Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ken Stucken
Inside hire as Downtown Oak Park names new chief
Downtown Oak Park, a nonprofit taxation district for downtown businesses, has selected Shanon Williams as its new executive director, according to DTOP Board President Cindy Summers. Williams succeeds Max Austin-Williams, who departed from the position in August. The DTOP district is a so-called Special Service Area that imposes a tax on property owners that is used promote business development in the area.
The Columbian Exchange: Our Debt to Indigenous Americans
Sitting in Nando's Peri-Peri, we were enjoying chicken splashed with Nando's Peri-Peri sauce, seasoned with African Bird's Eye Chilies, which some sources say "grow wild" in Africa. Chili peppers may grow wild in Africa now, but all chili peppers come from one place: Central America, specifically Mexico. The word "chili" is from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs who were defeated so soundly by Cortez in the early 16th century.
October is Membership Month
There is strength in numbers. In chamber-world, we mean number of members. Today, our membership comprises just under 30% of all local businesses. We hope to grow that number. This October, we are launching a focused membership drive. "Membership Month" features special offers for businesses just joining us and a chance to win prizes for current members referring businesses to us.
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 | File Photo The Oak Park Police Department, located in the basement of Village Hall, is outdated, overcrowded and unsuitable for a modern police force, according to Oak Park trustees.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.
La Lupita Mexican Cuisine:
Located in the heart of the near-west suburbs in Berwyn, La Lupita has been dishing up homemade authentic Mexican cuisine for more than 13 years. Families from Berwyn and surrounding areas such as Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside and North Riverside enjoy the homemade tortillas and the true flavors of Mexico. Lupita's son Sal Figueroa says, "Ever since I can remember my mom was involved with food.
La Lupita Mexican Cuisine:
Located in the heart of the near-west suburbs in Berwyn, La Lupita has been dishing up homemade authentic Mexican cuisine for more than 13 years. Families from Berwyn and surrounding areas such as Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Riverside and North Riverside enjoy the homemade tortillas and the true flavors of Mexico. Lupita's son Sal Figueroa says, "Ever since I can remember my mom was involved with food.
Shrubtown September 20, 2017
Shrubtown September 20, 2017Opinion: ShrubtownTuesday, September 19th, 2017 5:19 PMShare on FacebookShare on TwitterEmailPrintBy Marc StopeckEditorial Cartoonist / Weekly Sales RepresentativeContact: Email: marc@oakpark.com
Boutet's conspiracy theories
I wasn't at the meeting. I didn't watch it on TV. I haven't listened to the audio tape. But I kept hearing about the meeting the Oak Park Village Board held on Sept. 5 and how it went off the rails. The shouting. The finger-pointing. The accusations. All about the long-planned, exceedingly thoughtful and inclusive updating of the aged zoning ordinance.
The heroin pantry
Our story last week that Oak Park police had closed down a heroin-selling operation being run by an employee out of the corner store at Chicago and Austin was disheartening. That employee has now been charged with 17 felony counts of heroin sales and possession. Rightly, the store has been closed temporarily by the village. But we'd argue that, with precautions and safeguards, this small independent business should be allowed to reopen.
Finally owning Car-X
It took well over a decade to pull off, but Oak Park finally owns the final parcel of the block of Madison Street between Oak Park Avenue and Euclid. With the unanimous approval of Oak Park's village board, the government paid $1.3 million to the landlord for the long-established and reportedly quite successful Car-X repair shop, which has been sitting like a muffler oasis on the otherwise empty block for years.
Oak Park mulls new rules for coach houses
Since the 1920s, there have been a number of coach houses constructed, but they couldn't contain both a kitchen and a bathroom. As a result, the upper floor of coach houses became specialized spaces, such as home offices, music rooms and rec rooms. | Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer Oak Park's zoning code hasn't allowed new coach houses to contain living quarters since the 1921, but that could change if the village's board of trustees passes an amendment to the code that's been proposed.
OPRF boys soccer on a roll
OPRF midfielder Andrew Barkidjija attemps a shot on goal against Downers Grove South on Thursday, Sept. 14 in a West Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Park. (Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer) OPRF center midfielder James Maguire elevates above a pair of Downers Grove South defenders to score a goal off a header on Thursday, Sept. 14 during a soccer game in Oak Park.
We don't need and can't afford a large rec center
I'm writing in reference to the article in Wednesday Journal, "Park districts, D200 ramp up community pool talks" [News, Aug. 30]. The Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) has been considering a new recreation center for several years. In April 2017 I found information on PDOP's website about its investigation into this facility going back to 2014.
Staying active, engaged and in touch with joy
When Harriet Hausman and Barbara Ballinger receive their Ulyssean Awards this Friday night at Brookdale Plaza (formerly Holley Court Terrace), they will join a lengthening roster of distinguished "olders" who have been honored for significant contributions to our villages. Think of it as a "lifetime achievement." And what lifetimes.
Lake and Lathrop project gets new contract
"We've never really had go/no-go dates in contracts before, so I think this gives us a lot more commitment than we've had." The long-delayed redevelopment project at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue in River Forest has a new developer and a new timeline. Village trustees voted unanimously on Monday to approve a contract with Sedgwick Partners, owned by River Forester Marty Paris, to proceed with plans to breathe new life into that corner. The contract, which was signed after a Sept.
Embracing diversity means dignity for all
When one is considered to be the component that makes a group diverse, it is easy to overlook the various forms of diversity, especially those marginalized within your very own marginalized group. Growing up in Oak Park in the 1990s, diversity was simplified to me as the co-mingling of African Americans and their white counterparts.
Huskies hold their own on court
OPRF's Andrea Krunic hits the ball on Thursday, Sept. 7, during a tennis match against Lyons Township at Lyons Township High School's South Campus in Western Springs. (Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer) OPRF tennis player Grace Medina hits a backhand during a match against Lyons Township on Thursday, Sept. 7 in Western Springs. The host Lions edged OPRF 4-3.
Old Town's local roots
Who knew that the venerable and always vital Old Town School of Folk Music had its inception in Oak Park 60 years ago? Not full blown, mind you. We don't want to take anything away from Old Town or the corner of North Avenue and Sedgwick where the very first flag was planted. But roots there are in Oak Park, more specifically on the 600 block of South Lombard in the home of Dawn and Nate Greening.
Mr. President, build bridges, not walls
I am joining the millions who were devastated by President Trump's decision to deploy "the Dreamers Act." Former President Obama, by executive order, allowed children who had crossed the Mexican border illegally to remain in America. (All who entered were thoroughly vetted and screened against any family criminality.) Today those 800,000-plus youngsters have become working, taxpaying, integrated, valuable members of our society.
Old Town School returns to its OP roots
Founders: (Far left) Frank Hamilton (right) with Dawn Greening and Win Stracke (background) | Photo provided by the Old Town School of Folk Music Frank Hamilton plays banjo at the Old Town School of Folk Music. | Photo provided by the Old Town School of Folk Music First set: Frank Hamilton (left), George Armstrong (middle), and Win Stracke (right) perform at opening night of the Old Town School of Folk Music in December 1957.
Altiro rises out of the ashes of Erik's Deli
Not your average deli: The dining room of the new Altiro restaurant. | ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer Not your average deli: The dining room of the new Altiro restaurant. | ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer Not your average deli: The dining room of the new Altiro restaurant. | ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer Not your average deli: The dining room of the new Altiro restaurant. Bobbie Raymond, of Oak Park, tries the steak tacos.
Staying active, engaged and in touch with joy
When Harriet Hausman and Barbara Ballinger receive their Ulyssean Awards this Friday night at Brookdale Plaza (formerly Holley Court Terrace), they will join a lengthening roster of distinguished "olders" who have been honored for significant contributions to our villages. Think of it as a "lifetime achievement." And what lifetimes.
Housing Center celebrates investing in integration
The Housing Center board, plus Exec. Dir. Rob Breymaier at Columbus Park last week for the annual benefit. | Provided Community leaders and supporters turned out Thursday night for the Oak Park Regional Housing Center's annual benefit, themed "Investing in Integration." Held at Chicago's Columbus Park Refectory, the evening included a conversation with Natalie Moore, WBEZ reporter and author of The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation.
Austin Pantry shouldn't be punished with drug seller
On Aug. 30, I learned that an employee of Austin Pantry, a store located at my building on Austin Boulevard and Chicago Avenue, had been arrested for selling heroin at the store. The next day, the village of Oak Park closed the business and announced that it would conduct a hearing about permanently revoking its license. These events surprised and disturbed me as I bought the building to improve the neighborhood, and the sale of drugs from Austin Pantry obviously has the opposite effect.
OPRF boys soccer on a roll
OPRF midfielder Andrew Barkidjija attemps a shot on goal against Downers Grove South on Thursday, Sept. 14 in a West Suburban Conference crossover game in Oak Park. (Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer) OPRF senior James Maguire elevates above a pair of Downers Grove South defenders to score a goal off a header on Thursday, Sept. 14 during a soccer game in Oak Park.
James Hunt | Articles | News | OakPark.com
James Hunt, 72, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 7, 2017 after a three-year battle with cancer. Born in Chicago in January 1945 to Leona Brown Hunt and James Hunt, he attended St. Malachy Elementary School, St. Philip High School, Wilbur Wright Community College, and the School of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois Chicago. He was a member of the board of the Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest.
Finishing my final Ironman
On a Sunday in mid-September in Madison, Wisconsin, I completed what I think will be my last Ironman triathlon. At 57, I'm on the downside of the curve and getting slower on the bike and run. And my Ironman friends from Oak Park seem to get younger and faster. An Ironman includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26-mile run, all of which must be completed in less than 17 hours.
Cold-blooded measures do not a pigeon solution make
I wrote a letter to the Wednesday Journal a week or so ago [Pigeons don't make people sick, Viewpoints, Aug. 30], protesting the views in a previous WJ letter that said rats and pigeons should suffer the same fate — extermination — because of the threat of human illness from pigeon droppings [Viewpoints, Aug. 23]. In last week's WJ letters [Pigeons really are a health issue, Viewpoints, Sept.
Let's look on the bright side at guns
Like many Chicagoans, when I wake up on Monday mornings, I dread getting "the count" on the morning news: the number of people shot and killed in Chicago over the weekend. It's not just the people who are killed that have their lives shattered. People shot in the abdomen or head or back can wind up needing constant care for the rest of their lives. People shot in the limbs may not ever get back to normal either. It's really crushing for a young person to wind up in a nursing home.
60 years in, Old Town School returns to its Oak Park roots
The Pickin' Bubs (Left to right) Peg Browning, Maura Lally and Mark Mitchell. | Photo provided by Mark Dvorak Frank Hamilton (far left) and Old Town School of Folk Music performers from 2014. (Left to right) Mary Hamilton, Michael Miles, Jason McInnes, Peg Browning, Maura Lally, Marcia Johnson, Peggy Lipschutz, Mark Dvorak. | Photo provided by Mark Dvorak Frank Hamilton plays banjo at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day: The Mayan Milpa
In Oak Park, the second Monday in October, once Columbus Day, is now Indigenous Peoples Day. As an Italian-American, I'm a little sorry to see Oak Park remove a day of recognition for an Italian explorer who changed the world but who, alas, is also difficult to defend, either for his own actions or the actions of those who came after him (looking at you, Cortez). Still, I'm glad to see the Village recognize the place of indigenous people in the history of our continent and the world.
Poaster is Ready to Help You Shop Local and Save
It's here! Poaster is ready for prime time. This Friday, residents will start seeing advertisements on social media, email and print for this new "shop local" app. For a resident consumer, Poaster allows you to connect with local businesses and save money. Using an app on your smartphone, the Poaster website or even through Facebook, you'll see deals and specials from your local businesses, reminding you of all our superhero business owners have to offer.
The night the rationality died -- with Diana
It is almost exactly 20 years ago to the day that Britain's national character changed utterly. Or more precisely, it's 20 years since it became abundantly clear that there had taken place a shift in the way we in the UK, and the Western world in general, conducted ourselves in the public sphere. The now infamous 'outpouring of grief' over the death of Princess Diana that followed her death on 31 August 1997 came as a shock to many.
Huskies halted by Hinsdale Central
OPRF's Trevon Brown (#3) has emerged early this season as one of the Huskies' top players on offense. (Alexa Rogals/Staff Photographer) The only types of turnovers that are good are those that can be found in a bakery, like apple and cherry. They're tasty and give stomachs a good feeling. Otherwise, turnovers in sports are not a good thing, especially in football. Too many can give a team a sick feeling and more often than not they'll result in a loss.
Euclid Square Park's grand reopening set
The new tennis courts at Euclid Square Park are also striped for pickleball. (Alexa Rogals|Staff) Stella Baiardo, 2, of Oak Park, plays on a new playground at Euclid Square Park on Sept. 6. (Alexa Rogals|Staff) Socorro Parra, of Oak Park, practices tennis on the new courts on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Euclid Square Park in Oak Park. (Alexa Rogals|Staff) Andrew White, 2, of Oak Park, plays near a dove that flew into the park on Wednesday, Sept.
Divvy bike share offers $40 off for Oak Parkers
Oak Parkers have the month of September to get a 40 percent discount for an annual membership with the popular Chicago bike-sharing program Divvy. The village of Oak Park announced that Oak Park residents can use the coupon code OPYFI when signing up online to get the membership for $59.99. Oak Park currently has 13 Divvy stations around town, which allows members to rent bicycles 24-hours a day.
Oak Park approves Indigenous Peoples Day
The Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a proclamation this week declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples Day, following a trend across the country that aims to recognize the struggles and culture of indigenous people. The proclamation made no mention of Columbus Day, a U.S. holiday on the second Monday of October, which marks Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas in 1492.
Emergency "delivery" of baby? Hold on a minute, pardner.
As here: ROCKFORD, Ill. — A police officer in Rockford has delivered his son in a hotel parking lot in the northern Illinois city. Not on your tintype. The mother did the delivering, he did the receiving. I know, having done same for loving mother of our second in an Oak Park bedroom 45 years ago the 22nd of this month. We called her Kathryn after Kathryn O'Connell Bowman, my mother, who was still living at the time. The first Kathryn became Kate, ours became Katie. That said, nice job, officer.
Right at Home: Wright Services Corp
Wright Services Corporation, based in North Riverside, is a full service commercial and residential contractor and specializes in high-end kitchen remodels, room additions and window replacement services in the near west Chicago suburbs. No matter the size of the project, Wright Services goes the extra mile for clients.
Local Author Visit: Janis Clark Johnston
Janis Clark Johnston, EdD, a well-known local psychologist and author of Midlife Maze: A Map to Recovery and Rediscovery After Loss, will visit the River Forest Public Library on Sunday, September 10 at 2 PM. Johnston has written articles for a variety of professional journals and has published two books to date. Ms. Johnston will discuss her book and sign copies for patrons. Janis Clark Johnston, Ed.D, holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston University.
Berwyn's Best Burrito Title goes to Zacatacos Cermak for their Steak Burrito
Zacatacos Cermak went up against other local favorites Lalo's Restaurant, Los Corrales Taqueria, Taqueria El Meson Express and Tacos y Salsa. The final competition brought together a group of local judges for a blind taste-test event hosted by the Berwyn Public Library to compare each burrito side-by-side based on taste, presentation and texture. The panel enjoyed the variety of burritos, making the decision a difficult one.
What's more powerful than a Teen Titan? A Library Card! September is library card sign-up month
Get superpowered by signing up for a library card this September! The value of today's libraries goes beyond books. Librarians are leaders in their communities – helping people of any age to find what they need to help improve their quality of life. Libraries continue to transform and expand their services in ways that meet the needs of the communities they serve, including making digital technology and information equally accessible to all.
Campaigning vs. governing
It is one thing to campaign against an $80 million investment in your downtown. We'll see if it proves to be another thing to cast the deciding vote that drives that investment straight out of town.
Readjusting after two years in Kyrgyzstan
Host family: Parents Kuttubek and Venera, grandmother, and sisters Ayana and Aidana with Peace Corps volunteer Leah Cozzi (second from right). | Submitted photo Leah Cozzi returned in July from teaching English with the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, a place most people have never heard of. During her two-year stint, she, and everyone she lived and worked with, learned something.
Boykin on Sun-Times' list of possible Rahm rivals
In its Aug. 28 print issue, the Chicago Sun-Times listed some of the most obvious contenders for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's seat, which is up in 2019.
Confusing parking signs encourage walking
Confusing parking signs encourage walkingOpinion: Letters To The EditorTuesday, September 5th, 2017 2:50 PMShare on FacebookShare on TwitterEmailPrintTwo thumbs up for the village's new incomprehensible parking signs.
Pritzker opens campaign office in Austin
Outreach: Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker shakes hands with attendees on Saturday, during the opening of his campaign office at 5847 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. | ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer Outreach: Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker shakes hands with attendees on Saturday, during the opening of his campaign office at 5847 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago's Austin neighborhood.
Selling Wright | Articles | News | OakPark.com
A few weeks ago, The New York Times' Real Estate section told us "How to sell a Frank Lloyd Wright house." We couldn't help but notice that not one of the homes mentioned in the article was in Wrights' longtime home of Oak Park, in River Forest, or even the state of Illinois.
Local Hurricane Harvey relief efforts largely unsung
When Amanda Sabatino, owner of Trends, a designer consignment store in Oak Park at 810 North Blvd., was contacted last week by an insurance company seeking retailers who would donate summer clothes and toiletries to Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas, she jumped at the opportunity. But when the truck was full and Sabatino's task complete, she didn't want to stop there.
Community members celebrate 'Elijah's gift'
Keeping him alive: Sharita Galloway, left, of Oak Park, and Camille Lily, state representative for the 78th District, admire a memorial for Galloway's son, Elijah Sims, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, during a remembrance celebration and barbecue for him at the corner of Lotus Avenue and Quincy Street in Austin.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ken
Contact Ken, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack