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Articles by David Gulbransen
Oak Park considers $200K to study new police station
The Oak Park Police Department is located in the basement of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Elected officials and village staff say the facility is inadequate. | File Photo The Oak Park Police Department, located in the basement of Village Hall, is outdated, overcrowded and unsuitable for a modern police force, according to Oak Park trustees. Now the village is considering spending up to $200,000 on a study to determine if the village should build a new station or rehab the existing one.
County commissioners pitch sugary drink tax repeal
Five Cook County Commissioners announced on Aug. 9 that they will support an ordinance to repeal the controversial Cook County penny-an-ounce tax on pre-sweetened beverages. Commissioners Richard Boykin (D-1st), Sean Morrison (R-17th) and Tim Schneider (R-15th) appeared at a press conference Aug. 9 at the County Building to announce their move to repeal the tax. A press release from Morrison stated that Commissioners Jeffrey Tobolski (D-16th) and John Fritchey (D-12th) also support the repeal.
Garage sales - August 11, 2017 edition
Berwyn GARAGE SALE 1647 CLINTON SAT 8/12 & SUN 8/13 9AM TO 3PM Some furniture. A little bit of everything! Brookfield GARAGE SALE 3817 RAYMOND AVE FRI - SAT - SUN 8/11 8/12 8/13 9AM TO 6PM One block from Faith Lutheran Church.
Bob Sherrell's story, part 7
After Zenith moved from Chicago's North Side to Melrose Park, Bob was promoted to be a training department manager. In order to get federal money, Zenith was required to hire and train 6400 black workers. He made a video of a program called Project Step Up which he helped design.
There's no asterisk in running
It started when Oak Park Runners Club vice president Geri Bensen turned the big 5-0 at her last birthday. She wrote a piece for the club newsletter, pondering some deep thoughts about the significance of that particular age (which to me seems pretty youthful). One hypothetical query Geri mentioned in her newsletter piece was, what if all of our OPRC members were age 50 at exactly the same time and same place?
No place like Oak Park for Shumpert
OPRF alum/NBA champion Iman Shumpert goes 1-on-1 against a player at the annual basketball camp Shumpert hosts at his alma mater, OPRF, every summer. (William Camargo/Staff Photographer) Like so many kids growing up in Oak Park, Iman Shumpert dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. An aspiring basketball player, he idolized Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the 6-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls.
'Bump-and-run' car thieves strike again
Bullet appears to have ricocheted off the roof of the vehicle. | Photo provided The owner of the Dodge Durango says her vehicle was recovered -- full of bullet holes -- a day after being stolen. | Photo provided An Oak Park woman was driving her Dodge Durango northbound on Ridgeland Avenue on July 8 at about 2 p.m., when she felt her car jolted from behind by a white truck as she turned left onto Ontario Street. She had noticed prior to the fender bender that white truck was following her closely.
River Forest District 90 hires assistant principal
David Davis was hired as assistant principal for District 90's two elementary schools, Willard and Lincoln, on June 19. The River Forest Elementary School District 90 Board of Education hired David Davis as assistant principal for its two elementary schools, Willard and Lincoln, at its June 19 meeting. This is a new position with administrative duties at two of the district's three schools. Davis will start July 5 at an annual salary of $98,500.
Berwyn Natives Bring Hand-Crafted Brews and Pizza to the Depot District
The local brewery, headed by brothers Paul and Jamie Macchione, comes from humble beginnings. The venture began as a quest to discover how their favorite beverage—beer—was made. Paul attended the Siebel Institute in Chicago to hone their brewing process. In 2013, the brothers decided to open a brewery under the name 'Flapjack' after Paul's childhood nickname. The BDC discovered Flapjack Brewery at the inaugural Berwyn Brew Fest.
"Movement and Memory for Joyful Aging" Draws an Enthusiastic Crowd
Gloria Araya (center, in bare feet) led more than 20 participants in a high-energy "Movement and Memory for Joyful Aging" session on Thursday, May 25th at the River Forest Community Center. On Thursday, May 25th, River Forest Township sponsored an energizing session of "Movement and Memory For Joyful Aging" at the River Forest Community Center—and the turnout was so strong and enthusiastic that officials are exploring the possibility of offering more classes.
From Buurma Brothers to E.E. Roberts
For as long as there have been "collar communities" outside of major metropolitan areas, the suburbs have been pegged as the place for families. Far from a negative stereotype, the perception continues to exist for a variety of reasons: from the broad green lawns begging for swing sets, to the elementary schools and parks in each neighborhood, to homes offering multiple bedrooms and bathrooms for multiple children, the suburbs have proven the ideal place to raise a family for generations.
Fenwick girls third, boys fourth at water polo state finals
Fenwick senior Matt Hoban scored the game-winning goal against Barrington at the state finals tourney. (Photo by Don Bartecki) Molly McGuire returns next season as one of the best players on a loaded Fenwick roster. (Photo by Don Bartecki) The end of the school year at Fenwick High School annually brings a familiar routine: students take final exams, seniors graduate, and both water polo teams make deep runs in the state playoffs. This year was no different.
OPRF first, Fenwick third at boys tennis sectionals
Fenwick's Nico Halter, from Oak Park, qualified for the state finals with doubles partner Mike Prabhu after a strong showing at the Timothy Christian Sectional of the Class 1A state playoffs. (Courtesy Fenwick High School Athletic Dept./Twitter) Considering the harsh reality that the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys tennis team lost most of its top players to graduation last year, coach John Morlidge knew 2017 would be a bit of a rebuilding year.
Aggravated kidnapping arrest
Ricky Fisher, 31, of the 7100 block of South Normal Boulevard in Chicago, was arrested in the 300 block of West 64th Street in Chicago at 7 p.m. on May 18, and charged with aggravated kidnapping, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of aggravated battery, which occurred in the 800 block of South Gunderson Avenue. No additional information was provided by police. According to the Cook County Sheriff's website, Fisher is being held on $750,000 bond at Cook County Jail.
Huskies, Friars tear up track in postseason
OPRF track and field team won the St. Ignatius Sectional with 158 points, well ahead of runner-up Whitney Young (58). (Courtesy of Cindy Gronkiewicz/Tim Hasso) OPRF state medalists Rachel Rowe and Destiny White at the state tournament on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
Downtown Oak Park backs Albion tower
The developer of a proposed 18-story luxury apartment building in downtown Oak Park has a new ally for the project. The executive board of Downtown Oak Park (DTOP), a nonprofit association that promotes business development on and around Lake Street, has sent a letter to the Oak Park Plan Commission in support of the mixed-use building proposed by Albion Residential at the corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue.
Friends of Oak Park Conservatory annual plant sale May 5-7
It's that time of year again and the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory are holding their 28th annual plant sale at the conservatory at 615 Garfield St. The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on May 5 for members only. The sale is open to the public on May 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 7 from noon to 3 p.m. Dozens of varieties of edible, ornamental and shade plants will be available at the sale.
Oak Parker replaces Salzman as Boykin chief
Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (D-1st), who represents Oak Park, has named another Oak Park resident to succeed former Oak Park Trustee Adam Salzman as his chief of staff. Boykin announced the appointment of Kouri Marshall to the position in a press release on April 17. Marshall served most recently as executive director of Democratic GAIN – a 501(c)(6) organization "for progressive political professionals and organizations" according to the group's website – since June 2015.
Spring Break extended for D97
Absences at District 97 elementary schools were "higher than normal" on the Monday preceding Election Day on April 4, according to district officials, who attributed the absences to families that may have extended their spring break by a few more days. Numerous Oak Park schools, including Beye, Brooks, Julian and Longfellow, function as polling places on Election Day and were closed to students that day.
State reinstates Community Center's nonprofit status
The River Forest Community Center's is once again classified as a charity in good standing, the Illinois attorney general's office said Friday, April 7. A spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office said the status was reinstated on April 5, when the paperwork was received. Material on the organization has been restored to the attorney general's online Charitable Data Base, which contains financial and other information about all the registered charities operating in Illinois.
Oak Park's values, volunteers' hard work prevailed
A community's best attributes come out when the stakes are highest and the decisions are toughest. On April 4, Oak Park chose to stand up for the adequate funding of public education and trust our District 97 Board of Education to make sound decisions for our students in an ever-changing world. While Tuesday's vote to pass two referenda is a testament to Oak Park's values, it did not happen on its own.
When the news gets too close for comfort...
Bystanders gather near the scene of a murder on Central in Austin on April 7. One man was killed and several bystanders wounded when the occupants of a gray or white vehicle drove by Corcoran Grocery and began shooting in the middle of the day. | WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographor At around 1:25 p.m. on April 7, while interviewing a man inside of a grocery store on the corner of Central Avenue and West Corcoran Place in Austin, just blocks from the Oak Park border, a drive-by shooting broke out.
Another home and studio
Much of the first floor is the same as when Roberts remodeled the home, and the original details reflect his personal style. | Courtesy of ?VHT STUDIOS The 'other' Prairie architect, E.E. Roberts, also had a studio in his home at 1019 Superior. | Courtesy of ?VHT STUDIOS Much of the first floor is the same as when Roberts remodeled the home, and the original details reflect his personal style.
Garrison Johnson
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's elections. What qualifies you to serve on the library board and what motivated your interest in the position? I have been a resident of Oak Park since 1998. Over the past 19 years, I have seen many changes take place in Oak Park specifically with the Oak Park Public Library.
Wednesday Journal's 2017 Election 2017 Headquarters
Wednesday Journal's 2017 Election 2017 HeadquartersLinks to information on candidates running for officeFriday, March 10th, 2017 2:28 PMShare on FacebookShare on TwitterEmailPrintBelow are links to candidate information in races for village government, school boards and library boards that will be contested in the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election.
Lynn Libera | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Occupation: Retired; 33 years with IBM in sales, consulting and management Why did you decide to run for a seat on the park board? If you're running for re-election, what do you see as unfinished business? I decided to run for park board because I'd like to make sure our programs and resources are optimized for use by they community they serve.
Calvin Davis | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Why did you decide to run for a seat the park board? If you're running for re-election, what do you see as unfinished business? As a RF resident for almost 20 years, I have been involved as a consumer of the RFPD for almost 10 years since my son was a toddler.
Peter Barber | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Residential real estate development is a major issue in the village with the recent completion of Vantage Oak Park, new developments under construction (Elevate Oak Park, District House), and several proposed developments (Albion, Oak Park and Madison by Jupiter Realty, and the Harlem and South Boulevard development by Lincoln Properties).
Cheryl Cargie | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. An organizer of Bocce Bash for River Forest Parks Foundation, One of the organizers of River Forest's Flamingo Friday Why did you decide to run for a seat the park board? If you're running for re-election, what do you see as unfinished business?
Gerald M. Dombrowski
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. B.A. in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (1986) Why did you decide to run for a seat the park board? If you're running for re-election, what do you see as unfinished business?
Keecia Broy | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election. I've worked in the education nonprofit world for most of my professional career and have served on 2 nonprofit Chicago boards. Founder of KLB Consulting, LLC, a nonprofit executive search consultancy that specializes in education (policy and senior leadership) and school leadership searches.
James Robinson-Parran
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections.
Matt Baron | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 200 school board elections. Previous political experience: Oak Park Public Library Board of Trustees, May 2013-present. Board president, May 2015-present. ~ Youth basketball coach (five years) with the Park District of Oak Park and youth baseball coach (three years) with the Oak Park Youth Baseball & Softball organization.
Maya L. Ganguly | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election.
Jackie Moore | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Jackie Moore Friday, March 10th, 2017 10:37 AMShare on FacebookShare on TwitterEmailPrintBelow are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 200 school board elections.
Tom Cofsky | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 200 school board elections. Previous political experience: Elected to D200 Board of Education for 2013-2017 term. homeowner and taxpayer since 1990. Coach of youth sports, active with Holiday Food and Gift Basket program for > 10 years. Business Manager – title of VP of Manufacturing for 17 years.
Dan Moroney | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Residential real estate development is a major issue in the village with the recent completion of Vantage Oak Park, new developments under construction (Elevate Oak Park, District House), and several proposed developments (Albion, Oak Park and Madison by Jupiter Realty, and the Harlem and South Boulevard development by Lincoln Properties).
Katherine Murray-Lieb
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election. Currently a member of the Longfellow PTO Diversity Committee Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and German (Saint Mary's College) How would you define the role / functions of a D97 school board member? The D97 board is clear in its definition of the functions of the board.
Jeff Weissglass | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 200 school board elections. How would you define the role/functions of a D200 school board member? The Board of Education of Oak Park and River Forest High School – District 200 is a seven-person board elected by the community to govern the district on the community's behalf.
Victoria (Vicki) Scaman
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections.
Election 2017: Village Clerk
Election 2017: Village ClerkFriday, March 10th, 2017 2:47 PMShare on FacebookShare on TwitterEmailPrintThe following candidates are running for the office of village clerk in the village of Oak Park. James Robinson-Parran Lori Malinski Elia Gallegos Masaru Takiguchi Victoria Scaman
Doug Springer | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 200 school board elections. Have not held political office or an elected board position. Active parental participation in numerous academic and athletic groups including Girl Scouts, AYSO. As a small business owner in Oak Park I participated by donation to numerous local organizations. Currently contribute to local, private and national groups.
Lori Malinski | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Previous community experience: Business Association Liaison for the (then) Oak Park Development Corporation.
Deno J. Andrews | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Residential real estate development is a major issue in the village with the recent completion of Vantage Oak Park, new developments under construction (Elevate Oak Park, District House), and several proposed developments (Albion, Oak Park and Madison by Jupiter Realty, and the Harlem and South Boulevard development by Lincoln Properties).
James Robert Breymaier
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election. I have been a member of the Citizen Involvement Committee.
A new look for Cucina Paradiso
The longtime Oak Park Italian restaurant at 814 North Blvd. — Cucina has been operating in the village for 22 years — has given their dining room and bar a new look, adding a semi-private dining area that seats 30 for private events and special occasions. The new Cucina also used reclaimed wood for their new booths and bench seating with two-top tables. The centerpiece of the revamped restaurant, however, is the bar that accommodates roughly 20 guests.
Glenn E. Brewer | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's in this year's elections. Residential real estate development is a major issue in the village with the recent completion of Vantage Oak Park, new developments under construction (Elevate Oak Park, District House), and several proposed developments (Albion, Oak Park and Madison by Jupiter Realty, and the Harlem and South Boulevard development by Lincoln Properties).
Heather B Claxton-Douglas
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election. During my coursework at University of Michigan, I performed: a case study of internet access and adoption in Detroit, a stakeholder analysis of the HIV vaccine (in clinical trials), and a program assessment of the SBIR/STTR federal program. I have volunteered with FreeGeekChicago, and Female Founder's Pitch.
David Yamashita | Articles | News | OakPark.com
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election. Congressional Black Caucus HIV Clinic, Peer Plus Education and Training Advocates, Circle Family Health/Lawndale Christian Health Center, Christmas Cheer Foundation, Academy of Movement and Music/Momenta How would you define the role/function of a D97 School Board Member? I view the role of a D97 School Board Member as multi-faceted.
Charity Caldwell
Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Wednesday Journal sent out to all candidates running in this year's District 97 school board election.
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