 fast pass option allows participants to skip the line at each house they visit. The first 50 visitors to each a house each night will receive a departing gift. Ticket and program pick-up and the market will take place at the IWS Children’s Clinic at 28 Madison Street in Oak Park. The houses will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday Dec. 1, and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 2. The market is open Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 2, a special popup will take place at the market called Miracle on Madison. For $25, shoppers will receive hot chocolate in a take home “believe” mug, selfies with Santa and a special gift-wrapping demonstration.

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

VIEWPOINTS

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

The strangely compelling guajolota sandwich 27

Battling rising food costs with turkey soup

ast year I purchased two Popeye’s frozen turkeys. My plan was to fry one for Thanksgiving and the other for Christmas. We fried the one for Thanksgiving and it must have been very good because there wasn’t a lot left. The hostess for our Thanksgiving Day dinner was not familiar with saving the carcass, so she threw it out before I could stop her. I don’t know why we didn’t do the second turkey for Christmas last year. But I still had that turkey in my deep freezer. So even though it was a year old, I defrosted it, and took it to Thanksgiving dinner. The fellas fried the turkey last year. This year I made sure that I did it. Once the oil was at cooking temperature, I carefully lowered the bird into the hot oil in stages. It bubbled, but the oil never overflowed. And let me tell you, that was one good-smelling turkey while it was cooking. It was as delicious as it smelled once done. And as expected, I was left with a carcass and one leg. Once dinner was over, everybody knew I was taking home the remnants. I have several Facebook friends who also took their leftover turkey and turned it into either turkey broth or stock. What’s the difference between the two? Stock is normally made from bones, and broth is made from meat. I opted to make the stock. After about a half hour of cooking on a low flame, it was easy to remove the meat and return the skin and bones back to the pot. I let that stock simmer for about six hours. All I know is that I’m going to make me a pan of dressing, and I’m going to have the most flavorful liquid to put in it. I opted to use part of the stock to make turkey-carcass soup. And boy, between making the stock and the soup, my house began smelling like Thanksgiving Day. Even more wonderful was the amount of meat that had came off that bird. It was literally astonishing. Because I was raised by my mother who lived through the Great Depression, she knew how to be thrifty when it came to food preparation and making her food budget

ARLENE JONES

See ARLENE JONES on page 28

FILE

A Lionel six-silver-wheel locomotive.

DOOPER’S MEMORIES

My Lionel model-train years

’ll never forget the Lionel train set my Uncle Hubert started for me when I was 10 years old. The first box I found under the lights of our Christmas tree was heavier than my metal box full of pennies. I opened the box and pulled out a black beauty of a locomotive with six silver wheels that reflected the lights of the tree. Other boxes contained a tender, small transformer, and enough 027-gauge track to encircle the tree. I remember my grandmother asking my uncle if he felt I was old enough to have such an expensive gift. My always calm and logical uncle said I was certainly old enough to own and operate a model train. He instructed me on how to set up the transformer and warned me about touching the live wires. My grandmother still appeared uncertain, even skeptical, about my operating the train, but she trusted her son’s judgment. Well, the tree didn’t burn down, and I didn’t get electrocuted, so my grandmother’s fears diminished and my uncle continued to give me a car every Christmas for six years. I would run the train for hours, pulling freight under

JOHN

STANGER

tunnels of chairs and bridges of blocks, steaming past the tall forest of the Christmas tree with the train howling like a wolf in the night while the sharp, warm scent of electricity filled my nostrils. I waited five years to receive the car I really wanted — the refrigerator milk car. It was white, like the milk it delivered, with seven miniature silver milk cars, which could load into the hinged roof hatch. I would pull the car onto the remote-control track and buzz the little man to deliver the milk. Watching the little man was like watching the cuckoo pop out of our kitchen clock without having to wait an hour for the pop-out. I reloaded that can so often, my right thumb showed the dark indentations of the

milk cans. The last car I received from my uncle was the caboose, the last car on a train. By the time I was 16, I decided I needed more room for my train set because I planned to add buildings and trees to the setting. See JOHN STANGER on page 28

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

O U R

V I E W P O I N T S

V I E W S

Beyond cars

ak Park has made noises about bike lanes and greenways over many years. And some green paint has been splashed along a few streets to mark off bike lanes that are singularly unprotected from car traffic. On Jackson Boulevard for instance, the curb bump outs at most intersections from Grove to Maple push the bike lane into traffic every block. The current village board is now getting serious about both expanding the network of bike lanes and creating significant protections for those on bikes and, increasingly, scooters and other conveyances. In the new Capital Improvement Plan recently adopted by the village for 2024, there are funds in place to begin planning a protected bike lane on Ridgeland Avenue. The village president and trustees expect some pushback from residents along this north-south route. And they are planning to ask for feedback. This will be a simple test of whether village government is actually prepared to shift the transportation balance away from cars and trucks and toward active transit: bikers, pedestrians. Our streets have only so much capacity. For more than 100 years that capacity has been tilted toward automobiles. How to move them rapidly. How to park them. Other forms of getting around were simply not considered. Until recently. Also funded for next year is the start of implementation of a greenways system. The plan was actually approved eight years back, but it got stuck without fierce enough advocates on the village board, and then the mire of Covid, when most discretionary spending stopped cold. A third leg of the tilting toward active transit is Oak Park’s adoption of a Vision Zero project that focuses on measuring and improving safety for pedestrians, bikers and auto drivers. This is a sincere effort to shift our village from a fully auto-centric community to one that supports and protects those who choose to walk and ride.

How many extensions?

The pedestrian (as in dull) condo project that has been under a fits-and-starts construction timeline since 2017 on South Boulevard just east of Oak Park Avenue has just received its sixth extension of a construction deadline from the Oak Park Village Board. Blame it on Covid. Blame it on supply chains. Blame it the past two years on interest rates. Blame it on a bad developer. But this situation is fundamentally ridiculous. Which is why we are with Trustee Lucia Robinson who was the sole vote against the latest extension. Her point is that this additional extension, which carried a puny $2,000 fine, is entirely driven by the developer’s desire to reel in a few more condo buyers by offering them the opportunity to customize their units rather than buy one off the shelf. This is a marketing decision not a construction problem, she says. And if this delay holds back sales and property taxes, then the developer ought to pay more substantially for this privilege. We agree. And we will watch the village board reconsider this process in 2024.

Time to take a stand on what’s important

hen people ask my political affiliation, I say, with feet firmly planted, “Pro-Democracy and pro-government.” I adhere to Abraham Lincoln’s definition of government: “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” I also ascribe to his definition of Democracy: “Whether from the mouth of a king who seeks to bestride the people of his own nation, and live by the fruit of their labor, or from one race of men as an apology for enslaving another race, it is the same tyrannical principle. … As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of Democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no Democracy.” Lincoln knew where he stood. He was clear-headed when it came to what’s important. It’s important to know where we stand with less than a year till the election that will decide the fate of our Democracy. But a lot of people are dancing around what’s important, not clear-headed at all. This is no time for the electorate to be fragmented. The Trump Cult, of course, is anti-Democracy and anti-government, proven by their words and deeds. Their creed is: “We win. This expresses our idea of democracy.” They comprise the bulk of what I call the Libertarian Right, which will eventually become the Libertarian Party. The Republican Party is effectively dead. A center-right party may someday replace it. If only it could be the Party of Lincoln. Some are Never Trumpers but still anti-government and slaves to their brand, so they cannot bring themselves to put their country before their brand and vote for a Democrat even when the future of Democracy itself is at stake. This is no time for brand loyalty. The next group I call the Muddled Middle, represented by the “No Labels Movement,” which is, ironically, a label. Labels are inexact but necessary. This group may eventually evolve into something called the “Bipartisan Party.” They want voters to pledge allegiance to a dreamy ideal of polite, consensus politics, even though one of the two major parties has turned into a radical personality cult, rendering consensus impossible. This is no time for dreamy ideals. On the left, the so-called “Progressives” (misnamed, in my opinion) are what I call “Impatient Liberals,” as I call Liberals “Pragmatic Progressives.” The current “Progressive Wing of the Democratic Party” is eager to see this country make progress on so many fronts. Their impatience is understandable. I feel it too. But before we can move forward as a nation on any front, we have to defeat the forces that are intent on, and quite capable of, pulling us backward. Progressives

are pro-Democracy but many have lost faith in government. Sometimes they resemble the “Libertarian Left” and may eventually secede from the Democratic Party, merging with the Greens to form a new party. But this is no time for defections. Those who choose not to vote at all remain a sizable portion of the electorate. They are either indifferent or disillusioned about “the whole system” or completely cynical about politics or just can’t make up their minds. But this is no time to be part of the problem instead of the solution. That leaves the Democratic Party, representing the center left and independents. Democrats are now the primary hope for saving our Democracy. The party isn’t perfect by any stretch, but they believe government can be a force for good (proven by deeds and words) and therefore remain the only political entity qualified to govern in the way Lincoln envisioned governing. It is their daunting task to pull this fractured electorate into a unified coalition that will defeat Trump, as it did in 2020. And defeating Trump is the number one issue in the 2024 election. He must be stopped in order to fulfill Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address prophecy that “government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the Earth.” So emotionality must be put aside — brand loyalties, alternative candidate wish lists, unrealistic ideals, animosities, ageism about an older but very effective president, impatience, and cynical indifference all need to be replaced by a united front opposing the antiDemocratic, anti-government opposition. Feelings get us nowhere. We need to use our heads instead. As Carlos Lozada, co-host of the Matter of Opinion podcast put it in a recent New York Times op-ed piece, “Joe Biden versus Donald Trump is not the choice America wants. But it is the choice we need to face. … Because a country approaching its 250th birthday does not have the luxury of calling itself an experiment forever; this is the moment to assess the results of that experiment. Because Jan. 6 was not the final offensive by those who would overrun the will of voters. Because a lone Trump victory in 2016 could conceivably be remembered as an aberration if it were followed by two consecutive defeats, but a Trump restoration in 2024 would confirm America’s slide toward authoritarian rule and would render Biden’s lone term an interregnum, a blip in history’s turn. We must choose again because the fever did not break; instead, it threatens to break us.” It’s time to get real about what’s important.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Disturbing in design, yet strangely compelling

By DAVID HAMMOND

Oak Park Eats Blogger

“disturbing in design, yet strangely compelling.” In early November, I found a place in Cicero, Tamales Blanquitas, which serves guajolotas. When I stopped by this tiny restaurant, the server gave me the side-eye when I asked for a guajolota, and I don’t think it was because I was speaking miserable Spanish. It was likely because this specialty is not even listed on the restaurant’s menu board; it’s on the “secret menu,” so you have to know it’s there. Though a little carb-heavy, this is a simple sandwich, and the sauce helps alleviate the heaviness. Unlike Chicago’s Mother-in-Law, the guajolota at a Mexican restaurant will use a more traditional tamale made of meat and finely ground corn meal, much preferable to the Chicago corn roll tamale. All in all, I prefer the Mexican version because they use a better kind of tamale. There’s a connection between the guajolota in Mexico City and the Mother-in-Law in Chicago. Traditionally in Mexico, the guajolota is dappled with a green sauce, and in Mexico there’s a green sauce called salsa de suegra, or mother-in-law’s sauce. Of course, it’s unlikely the guys at Fat Johnnie’s thought they were reproducing a Mexican classic, and if you ask why the sandwich is called a Mother-in-Law, you might get the smart-alecky rejoinder, “It, too, will give you indigestion.” Apologies to mothers-in-law everywhere. We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving, and if you’re tiring of leftover turkey, you might venture into Cicero for a guajolota.

Editor Erika Hobbs Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Staff Reporter Amaris Rodriguez, Luzane Draughon Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Big Week Editor James Porter Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Publisher Dan Haley

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About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

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Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

What was missing from her call for peace

I am responding to the “One View” by Rev. Marti Scott [Calling for a ceasefire, Viewpoints, Nov. 22]. In it, Rev. Scott makes an impassioned plea for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza, and a halt to military aid to Israel. She says Christians, Jews and Muslims share a “God of peace.” If we do, Hamas has abandoned their God. She says “This was our doing …” but doesn’t say who “we” is. She pretends the four previous wars between Hamas and Israel, in 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021, never happened. In each case, as in 2023, Hamas provoked an Israeli military response. Each clash resulted in death and destruction in Gaza. Did Hamas ever pay a price? No. It remained in power, further developed its military capabilities and strengthened its hold on life in Gaza. It was left to the United Nations, and many of the UN members, to pay to rebuild Gaza and, indirectly, the rearmament of Hamas as it siphoned aid dollars and goods for military purposes and to enrich its leaders. What would happen if U.S. military aid to Israel stopped? For one, Israel would no longer have Iron Dome and Patriot missile batteries that it uses to defend itself

JOHN STANGER

from Hamas and Hezbollah rockets fired at civilian areas of Israel. Thousands of rockets prior to Oct. 6 and thousands more since. If Israel was unable to successfully defend itself against those rockets what would happen? Even more military action against Hamas, and more death and destruction among Gazan civilians as rocket launchers are nestled in civilian areas. Why could she not bring herself to condemn, in her piece, Hamas’ taking 240 hostages, including babies? She could not condemn the premeditated use of sexual violence against Israeli women as a weapon. It is not just Rev. Scott. She is part of a deafening silence by women throughout the world about this criminal use of rape against Jewish women. She could not say a word about the almost 300,000 Israelis forced to evacuate from their homes away from the war zones in the north and south of Israel. It’s a shame some clergy in our community cannot see what is happening and open their hearts, even a little, to the people of Israel.

Alan Peres Oak Park

ARLENE JONES

Locomotive to caboose

Turkey-carcass soup

from page 25

As luck would have it, our next-door neighbors were moving and were going to discard their two ping pong tables, which I knew would be perfect for my additional tracks and the other additions to the setting. I asked for the tables, got them and set them up in the basement. I now made a few visits to Reyff ’s Toy Shop on Oak Park Avenue to buy some buildings and trees. Mr. Reyff, an avid model-train enthusiast, fixed me up with the additions I needed to complete my set up, which I kept in operation until I was 19, and then I gave the train set up and the tables to the 12-year-old boy who lived next door to us. Even now when I see a model train set up, I happily remember my Lionel years, and all the fun I had when I was an engineer.

stretch. And she passed that down to me. But as I watch food prices spiraling out of control, I wonder how many young people know how to maximize their food budget. Making soup is a very filling meal that does not require a lot of meat. It’s also a good way to use up a lot of different things in the refrigerator. I added noodles to my soup as a stretcher. The pasta helps make the soup a more filling meal. As I put the soup into individual storage bags to keep in the freezer, I know that it will come in handy on days that I don’t feel like cooking. Every household should have a deep freezer so that items when they go on sale can be stocked up. It’s the only way we’re going to beat these rising food costs. Arlene Jones, a resident of the Austin neighborhood in Chicago, writes a weekly column for Austin Weekly News, a Growing Community Media publication.

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An insufficient ceasefire

It’s the day before Thanksgiving at this writing. Israel and Hamas have seemingly agreed to a four-day ceasefire starting the day after Thanksgiving Day. This agreement is being called “a humanitarian pause.” Think about that wording. After six weeks of Israel’s counterattack against Hamas, some 13,000 Palestinians, including an estimated 5,300 children have died. Now, begrudgingly mind you, Israel, with its U.S. paid-for military might is willing to inject a modicum of “humanitarian aid” for the hapless people of Gaza. Some would say the Palestinians stand with Hamas, and thus they are all legitimate targets of retribution. Really, even those 5,300 children? What can four days of “peace” allow those who so far have avoided death or massive injuries to do? They still are forbidden to leave Gaza. Aid officials have said four days will barely begin to provide enough food, clean water or medical supplies to remedy the relentless bombing of buildings — refugee shelters, hospitals, schools and mosques. So make the most of it, Palestinian fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. You have to go into “duck and cover” mode again Nov. 28. That’s apparently the best deal you’re going to get.

Again, our U.S. tax dollars are providing the ammo for Israel’s army. Joe Biden and other ranking Democrats just can’t find the spine and moral courage to permanently stop what is widely seen by other countries — and many U.S. citizens — as a genocide. The open letter to Danny Davis — laughably calling him “honorable”— is a waste of time. No one in this or any other country who has the power to force a complete ceasefire has shown any inclination to do so. Is the Israeli lobby that powerful? Really? The DNC is alienating millions of potential voters who have had the curtain pulled back on how cynical and sinister a government we have (the RNC too, but Joe is the face of this corruption right now). This unwavering support of Israel at this moment in time may very well spell doom in the 2024 election. Barring a viable thirdparty candidate with an honest moral compass winning, we get a party that is run by lunatics, nitwits and a different type of bomb-thrower. Way to go, Democrats.

Joe Harrington Oak Park

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V I E W P O I N T S

The ups and downs of bag fees

Fighting climate change: where to start?

Fighting climate change is daunting. But like each single vote, individual actions add up to something powerful. Where to start? Oak Park Climate Action Network’s newly launched website, OPCAN.ORG, is your guide to vetted resources for homeowners, renters, landlords, businesses and institutions. With most of Oak Park’s climate-heating emissions coming from powering our homes, buildings, and cars, we need to reduce our energy consumption, get off toxic natural gas, and invest in renewable sources of energy. This not only helps the environment, it can save consumers money and make our indoor air healthier. At OPCAN.ORG, see how one Oak Park family

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

did it, step by step; get up to speed on home energy audits and free energy- and water-saving equipment; find out about government incentives that can cut the cost of transitioning to solar energy, buying an electric vehicle, and more; access a list of local contractors who can upgrade your electrical capacity, install heat pump heating systems, etc.; and get the scoop on how community solar makes solar energy accessible to everyone, including renters. OPCAN.ORG has something for everyone: use it to access your neighbors’ expertise and to join our work to make Oak Park more sustainable for all.

Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN)

If you want to know what effect that 10-cent bag fee has actually had, you don’t need to commission a study. Just spend a half-hour observing the checkout lines at Pete’s, which is a particularly good choice because they employ not just the bludgeon of the dime fee, but also the carrot of a nickel discount for using your own bag. You will quickly come to two conclusions: First, the fee has changed behavior. Many people do bring their own bags; what used to be uncommon is now normative. Second, the fee largely is incurred by two categories of people: inattentive shoppers and the poor. The good news is that the bag fee has raised awareness which translates beyond the boundaries of the village; my own family members now take their own bags to stores in towns that don’t have bag fees.

That should be a point of pride for the village. The bad news is that the fees inadvertently create an equity issue. If the real agenda of fee-doublers is to stamp out plastic bags altogether, then stop pretending that the agenda is to raise awareness; go ahead and ban plastic bags. If the agenda truly is to motivate awareness and change behavior to a greater degree than is already occurring, I doubt that doubling the fee is going to have much impact on the shopper who inadvertently left all their bags at home or in the car. A dime versus two dimes is chump change to many people. But to some people it is meaningful, and I would suggest that the bag fee be waived for shoppers who are paying with SNAP EBT cards.

Bob Stigger Oak Park

It’s hard to feel thankful when you’re pissed off

ave you noticed? It’s hard to feel thankful when you’re angry or resentful, and these days a lot of us are feeling angry. Steven Webster, a professor of political science, published a piece online a year ago in which he concluded, “American voters are angry.” An NPR poll done four years ago revealed that 84% of the people surveyed said that Americans are angrier today than they were a generation ago. In an online article published two years ago, Kerry Howells asked the question, “How can I be grateful when I feel so resentful?” Her short answer is a simple, “You can’t.” “They are mirror opposites of each other,” she explains, “completely opposite states or ways of being.” So how can we regain some gratitude? “Firstly,” she concludes, “we need to address any resentment we may have.” The lens through which I look at reality has been influenced a lot by Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps. When alcoholics are confronted with their addictive behavior, they tend to say things like, “OK, maybe I drink too much, but it’s the fault of my wife or boss or parents or the other political party or the Bears having a losing season. Again!” John Keller was the chief clinical officer of Parkside Medical Services in Park Ridge

when he wrote, “From infancy on, we have deep within us three delusional assumptions: 1. I am in control, or ought to be in control, of all that has to do with my life 2. I am at the center of the universe 3. Everything and everyone ought to be spinning around me so I can have what I want and life will be the way I want it to be When I was an infant, all three of the above were my reality. When I was hungry, all I had to do was whimper a little and my mother sprang into action. I pooped whenever and wherever I wanted. Have you ever witnessed a 2-year-old’s temper tantrum? What do you mean you want me to do what? You want me to hold my poop until I get to the place where it is appropriate to let it go?! Welcome to the world of social expectations, limits on my behavior, the experience of having a conscience, the necessity of deferring gratification. We refer to people who don’t learn those things as immature or even infantile. And so I naturally think of Donald Trump. He not only “poops” whenever and wherever

he wants, he even poops on other people. He is not restrained by conscience or social norms. The title of chapter three in Keller’s book is The Omnipotent, Egocentric Self. So back to anger, resentment and gratitude. When I get up in the morning I often feel grouchy. Often I cannot put my finger on why. It’s just that reality is not the way I want it to be. And I resent that. Six days after Thanksgiving, you see where I’m going. Some people have legitimate reasons for not feeling thankful. Imagine living in Gaza right now. Howells encourages us to deal with our resentments when we find ourselves having a hard time feeling grateful. “The only way out of pain is through it,” the divorce recovery workshop leaders kept telling us. But here’s a corollary: Those who feel thankful have a hard time feeling angry or resentful. If you knew Officer Nick Kozak before he died two years ago, you knew a guy who seemed to be grateful to simply be alive. He had a job that put him in close contact with the dark side of life, but whenever he would see me, a smile would spread across his face and he’d go out of his way to come

TOM HOLMES

over and shake my hand. People who are thankful have a hard time being angry or resentful. Another man I miss is Larry Biondi. Larry was born with cerebral palsy and couldn’t walk, so he went through life in his power wheelchair. Nevertheless, he seemed to be thankful, thankful just to be alive. He would even laugh at my dumb jokes. At the same time, I saw Larry express anger. His job at the Progress Center was Disability Rights Advocate. He’d go down to Springfield and fearlessly confront legislators. He could get angry, but he wasn’t an angry person. You see what I mean? Part of the trick is focus, when you think about it. Driving to the Loop from Forest Park, there is plenty of trash along the side of the Eisenhower Expressway, but there is also a majestic skyline. When I wake up feeling grouchy and if I have my spiritual wits about me, I’ll hug my wife, put myself in a place where I can hear God tell me for the 10 thousandth time that I am loved. The liturgical word for Communion, by the way, is “eucharist” or “thanksgiving.” Text my grandchildren, and put “chat with a friend” on my to-do list. Tom Holmes is a Forest Park resident who writes a column for the Forest Park Review, a Growing Community Media publication.

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

V I E W P O I N T S

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O B I T U A R I E S

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Patricia Gregor, 76 Hospice nurse, volunteer

Patricia “Pat” (Schuett) Gregor, 76, of Oak Park, died while under hospice care and the careful watch of her husband of 54 years and children on Nov. 15, 2023. Born in Maywood on April 10, 1947 to Harry and Kathleen Schuett, who preceded her in death. She attended Loyola University Chicago where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1969. At Loyola, Pat met the love of her life and best friend, Monty. They were married at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and moved to Hawaii where she supported him through his Marine Corps commitment. Since 1975, they have lived in Oak Park where they raised and educated their children and created beautiful homes. She was known as a dedicated professional nurse, ensuring care for people at the most difficult times of their lives. Her career was grounded in rehabilitation nursing, continued in home health care and then hospice, where she helped people transition from life as she did, peacefully and honorably. A mentor and manager, but foremost a clinician, she put patients’ and families’ needs, goals, and values above all. Her children are grateful for the example and work ethic she set. She also taught CCD and literacy, and volunteered for the Oak Park Education Foundation. She was an excellent cook, gardening director, dog owner, grandmother and senior member of her big family. Resilient and determined through health challenges, her sharp wit and dry humor always took people by surprise, even through her final phase of life. Pat is survived by her husband, Monty Gregor; her children, Andrea (Bill) McGlynn and Paul (Kimberley) Gregor; her granddaughters, Daphne and Farrah Gregor; her siblings, Diane S. (Ongena) Cummings, Steven Schuett, Faye (Linda Burnett) Schuett, and Scott (Amy) Schuett; her nieces and nephews, Charles (Lisa) Ongena, Zachary (Molly) Schuett, Mary (Greg) MacLeod, Breanna Schuett, Bonnie (Josh) Friess, Daniel Schuett; her grandnieces and grandnephews; her aunt, De-

loris Ranieri; and many cousins. Pat was also mom to two international students, Elin Andersen of Hamar, Norway and Georg Jelinek of Vienna, Austria. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7750 Cermak Road, Forest Park. The funeral will take place on Saturday, Dec. 2 at St. Catherine of SienaSt. Lucy Catholic Church, 27 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, IL, with visitation starting at 10 a.m., and Mass at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Animal Care League of Oak Park or Hospice Foundation of America.

Robert Simpson, 76 Teacher, activist

Robert (Bob) L. Simpson, 76, activist and teacher, died on Nov. 18, 2023. Born on Aug. 5, 1947 in Washington D.C., he moved to Chicago when he was 26. He graduated from Springbrook High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, and from the University of Maryland College Park with a BA in English Literature, Secondary Education. He later earned an MA in Urban Education from Catholic University and an MA in History from Northeastern Illinois University. He was a teacher throughout his life, first in the District of Columbia schools, at the City Colleges of Chicago, and 15 years as a high school history teacher in Chicago’s Catholic school system. In Chicago he and Carol formed a partnership that published a comic-book style history of the United States viewed through a radical lens. The two also produced hundreds of labor cartoons under the name Carol Simpson CartoonWork. A new website of all 800+ cartoons will be live in a few months at cartoonwork.com. He later concentrated on the business end of their home-based enterprise, WebTrax Studio, and he wrote for his own blog, “The BobboSphere,” and contributed regularly to the Daily Kos and other online publications. He was a member of several labor unions, including AFSCME Local 1072; Washington Teachers Union Local 6, AFT;

and the National Writers Union. A lifelong activist, he was a visible face on the Chicago left, attending hundreds of demonstrations. Later in life he began chronicling activist events through photos that he provided free to the sponsoring organizations and individuals. His activism was cut short by a stroke in November 2016, but he continued to contribute to the cause through Facebook and other social media musings. Bob Simpson is survived by his wife, Estelle Carol; his children, Dana and Colin; his sister, Sheila Chapelle; and his brother, Craig Simpson. A memorial will be held in spring 2024. View Bob’s photos (nature & activism), political cartoons, writings, and more biographical details on his memorial website at www.robertLsimpson.com, which will be live on Nov. 29. Contact Estelle Carol at 708-616-6473.

Mary Pat Baubly, 66 Nurse, St. Giles Family Mass member

Mary Pat Baubly, 66, of St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville, formerly of Glen Ellyn and Oak Park, died on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Born on March 14, 1957, in Chicago, she grew up in Glen Ellyn and was a 1975 graduate of Benet Academy in Lisle. She earned a degree in Nursing from the College of Saint Teresa in Winona, Minnesota and worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) for many years at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. She was a member of the Family Mass Community at St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park and was a follower of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). Mary Pat was the daughter of the late Paul and Ceil Baubly, the sister of Paul (Margaret) Baubly, the aunt of Kate, Patrick and Emma Baubly, and the friend of many. Family and friends will celebrate a Memorial Mass on at 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. Donations may be made to //www.cgsusa.org/donate.

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Natalie Jenne, 89 Concordia music professor, harpsichordist

Natalie R. Jenne, 89, died on Nov. 21, 2023. Born on April 24, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Rev. Edward A. and Hilda Jenne, she attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School, and then Valparaiso University, where she earned a B.A. in music as a piano major and a master’s degree in music from Stanford University in 1957, again as a pianist. She joined the faculty of Concordia (then Teachers College) in 1960, then returned to Stanford in the mid-1960s for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1967 in performance practice of early music (harpsichord). She performed over the years at various universities, community orchestras, and churches, including the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, and the Bach Vespers Cantata series. While a brilliant performer, she was also a keen researcher, earning post-doctoral grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the American Philosophical Society. Her research interests were in the areas of rhythm and articulation, particularly in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This led to the publication of a book, co-authored with Meredith Little, Dance and the Music of J.S. Bach from Indiana University Press in 1991. The book received such good reviews that Natalie and Meredith published an expanded version in 2001, also from IU Press. An inspiring teacher and exciting lecturer, Natalie taught piano, harpsichord, music history and music appreciation at Concordia University Chicago from 1960 to 1999. In retirement, she continued her scholarly and performing interests. In addition to her musical pursuits, she was an avid reader, a lover of art, and a devoted pet owner, a faithful member of her congregation, and a follower of her Lord. In 2015, she moved to Park Place of Elmhurst, where she presented a number of mini-recitals on the harpsichord for the residents. Natalie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Hilda, and her brother Milton. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Louise Jenne.

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

SPORTS OPRF girls basketball is finding its rhythm Overcoming slow starts is the key to cracking the win column

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls basketball team got their offense going in the second half of their final game of the Brenda Whitesell tournament at Hinsdale Central Friday, but they couldn’t catch a strong Riverside-Brookfield squad. The Huskies (0-4) fell to the Bulldogs 5735 in the tournament finale, as they got into their rhythm late in the third quarter with a 7-0 run capped off by a tip in from the right side by sophomore point guard Yvette Thrasher with 7:45 left to play in the fourth quarter to cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 51-31. “I feel good, but I feel like we could have done a lot better,” said senior guard Shardae Spruille. “If we came out stronger right away like we did in the second half, we would have won the game. Now we just know that for next game, we’ll come out stronger in all four quarters.” Spruille and junior guard Genevieve Simkowski led the Huskies with eight points each, while sophomore shooting guard Gabriella Chesney notched six points. Spruille, who was sidelined all of last season with an ACL injury, has been comfortable since getting back onto the court. “I’m feeling really good, even after playing this game my knee feels really good,” she said. “I never thought I’d get to a point where my knee felt really good again, I was stressing about injuring it. But it’s good to be back.” With 5:52 left to play in the fourth quarter, Bulldogs sophomore shooting guard Abigail Weinert drained a three-pointer from the right to put her team up 55-31, and the Huskies answered back with a shot from the right by Chesney and a drive to the basket on the right side by Simkowski to make it a 55-35 game with 3:43 left to play. Riverside Brookfield then sealed their 5735 win with a basket by junior point guard

STEVE JOHNSTON

OPRF’s Leia Hammerschmidt (14) pulls up for a shot against Riverside-Brookfield during the Brenda Whitesell Thanksgiving Tournament Friday, Nov. 24, in Hinsdale. Alyssa Morris. “We finally settled down [in the second half],” said Huskies head coach Renee Brantley. “We got better spacing and

looked to attack, and we got into a better rhythm. Unfortunately the turnovers really killed us today. We’ll learn from it and bounce back.”

The Huskies fell to Stagg 65-15 to open the tournament on Nov. 16, as Spruille, Simkowski, and senior shooting guard Taylor Smith each notched four points. Simkows-

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S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023

Fenwick, OPRF win Thanksgiving tourney titles

Friars and Huskies hit game-winning shots in final games By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

STEVE JOHNSTON

Oak Park and River Forest’s Shardae Spruille (24) has the ball striped away from her by Riverside-Brookfield’s Emily Organ (13) during the Brenda Whitesell Thanksgiving Tournament Friday, Nov. 24, in Hinsdale.

STEVE JOHNSTON

OPRF’s Anna Breuer (34) and Leia Hammerschmidt (14) converge on RiversideBrookfield’s Emily Organ (13). ki scored 14 points in the following game as the Huskies fell 43-33 to Metea Valley, and Spruille tallied 14 more points in the third game of the tournament as they fell 37-32 to Addison Trail. “Our last games have been really

strong,” Spruille said. “Our problem has been that we start off mellow in the first quarter, and then around the second or third quarter is when we pick it up, so we just need to get better at coming out of the gate full speed.”

New Fenwick boys basketball coach David Fergerson couldn’t have asked for a better start to his career as his Friars won the Hoops 4 Healing Tournament championship in dramatic fashion, Nov. 24, at Oswego. Under heavy defensive pressure, junior guard Dominick Ducree hit a three-pointer from the right corner with 3.4 seconds remaining to give Fenwick (3-1) a 51-50 victory over West Aurora in the title game. The shot capped a game-ending 9-0 run over the final four minutes for the Friars. “We had that play and were saving it,” Fergerson said. “When we got the ball back toward the end, I called timeout to set it up. We didn’t run it the way it was supposed to, but we managed to get Dom a shot. He got his feet set and made a tough shot. It was great execution by our guys and they showed maturity.” Ducree hit seven 3-pointers overall and finished with a game-high 23 points, while junior guard Ty Macariola added 14 points. The thrilling win was a nice bounceback for Fenwick, which had lost to Rockford Guilford 72-70 on Nov. 22. On Nov. 21, Macariola scored 18 points, junior guard Caleb Burgins 8, Ducree 7, and junior forward Nate Marshall 6 as Fenwick rolled past Oswego 55-36. Following a Chicago Catholic League game at Mount Carmel on Nov. 28 (after press time), the Friars will meet neighboring Oak Park and River Forest as part of the Chicago Elite Classic on Dec. 1 at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Credit Union One Arena. Tip time is scheduled for 6 p.m. “It’s good to have momentum heading into an extremely tough week. We’ll need it,” Fergerson said. “We’ve got to be locked in and ready to go.”

Bowen’s big shot boosts OPRF Junior forward Justin Bowen (13 points) hit a pull-up jumper from the free-throw line with one second left to give OPRF a 64-62 victory over Wheaton Academy on the final night of the Wheaton Academy Thanksgiving Tournament, Nov. 25. The outcome gave the Huskies (3-1) a share of the title along with Lake Park, a team OPRF defeated in the tournament opener 70-62 on Nov. 20. “We didn’t play a really good game, honestly; it’s their home gym and [Wheaton Academy] stayed hot for three quarters and put us down 15,” said OPRF coach Phil Gary. “But we kept cutting into the lead, and Max Johnson hit a three with 20 seconds left to tie it up.” Johnson led the Huskies (3-1) with 21 points. Junior forward/guard Alex Gossett had 15 points, and junior center Alex Vincent added 14 along with nine rebounds. On Nov. 24, OPRF routed Bartlett 70-34. Senior guard John Lambe had a team-high 17 points off the bench. Johnson posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, and Gossett had 13 points and nine rebounds. The Huskies’ lone tournament loss came on Nov. 22 to DeKalb, 69-50. Johnson led with 18 points. Gossett added 16 points, and Bowen 7. Johnson, a senior guard who was named to the All-Tournament Team, totaled 84 points and 24 assists in the four games, committing just seven turnovers. “He’s a three-year varsity player who has pretty much taken the reins,” said Gary, adding that last week’s strong showing should give the young Huskies a huge confidence boost. “It’s always good to win,” he said. “We told them to enjoy [the Wheaton win], but next week we’re back trying to get better every day.” OPRF returns to the court, Dec. 1, for the annual crosstown showdown with Fenwick in the Chicago Elite Classic at UIC.

34 Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure. entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780. careers?ApplyToJob=604191951. For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/human-resources-department. This position is open until filled.

BUILDING INSPECTOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector in the Development Services Permit Processing Division. This position will inspect new construction, additions and alterations of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use buildings and structures; to ensure compliance with applicable building codes and permits; and to perform various related technical duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Position is open until filled.

GENERAL WAREHOUSE WORKER

General Warehouse worker. Some assembly and build projects. Some other job duties may include but are not limited to general building upkeep, painting, light cleaning, lifting 50lbs+, driving company vehicles on occasion, operating forklifts and scissor lift, assisting in other warehouse tasks such as loading and unloading trucks, shipping and receiving. Send Resume to Michelle@sievertelectric.com Job Type: Full-time Benefits Salary: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Audit Senior (Multiple Openings) (Chicago, IL) for Mazars USA LLP to lead in the planning, execution, reporting & completion of fin’l audits of assigned mfg, distribution, & consumer products clients. Reqs Bach deg in Acctg, Bus Admin, Finance or rltd field of study, & 2 yrs exp in any job title/occupation/position involving Data Analysis, auditing or acctg in a CPA firm or prof’l services practice. Exp specified must incl 2 yrs exp w/ Microsoft incl Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Exp specified must also incl 1 yr exp w/ each of the following: auditing w/ mfg, distribution, large corporations, multi-national companies or SEC registrants; US GAAP, GAAS or IFRS; ProSystem Engagement or any other audit prep’n s/ware prgm; & analyzing & synthesizing large data sets. Reqs CPA license or CPA eligible. Telecommuting permitted up to 3 days/wk. Reqs up to 25% domestic travel. Salary: $103,771/yr. To apply visit https://wm.wd5.myworkdayjobs. com/en-US/experienced/job/Chicago/Audit-Senior---Multiple-Openings-_R0002590

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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

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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: Y23011198 on November 16, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of FULWELL 18 CONSULTING with the business located at: PO BOX 265 BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JOHN MILLER, 3415 ARDEN AVENUE BROOKFIELD, IL 60513, USA.

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: Y23011210 on November 21, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of TONIC CONSULTING GROUP with the business located at: 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: WILLIAM B. BUNKERS 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, December 6, 13, 2023

opaque sealed envelope and clearly marked “Park District of Forest Park, Aquatic Center – MAIN PUMP ROOM PIPE REPLACEMENT.” The envelope shall be addressed and delivered to and received by the Park District at the following location: Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130. No responsibility shall be attached to any person for the premature opening of a bid not correctly identified.

Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following: 1. A Text Amendment to Section 1021 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Ordinance to designate child daycare centers as a special use in the C-3 Central Commercial district.

Request of BILLY MICHAEL SMITH Case Number 2023 CONC001645

The petitioner for the Text Amendments is the Village President and Board of Trustees.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BILLLY MICHAEL SMITH to the new name of: CASEY WILLIAM STEWART III

This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village Board of Trustees for the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider these amendments. For additional information visit www.vrf.us.

The court date will be held: On January 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 91404109299 Passcode: 407193 Published in Wednesday Journal November 15, 22, 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

In re the marriage of MARIA CONCEPCION MUNOZ, Petitioner and AGUSTIN CHINO PEREZ, Respondent, Case No. 2023D003396.

708-296-2060

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

Published in RBLandmark November 22, 29, December 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before December 18, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 15, 22, 29, 2023

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. If you cannot attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals you may submit your comments in writing, to Clifford Radatz, Building Official, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing at cradatz@vrf. us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305. For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or at mwalsh@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us. Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Invitation to Bid The Park District of Forest Park (“Park District” or “Owner”) will receive bids for the Aquatic Center – MAIN PUMP ROOM PIPE REPLACEMENT located at 7501 West Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois 60130. Bid Documents, including Instructions to Bidders, Drawings, Technical Specifications, General and any Special Conditions, and Bid Forms, including required Contractor Certifications and Prevailing Wage Determination and Supersedes Notice, are available at Park District of Forest Park Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois 60130 commencing on December 1, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A Pre-bid Meeting will be held at Administration Building, 7501 Harrison St., Forest Park, Illinois, at 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2023. Bidders can use this meeting to review the Specifications and allow any Bidders an opportunity to discuss any concerns with the Owner. Attendance at this meeting by all persons desiring to bid on this Project is recommended. Each bid shall be placed in an

Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on December 15, 2023. Immediately thereafter, the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time or at a different location will be rejected and returned to the Bidder unopened. The Park District of Forest Park reserves the right to waive technicalities, to accept or reject any or all bids, and/or accept only portions of a bid and reject the remainder. The owner will award the Contract to the lowest, most responsible and responsive Bidder, as determined by Owner. In considering the Bidder’s responsibility, the Owner may evaluate, among other factors, the ability of the Bidder to provide experienced labor sufficient in numbers to timely and properly complete the services, the financial capability of the Bidder, and the performance of the Bidder on other projects Bids shall not include federal excise tax or state sales tax for materials to be incorporated in, or totally consumed in, the prosecution of the Work. The Park District will furnish a tax exemption certificate at the Bidder’s request. The Park District’s tax exemption number shall only be used by the successful Bidder for the Work of this Project. After the bid opening time, no bid shall be withdrawn or canceled for a period of sixty (60) calendar days. The Work of this Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. A prevailing wage determination has been made by the Park District, which is the same as that determined by the Illinois Department of Labor for public works projects in Cook County. The Contract entered into for the Work will be drawn in compliance with said law, and proposals should be prepared accordingly and provide for payment of all laborers, workmen, and mechanics needed to perform the Work at no less than the prevailing rate of wages (or the prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work) for each craft, type of worker, or mechanic. The Contractor(s) selected will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders, including but not limited to those pertaining to equal employment opportunity. Direct questions to Jackie Iovinelli, Executive Director, Park District of Forest Park, jiovinelli@pdofpstaff.org, 708-366-7500 x 121. Published in Forest Park Review November 29, 2023

Wednesday Journal, November 29, 2023 35

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for:

Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents. The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held on December 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Central Elementary School, 61 Woodside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location. Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:45 PM, December 20, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Ames ES Masonry Repair Project Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting November 29, 2023. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www. bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor. All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the bid amount, with sureties to be approved by the Owner, and in the form required by the Bidding Documents. The successful bidder is required to pay the general prevailing wage for work under this Contract as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, and shall submit certified payroll records, in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130) and the requirements of the Bidding Documents. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on December 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Ames Elementary, 86 Southcote Road, Riverside, IL 60546. Bidders must allow sufficient time to register at the building prior to being permitted to proceed to the meeting location. Bids will be received until 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023, at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. A public bid opening will take place afterwards at 1:00 PM, December 20, 2023 at the District office at 3440 S. Harlem Ave, Riverside, IL 60546. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof. Published in Riverside-Brookfield Landmark November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of Riverside School District 96 in Riverside, Illinois will receive sealed bids for: Central Hauser Site Work Project Copies of the Bid Documents including plans and specifications will be available starting November 29, 2023. Bidders can download electronic Drawings and Specifications from the BHFX Plan Room, www. bhfxplanroom.com. Printed sets may be ordered and paid for by the contractor. All bids offered must be accompanied by bid security in the form of certified check or bid bond made payable to the Owner in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the aggregate of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. The successful bidder for the project is required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material

Published in Riverside-Brookfield Landmark November 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Concrete ADA Ramp Replacement Project (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 4,900 square feet of PCC sidewalk ADA ramps, 425 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 450 square feet of detectable warnings, 71 square yards of hot mix asphalt patching, and other work incidental thereto. The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, December 1, 2023 at:

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program (Various Locations) This project consists of the installation of approximately 9,000 square feet of PCC sidewalk, 100 linear feet of PCC curb/gutter, 50 square yards of driveway apron and other work incidental thereto. The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, December 1, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening. Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: Concrete Construction The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Street Lighting & Traffic Control Materials Pricing Bid Number: 24-110 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Bids must be submitted by Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at:

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Proposals from qualified consultants at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Urban Forestry Consulting and Inspection Services Proposal Number: 24-106 Proposal documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

www.vrf.us/bids

Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park Automatic Transfer Switch Replacement Project Number: 24-109 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND LIENHOLDERS AGAINST THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED, EWA GEBICKA, 640-44 LAKE STREET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF HENRYK KWEC, DECEASED Defendants 22 CH 11586 644 LAKE ST., APT. 1C OAK PARK, IL 60301 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 20, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 21, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PARCEL 1: UNIT 1, ‘’C’’ IN THE 64044 LAKE STREET CONDOMINIUM AS DELINEATED ON A SURVEY OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE: LOT 11 IN C B SCOVILLE’S SUBDIVISION OF LOT 22, IN J W SCOVILLE’S SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ¬Ω OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN WHICH SURVEY IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT ‘’A’’ TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 25033782 TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED PERCENTAGE INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PARKING SPACE NO. 5 A LIMITED COMMON ELEMENT AS DELINEATED ON THE SURVEY ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATION RECORDED AS DOCUMENT 25033782 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Commonly known as 644 LAKE ST., APT. 1C, OAK PARK, IL 60301 Property Index No. 16-07-219-0281001 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $91,216.20. 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 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 1660117. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 1660117 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 22 CH 11586 TJSC#: 43-3730 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 # 22 CH 11586 I3232820

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AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

November 29, 2023

THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.

AUSTIN LOOKS FORWARD,

TOGETHER. The future of the community’s groundbreaking plan

THE PLAN OF PLANS: REFLECTING ON THE COLLECTIVE POWER OF A COMMUNITY PAGE 3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PLAN’S LIFETIME PAGE 4 | THE NEXT STAGE: WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE PLAN PAGE 7 Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:

2 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.

ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Reginald Little

Max Komnenich

Austin Coming Together

Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union

Directors

Dawn Ferencak

In Memoriam

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Darnell Shields

Officers CHAIR

Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent

Sharon Morgan

Larry Williams

Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools

Broker, State Farm Insurance SECRETARY

Reverend Reginald E. Bachus

Bradly Johnson

Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc. TREASURER

LaDarius Curtis

Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United

Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church

Tenisha Jones

Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities

Deborah Williams-Thurmond Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Ruth Kimble

Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network

Strategic Initiatives

Leadership

Deirdre Bates*

Sandra Diaz*

Dearra Williams

Executive Director

Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO

Andrew Born Senior Director of Community Impact

*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team

Join the ACT team! Job openings at AustinComingTogether.org/Careers

A House in Austin

Because I Care

Academy of Scholastic Achievement

Bethel New Life

Austin Childcare Providers Network

BUILD Inc.

Austin Community Family Center Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media) Be Strong Families Beat the Streets Chicago

Beyond Hunger

Emone Moore

Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub

Dollie Sherman

Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub

Chicago Community Loan Fund City of Refuge Defy Ventures Illinois

By The Hand Club For Kids

Erikson Institute

Cara

Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin

Catholic Charities Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures

Ethan Ramsay

Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub

ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Friends of the Children

Greater West Town Community Development Project

Jack Macnamara 1937–2020

FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR

Mildred Wiley 1955–2019

Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court

Operations

Darnell Shields

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jerrod Williams

ACT STAFF

Director of Operations

Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Housing Forward i.c. stars IFF Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

Planning and Investment Manager

Grace Cooper

Alicia Plomin*

Lead Organizer

Director of Marketing and Development

Natalie Goodin

Scott Prywitch

Micro Market Recovery Program Coordinator

Nicholas Galassini Micro Market Recovery Program Intern

Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF) Manufacturing Renaissance Mary Shyrese Daycare

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Maryville Academy

Kids First Chicago

New Moms

KRA Westside American Job Center

OAI, Inc.

Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)

Marketing & Development

Mercy Housing Lakefront

Oak Park Regional Housing Center Open Books PCC Community

Marketing and Development Specialist

Sydni Hatley

Marketing and Development Coordinator

Wellness Center

The Catalyst Schools

Project Exploration

The Journey Forward

Renaissance Social Services, Inc.

The North Avenue District, Inc.

Sarah’s Inn

Towers of Excellence

South Austin Neighborhood Association

UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work

St. Joseph Services

Westside Health Authority

St. Leonard’s Ministries Stone Community Development Corporation

VOCEL

West Side Forward Worldvision Youth Guidance

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

The plan of plans: Reflecting on the collective power of a community By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together

eep systemic barriers and historic disinvestment have, in a multitude of ways, held our community back for decades. In recent years, things have been changing in Austin unlike ever before. The unprecedented levels of collaboration and collective impact throughout the community were calling for something new, something different, something bigger.

Back in 2017, ACT’s efforts to create synergy among community members resulted in a steering committee of 20 community leaders. With support from LISC Chicago and ACT, the steering committee gathered over 500 local stakeholders at three Community Summits to listen to what they felt were Austin’s needs and priorities. In December 2018, our community embarked on a journey. For the first time in the Austin community, a quality-oflife plan was unveiled. By building on Austin’s greatest assets and cultivating new expertise and investment, the Austin

Forward. Together. (AFT) plan is a catalyst for change in Austin. The plan, which was designed by the community and for the community, is the catalyst for Austin. It addresses 23 strategies with 84 total actions across 7 issue Areas between 2019 and 2024: Community Narrative, Education, Housing, Youth Empowerment, Economic Development, Public Safety, and Civic Engagement. So this project wasn’t just about making a plan. It’s always been about building relationships and establishing the collective power needed to successfully implement the “plans” that

already existed in the community. In the five years since the AFT plan’s inception, Austin has been at the forefront of significant changes and developments that have brought together thousands of residents with one shared vision. The success of the AFT plan has created a world of opportunity for residents and has garnered a variety of awards. We are proud of the work that has been accomplished by way of the plan and look forward to how the plan will continue to impact our community for years to come. n

For far too long, many leaders in the community had seen each other more as competitors rather than allies. Powerful people outside of Austin, with control over resources, have pitted us against each other, forcing us to compete with one another for the scarce resources they give us access to. The idea of creating “plans” to address ongoing issues had always been a struggle. Within the community, aspirations of coming together in the hopes of collaborating on major issues always found its obstacles. Resources to follow through on plans were commonly thin or the individuals and groups in power placed their interests elsewhere. It was time to change that. In 2018, over 400 attendees packed Michele Clark High School for the unveiling of Austin’s first ever quality-of-life plan called Austin Forward. Together. (AFT).

4 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Highlights from the plan’s lifetime The massive body of work that is Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) has made significant progress over the past five years. Though a lot happened for each of its seven issue areas, below is one highlight for each:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This issue area’s goal is to create economic revitalization in Austin and by Austin, as well as support new and existing local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the workforce; improve our commercial corridors; and attract new investment to build a stronger, more dynamic local economy.

AUSTIN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS (SOUL CITY / CENTRAL)

Two key focal projects, the Soul City and Central Avenue commercial corridors, continue to make prominent strides. The Soul City Corridor along Chicago Avenue has made improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and has added community assets including the POPCourt! Community Plaza. The Central Avenue Corridor, which will become a “unifying” vein running through Austin, has gained traction as it continues its community-based engagements and plan reporting. The intersection of Madison and Central is home to one of the most prominent development projects in the community: The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, which will repurpose the former Emmet Elementary School into an anchor for commercial revitalization and a destination for top-notch workforce training. The Center continues to make significant progress. A groundbreaking ceremony happened in 2023 and construction commenced shortly thereafter. These two projects have been pivotal for AFT’s Economic Development issue area, and have actively contributed to economic revitalization in Austin by Austin.

COMMUNITY NARRATIVE This issue area’s goal is to revitalize the image and spirit of Austin by promoting assets such as our historic housing, creating a healthy community and building a more robust environment for local arts and culture.

AUSTIN EATS Since its creation, the initiative has aimed to change the food landscape and rewrite the narrative around food in Austin by focusing on emergency food access, grocery access, culinary entrepreneurship, food education, gardens & farms, and marketing. Highlights of the initiative include the presence of fresh food farmers markets for community residents, educational food and film experiences, community-owned gardens, an increased presence and coordination among emergency food providers, and progress in bringing a full-service grocery store to Austin.

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

HOUSING

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

EDUCATION

This issue area’s goal is to create a stabilized housing market in Austin, with support for local homeowners and a wide array of affordable housing options.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR LARAMIE STATE BANK Planning for the former Laramie Bank building and approximately 20,000 square feet of adjacent land continues. The proposed $51 million project will renovate the landmark structure with commercial uses that include a bank branch, café, and business incubator. The adjacent land will be redeveloped with a mixedincome, multi-story rental building that includes a green roof, public plaza, social spaces, and outdoor art. It will have 51 units of affordable housing and 27 units of market-rate housing. The project is expected to generate up to 150 construction jobs and 22 full-time positions.

This issue area’s goal is for local educational system and partners to provide the services, opportunities and support to help all our students stay on track, enrich their education and serve their needs, from early childhood through high school to job and career readiness.

CHILDCARE TO KINDERGARTEN (C2K) INITIATIVE In partnership with the Austin Childcare Providers Network (ACPN), the Childcare 2 Kindergarten (C2K) initiative provides year-long coaching to early education professionals so that children have a smoother transition into kindergarten. ACPN creates and facilitates strategies to engage community members and families of students. By using a cohort model, they train about ten early childhood educators each year. This program continues to grow and reach more education providers.

PUBLIC SAFETY

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

This issue area’s goal is for Austin to have healthier and more engaged youth who are able to reach their full potential.

AUSTIN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ACTION TEAM

YOUTH SUMMER JOB FAIR

The creation of the Austin Restorative Justice Action Team has been instrumental in advancing the goals of increasing public safety. They aim to increase the presence of restorative justice (RJ) activities in the Austin community. Additionally, they build relationships between RJ practitioners and facilitate an ever-growing number of RJ circles and trainings held in the community. The recent opening of the BUILD Peace and Justice Center has catalyzed these increased RJ activities.

The presence of Youth Job Fairs allows Austin youth to get exposed to professionals they have common ground with. The youth are given useful tips for resumes, cover letters, applications and get to meet directly with employers.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT This issue area’s goal is to sustain collaborative community involvement—from community campaigns to engaging elected officials—so we can bring voices and power to the efforts to improve Austin.

VOTER ENGAGEMENT AND REGISTRATION AFT’s Civic Engagement task force has provided a wealth of information and educational resources for Austin residents regarding voter registration, voter turnout, political forums with active candidates, and ward redistricting.

6 Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

Plan Leaders Community Narrative TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Briana Shields

Briana Janeé Arts

Kenneth Varner Healthy Schools Campaign

Dearra Williams Austin Coming Together

STRATEGY LEADS

Lasondra Kern

Community Resident

Suzanne McBride Austin Talks

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Economic Development

Education

TASK FORCE CHAIRS TASK FORCE CHAIRS

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Crystal Bell

Bradly Johnson

Ella Flagg Young Elementary School South Austin Neighborhood Association (retired)

Jerrod Williams

Heather Sattler

Charles Anderson

Community Development Michele Clark High School Consultant STRATEGY LEADS

STRATEGY LEADS

Community Stakeholder

Erica Staley

Ruth Kimble

Alicia Plomin

Emily Peters

Michael Romain

Manufacturing Renaissance Austin Childcare Providers Network

Austin Coming Together Jane Addams Resource Corporation Cindy Gray

Schneider

Spaces-n-Places

Jai Jones

PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Resident

Tina Augustus

Madelyn James

Austin Childcare Providers Network

Pam Price

Roxanne Charles

Cata Truss

Melissa O’Dell

Athena Williams West Cook Homeownership Center

Allison McGowan

Community Resident STRATEGY LEADS

Shirley Fields

Community Resident

Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority

Athena Williams

West Cook Homeownership Chicago Public Schools Center

Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce West Side Forward

Housing

Community Resident

Baxter Swilley

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Public Safety

BUILD Inc.

Marilyn Pitchford Heartland Alliance

STRATEGY LEADS

Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.

Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.

Gina Young

Youth Empowerment

TASK FORCE CHAIRS TASK FORCE CHAIRS

D’elegance Lane

Deborah

Community Stakeholder Williams-Thurmond Habilitative STRATEGY LEADS Systems Inc.

Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.

STRATEGY LEADS

Gina Young

Arnold Bearden

Aisha Oliver

Crystal Gardner

Catholic Charities

Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Bertha Purnell

Helen Slade

Mothers OnA Mission28

Territory NFP

Jose Abonce

Dollie Sherman

The Policing Project

Austin Coming Together

Ruby Taylor

Chris Thomas

Taproots, Inc.

Civic Engagement

Community Resident Protest to the Polls

Sharif Walker Bethel New Life

YourPassion1st

Defy Ventures

Fanya Berry

Community Resident

INTERESTED IN JOINING AN IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE?

Contact ACT’s Lead Organizer, Ethan Ramsay at 630.474.4016 or eramsay@austincomingtogether.org for more information

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 4

Austin Weekly News • November 29, 2023

The next stage: What lies ahead for the plan By Scott Prywitch Marketing & Development Specialist, Austin Coming Together

hose who are familiar with the Austin Forward. Together. (AFT) qualityof-life plan know that it is strategically outlined for five years between 2019 to 2024. In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC Chicago), recommendations for the plan were to approach it over a five-year span. Despite this, the impact of the AFT plan was never meant to remain within five years. The plan has always been a massively ambitious effort tapping into the collective power of a community with the shared goal of creating dynamic, positive change for generations to come. This sentiment was even mentioned in the plan itself, “The work we do in this plan is the spark for a renaissance that goes beyond all we outline in the pages.” The successes that this plan has yielded for the community in the past five years have been instrumental in fueling this “spark.” Yet now, just like in its name, the plan is looking to move forward in 2024.

The annual AFT Community Summit allows for Austin residents to hear about the plan’s progress and how they can take part in it.

At this point in time, As the Austin Coming community’s first Together (ACT) quality-of-life and AFT leaders plan, AFT was the are beginning to product of tireless assess the trajectory collaboration of the plan. This among dedicated unique aspect of the community process has many partners, components that organizations, impact how the plan and residents. could evolve in years The process from to come. During conception to this assessment publicizing the FROM THE period, ACT and plan was not short AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) AFT leaders will and came into QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN work to thoroughly reality by way of understand and distinct phases. review the plan’s full implementation In the hopes of carrying the plan into its landscape over five years. Narrative next “stage,” it is important to recognize and research-based materials will just how enormous the “process” was. help to provide further insights on the

The work we do in this plan is the spark for a renaissance that goes beyond all we outline in the pages

effectiveness of each part of the plan. Assessing the plan is not only essential for its future, but could also inform how ACT and AFT leaders can begin to engage the public and community stakeholders to gain even more understanding of its pending evolution. Wherever the plan ends up, it is important to remember that it has already proven to be a catalyst for deep change in Austin. While the scope of five years was ambitious, we believe its progress has set us on the path toward real transformation for years to come. AFT is so much more than a plan to be executed – it is a vision made and shared by the community. A vision in which residents can reap the benefits of its impact. In the coming months, this assessment will become more clear and inform how the plan might evolve. n

To learn more about the plan’s progression and future and stay in the loop for details on the next AFT Community Summit (happening in early 2024) follow us on social media or sign up for emails at

AUSTINCOMINGTOGETHER.ORG.

Where will the AFT quality-of-life plan lead us? FIND OUT AT THE NEXT AFT COMMUNITY SUMMIT,

HAPPENING IN EARLY 2024.

For current AFT highlights, visit AustinComingTogether.org/qlp