Forest Park_Community Guide_2026

Left to right:

My Hanh La, Senior Universal Banker; Isbeth Saravia, Assistant Branch Manager; Denise Warren, Branch Manager; Susie Goldschmidt, Market President

Commited to Oak Park and River Forest

Whether you’re dining out, or shopping at a local small business, we also think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood...with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Forest Park community.

To learn more about our commitment, visit bylinebank.com/oprf ©2026 Byline Bank.

Section Editor

Lacey Sikora

Contributing Reporters

Hector Cervantes, Jackie Pisano, Ríse Sanders Weir

Design/Production Manager

Andrew Mead

Editorial & Digital Design Lead

Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Contributing Photographers

Todd Bannor, Erica Benson

Senior Audience Manager

Stacy Coleman

Marketing & Advertising Associate

Emma Cullnan

Senior Media Strategist

Lourdes Nicholls

Circulation Manager

Jill Wagner

Operations Associate

Susan Babin

Social

and

Maribel Barrera

Senior Advisor

Dan Haley

Team Park District of Forest Park wins the first heat at the Forest Park Casket Races | TODD BANNOR

Laura Maychruk Owner | Maychruk

Real Estate

As the owner of a service-based business, I understand the critical nature of good customer service. FPB never disappoints. When I drive up to the service window or walk into the bank, I’m always greeted by name. ”

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce... rce

• Provides one-on-one member support

• Connects members with peers & community

• Provides visibility for member businesses

• Promotes member businesses & Forest Park

• Refers Chamber members first

• Connects members with the right resources

• Keeps members up-to-date on important news & all things local

• Is an information resource for Forest Park

• Hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Hosts the spring and fall Wine Walk

• Hosts the Casket Races

• Hosts the Holiday Walk

• Supports ribbon cuttings & grand openings

• Co-sponsors Madison St. holiday decorations

• Keeps the public informed about local & member events

• Is a wise investment

Visit exploreforestpark.com & become a Chamber partner!

Is a diverse & collaborative membership working together to make Forest Park the best place for all people & all businesses to thrive

Message from the Chamber

We are pleased to present the latest Forest Park Community Guide. Published annually by the Forest Park Review in partnership with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, this guide contains a wealth of information on just about everything you need to know about Forest Park.

LAURIE KOKENES DIRECTOR

Located just ten miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park is a vibrant, active, diverse community with an urban vibe, small-town charm. There’s just something about Forest Park that sticks with you. It’s a close-knit community where residents, organizations and local shop owners become fast friends, and are invested in building relationships and community

With so much to see and do in Forest Park, one stop is never enough. Whether you visit Forest Park to grab a bite to eat or to shop for that perfect gift, you’ll quickly realize that you simply must come back. With all the unique indie shops, local eateries and one-of-a-kind events, there’s always something new to discover -- and trust us, you won’t want to miss a thing. There’s an artist on nearly every corner, a fabulous live music venue, friendly neighborhood bars and so much more. And you won’t find a more welcoming community

Recreational opportunities and a generous choice of housing options make Forest Park a great place to live, work, shop, dine and play The aquatic center is top notch, and the park district, local library and community center have programs, classes and events for young and old alike. Community events like the ‘best in the west’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Garage Galleries, Casket Races and the Wine Walk and Garden Walk are just some of the reasons people keep coming back.

There’s an abundance of history that would pique the interest of any history buff. Forest Park’s numerous cemeteries are home to countless historically-significant grave sites, and you can tour the Haymarket Martyr ’s Monument and Radical Row with the local historical society. The park is the home of the very popular No Glove Nationals Softball Tournament for 57 years and counting and the 16” Softball Hall of Fame Museum.

Accessibility and multiple transportation options make Forest Park the perfect destination for a day, a weekend or a lifetime.

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development is a diverse and collaborative membership working together to make Forest Park the best place for all people and all businesses to thrive.

Driver ’s License

To receive a driver ’s license or ID card, you must provide a minimum of three acceptable forms of identification to prove name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number, and a signature comparison. One of these forms should be a certified birth certificate. The nearest Secretary of State Driver Licensing Facility is located in Melrose Crossing, at the corner of Mannheim Road and North Avenue. 1903 N. Mannheim Road. Call 312-793-1010 for more information.

Important Forest Park

Phone Numbers

Forest Park Police and Fire departments: emergency: 911

Fire non-emergency: 708-366-1234

Police non-emergency: 708-366-2425

Forest Park Elementary School District 91: 708-366-5700

Forest Park Public Library: 708-366-7171

Howard Mohr Community Center:

708-771-7737

Proviso Township High School District 209:

708-338-5900

Proviso East High School:

708-344-7000

Proviso Math and Science Academy: 708-338-4100

Proviso Township Mental Health Commission

708-449-5508

Village of Forest Park:

708-366-2323 or 708-615-6202 for the Clerk’s Office

Park District of Forest Park and Forest Park Aquatic Center: 708-366-7500 or 708-488-0664 for the pool during the summer

School Registration

Students should be registered at the public schools prior to the first day of class, preferably during the dates assigned each year for each of the neighborhood schools. Proof of residency — including tax bills, mortgage statements or leases,

New Residents

as well as a driver ’s license, insurance papers or utility bills — is required. All new registrants must provide birth certificates. For complete information, call the District 91 administrative office at 708-366-5700 or visit fpsd91. org.

Library Cards

Forest Park Public Library cards are available at no charge to residents with proof of address. Call 708366-7171 or email askus@ fppl.org.

Newspapers

Forest Park Review (weekly) PO Box 6670 River Forest, IL 60305 708-613-3340 forestparkreview.com

Parking Permits

On-street parking is prohibited in the Village of Forest Park from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Resident-only permits are available for parking in municipal lots. There are several lots throughout the village but spots are first-come, first-served. Permits may be obtained through village hall. For more information call

708-366-2323. Residents with overnight guests must call in plates to 708-366-7272 between 8 a.m. to 2 am. to avoid being ticketed. Forest Park Post Office 417 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-5790

State and Local Phone Numbers

Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau

800-386-5438 (Toll Free, Fraud Protection in Chicago) Better Business Bureau 312-832-0500

Chicago Bulk Mail Center 708-583-4362

Cook County Clerk’s Office 708-865-6010 (Maywood Office)

312-603-5656 (Chicago Office)

Cook County Department of Public Health

708-836-8600

Cook County Sheriff’s Police 708-865-4700 (Maywood)

Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records (Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates)

312-603-7790

A band member of Chicago Catz joins the crowd in a dance at Groovin’ in the Grove. | Todd Bannor

New Residents

Illinois 2-1-1

Free and confidential way to find out about important health and human services programs in your community Call 2-1-1 for information about health care, help paying rent and utility bills, transportation services, job training, mental health and counseling.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Child Abuse Hotline: 800-252-2873

Illinois Department of Employment Security: 800-244-5631

Illinois Department of Day Labor Hotline: 877-314-7052

Illinois Department of Human Services:

Customer Help Line: 800-843-6154

Provider Help Line: 800-804-3833

Illinois Department of Revenue: 800-732-8866

Medical Fraud and Abuse: 844-453-7283

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: 847-294-4000

Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood: 888-584-7888

MacNeal Memorial Hospital Berwyn: 708-783-9100

Rush Oak Park Hospital/ ROPH Emergency Department: 708-660-6000

Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222

Proviso Township Assessor ’s Office:

708-449-4304

Sarah’s Inn (domestic abuse): 708-386-4225

Senior Citizens Consumer Complaints: 800-243-5377

Renters’ Rights Hotline: 312-742-7368

U.S. Post Office: 800-275-8777

U.S. Post Office Inspection Service: 877-876-2455

West Suburban Health Care Oak Park: 708-383-6200

Utilities

The following utility companies serve Forest Park: ComEd: (800) 334-7661

Xfinity: (800) 934-6489 Nicor: (888) 642-6748

Vehicle Stickers

Vehicle stickers are required on all cars and must be purchased and displayed by April 1 each year Stickers can be purchased online at http://www.forestpark.net/ or in person at Village Hall. Drivers must present their title or state registration. There is a discount for senior citizens. The fee for a passenger car is $35 or $10 for seniors. A late fee is imposed after April 1.

Voter Registration

Residents may register to vote at Village Hall, 517 Des Plaines Ave., during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or at ova.elections. il.gov/

Chamber members

Animal Shelter

Animal Care League

1011 Garfield

Oak Park

708-848-8155

www.animalcareleague.org

Appliances/TVs

Grand Appliance

7440 Madison St.

708-771-4763

www.grandappliance.com

Arts Alliance

Forest Park Arts Alliance

forestparkarts@gmail.com

www.forestparkarts.org

Attorney

Attorney Kristen Marie Lyons

Law Offices of Kristen M. Kozlowski

773-610-4175

attorneykristen@gmail.com

Auto Repair

Our Planet Automotive

7222 Madison St (rear) 708-383-0053

www.ourplanetautomotive.com

Auto Sales/Service

Currie Motors

8401 W. Roosevelt Rd.

708-771-2600

www.curriechevy.com

Hawk Chrysler Dodge Jeep

7911 Roosevelt Rd.

708-366-1001

www.hawkcdj.com

Volvo Oak Park

1140 Garfield St

Oak Park

888-450-8164

www.volvooakpark.com

Bakery

Forest Park Bakery

7332 Madison St

708-366-3669

www.forestparkbakery.com

Banks

Byline Bank

1001 Lake St

Oak Park

708-930-1663

www.bylinebank.com

Forest Park Bank

7348 Madison St.

708-222-2800

www.forestparkbank.com

Book Publisher

The Cadence Group

708-689-0908

www.thecadencegrp.com

Bookstore

Royal Christian Bookstore

7610 Roosevelt Rd. 708- 697-5333

www.royalchristianbookstores.com

Boutiques/Shoes/ Accessories

Perfect Fit Fashion

7516 Madison St. 708-657-4224

www.perfectfitfashion4u.com

Team Blonde Boutique Eco

Spa & Salon

7442 Madison St 708-771-5590

www.teamblonde.com

Bowling Alley

Circle Lanes 7244 Circle Ave. 708-366-2810

www.circlebowlinglanes.com

Car Wash

Crystal Car Wash

901 S. Harlem Ave. 708-879-1349

www.crystalcarwashforestpark.com

Spotless Car Wash

7802 Madison St 7343 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2945

www.spotlessautowash.com

Cemeteries

Waldheim Jewish Cemetery 1400 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-4541 www.waldheimcemetery.com

Chocolates/French Cremes

La Maison de Bonbon 7353 Madison St. 708-366-0777

www.lamaisondebonbon.com

Churches

Living Word Christian Center 7600 Roosevelt Rd. 708-697-5000

www.livingwd.org

Coffee Roastery/Coffee Shop

U3 Coffee 7430 Madison St. 708-303-8508

www.u3coffee.com

Comedy Club

BABS Comedy Club 7316 Madison St. 773-916-5565

www.babscomedyclub.com

A box of French cremes from La Maison de Bonbon | FILE

Chamber members

Communications/ Marketing/Media

DeSoto & State Communications

7301 W. 25th, Ste. 256 North Riverside

773-789-9782

www.desotostate.com

Griffin & Stebbing

708-860-9849

www.griffinstebbing.com

Community/Senior Center

Howard Mohr Community Center

7640 Jackson Blvd.

708-771-7737

www.forestpark.net

Community Leadership Program

Community Connections Fund

922 W. Washington Blvd., #1014

Chicago www.communityconnectionsfund. org

Contractors/Craftsmen

Forest Park Stucco, Inc.

708-366-3686

www.forestparkstucco.com

McShane Hibbitts

513 Elgin Ave.

708-771-0864

mcshanehibbitts@gmail.com

Cooking Classes/Events

Table & Lain

7322 Madison St

630-363-0814

www.tablelain.com

Cookies/Sweet Treats/ Ice Cream

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

7347 Madison St. 708-366-7970

www.browncowicecream.com

Twisted Cookie 7401 Madison St 708-689-8029

www.twistedcookie.com

Counseling Services

Calm Mind Counseling Center

7627 Roosevelt Rd. 773-234-0423

www.calmmindcc.com

Dentists/Orthodontists

Advanced Orthodontic Specialists

Dr. Mike Bicknell, DDS, MS 1129 S. Harlem Ave. 708-556-2549

www.smilesbyaos.com

Little Teeth Big Smiles

Children’s Dentistry

Jerry Udelson, DDS, PC 1125 S. Harlem Ave. 708-386-5437 www.kidsdentistforestpark.com

Teeth and Things

Dr Daniel Rosales

Dr Jacqueline Magallanes 333 Circle Ave. 708-771-0330 www.teethandthings333.com

Tooth Buds Pediatric Dentistry

Mital Spatz, DDS, PharmD 410 Circle Ave. 708-722-0017 www.toothbudschicago.com/

Digital Equity & Inclusion

Wright To Learn Forest Park 916-529-3093 www.wrighttolearn.com

Disability Services/ Independent Living Progress Center for Independent Living 7521 Madison St 708-209-1500 www.progresscil.org

Disposal Services

Flood Brothers Disposal 17W609 14th St Oakbrook Terrace 773-626-5800 www.floodbrothersdisposal.com

Republic Services

5050 W. Lake St Melrose Park 708-345-7050 www.republicservices.com

SBA Waste Solutions

2315 Gardner Rd. Ste. A Broadview

Distributors/ Manufacturers/ Industrial

Burke Beverage

4900 S. Vernon McCook 708-688-2000 www.burkebev.com

Chicago Suburban Lumber 7459 Franklin St 708-771-8181

www.chicagosuburbanlumber.com

Farmington Foods

7419 Franklin St 708-771-3600 www.farmingtonfoods.com

Ferrara Candy Company

7301 Harrison St 708-366-0500 www.ferrarausa.com

Dog Grooming/ Boarding/Training

Dog Den Chicago

7211 Franklin St. 708-689-0064 www.dogdenchicago.com

Chamber members

Escape Room

Escape Factor

7228 Madison St

708-943-7227

www.escapefactorchicago.com

Event Space/ Community Event Space

Bobby’s Eastside

7321 Madison St

708-689-0486

www.bobbyseastside.com

Events by Cibula

7503 Madison St

708-689-0536

www.eventsbycibula.com

Robert’s Westside

7321 Madison St

708-689-0486

www.robertswestside.com

Financial Planners

Ben Caruso – Highpoint/LPL

7313 Madison St 312-550-1842

www.highpointplanningpartners. com/the-hpp-difference/our-team/ ben-caruso/

Bentron Financial Group

6601 W. North Ave., Ste. 2 Oak Park

708-386-3100 www.bentron.com

Everett Wealth Solutions

Chris Everett 407 Marengo Ave.

708-771-7777

www.everettwealthsolutions.com

Kingsview Asset Management

Joel Foster 111 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago 630-442-1790

www.kingsviewam.com

Waddell & Reed

Eric Van Ness 1111 W. 22nd St

Oak Brook 630-861-5042 www.evanness.wrfa.com

Fitness/Gym

Ferrara Pan Fitness Factory 1525 Circle Ave. 708-689-0538

www.ferrarapanfitness.com

KBUTTs Fitness 7508 Madison St 708-466-7233

Funeral Home

Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home

7319 Madison St.

708-366-2200

www.zimmermanharnett.com

Garden Center

Empowering Gardens

7730 Madison St

708-689-8332

www.empoweringgardensinc.com

Good Earth Greenhouse

7900 Madison St River Forest

708-366-9500

www.goodearthgreenhouse.com

Chamber members

Golf Simulator

Swing Away Sports Club

7247 Madison St

224-670-2698

www.swingawaysports.club/

Government/ Municipality

Village of Forest Park

517 Des Plaines Ave.

708-366-2323

www.forestpark.net

Graphic Design

Famous Victory Branding & Design

1010 Lake St

Oak Park 312-566-7876

www.famousvictory.com

Grocers

Living Fresh Market

7520 Roosevelt Rd. 708-209-1226

www.livingfreshmarket.com

Hair Salon/Nails/Spa Services

Fantastic Sam’s

7226 Madison St

708-771-4650

www.fantasticsams.com

Macdaddy Salon

7506 Madison St

708-771-0400

www.macdaddyforestpark.com

Team Blonde Boutique Eco Spa & Salon

7442 Madison St

708-771-5590

www.teamblonde.com

Handyperson Services

She Can Fix That LLC

Forest Park

708-515-7563

www.shecanfixthat.com

The Oak Park Handyhuman, Inc.

Oak Park

708-303-8615

www.theoakparkhandyhumaninc. com

Hardware

Schauer’s Hardware

7449 Madison St

708-366-1100

www.schauershardware.com

Healthcare/Health & Safety Services

MR Compassionate Care Coordination, LLC

773-307-3873

Power of Play (POP)

Pediatrics

7421 Madison St. 708-435-4130

www.pop-pediatric.com

Heating Oil/Fuel

Mohr Oil Company

7340 W. Harrison St

708-366-2900 www.mohroil.com

Historical Society

Historical Society of Forest Park

P.O. Box 311

708-232-3747

www.forestparkhistory.org

Hospitals

Riveredge Hospital

8311 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7000

www.riveredgehospital.com

Ice Cream Parlor

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

7347 Madison St

708-366-7970

www.browncowicecream.com

Ice Sculptures/Dry Ice

Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures

7623 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-366-3333 www.nadeauice.com

Interior Design

Kathryn Murphy Interiors

7416 Madison St

hello@kmurphyinteriors.com www.kmurphyinteriors.com

Insurance

Mark P. Hanson-State Farm Insurance

7601 Madison St

708-366-0001 www.markphanson.com

McBride Insurance

818 Harrison St Oak Park 708-613-5844 www.mcbrideinsurance.com

Relation Insurance - Forest Insurance

7310 Madison St Forest Park

708-383-9000 www.relationinsurance.com

Jewelry/Gifts

Accents By Fred

7519 Madison

708-366-9850

www.accentsbyfred.com

Landscaping Professionals

McAdam Landscape Professionals

2001 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-2299

www.mcadamlandscape.com

Labor Union

Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753

P.O. Box 561, Forest Park 708-366-1234 www.facebook.com/Local2753

Live Music Venue/ Neighborhood Bar

Robert’s Westside

Bobby’s Eastside

7321 Madison St. 708-689-0486

www.robertswestside.com www bobbyseastside.com

Liquor Store

Famous Liquors

7714 Madison St 708-366-2500

www.famousliquors.com

Marketing/Media/ Communications

DeSoto & State Communications

7301 W. 25th, Ste. 256 North Riverside 773-789-9782

www.desotostate.com

Chamber members

Griffin & Stebbing Forest Park

708-860-9849

www.griffinstebbing.com

Massage Therapy

Element’s Massage 7239 Madison St 708-406-6474

www.elementsmassage.com/forestpark

Military Surplus

Military & Police Supply

7351 Madison St 708-366-9711 www.militaryandpolicesupply.net

Mobile Phone Service

Boost Mobile

321 Harlem Ave. 847-852-6097 www.boostmobile.com

Musical Instruments/ Music Instruction/Sales & Repair/Sheet Music

Kagan & Gaines Music Co., Inc.

7655 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2152

www.kaganandgaines.com

The Gasse School of Music

7641 W. Polk St.

708-488-8117 www.gassesm.com

Nail Salon

J & J Nails

406 Thomas Ave. 773-818-3385

Newspapers/ Publications

Growing Community Media P.O. Box 6670 River Forest 708-524-8300 www.growingcommunitymedia.org

Neighbors Magazine 2111 Division, #1 Melrose Park 708-343-0205 www.neighborsmagazine.com

Nonprofit Fundraising Support

Cardinal Advancement Services www.cardinaladvance.com

Park District/Aquatic Center

Park District of Forest Park Forest Park Aquatic Center 7501 W. Harrison St. 708-366-7500

www.pdofp.org www.facebook.com/ FPAquaticCenter

Photo Entertainment/ Photobooth

Bespoke Flipbooks 773-234-2690 www.bespokeflipbooks.com

Pressure Washing/Hot Water

Affordable Pressure Washing 708-351-6033

www.affordablepressurewashingllc.com

Chamber members

Physicians/Eye Care

Dot Doc

7503 Roosevelt Rd.

708-851-8243

www.dotdocservices.com

Forest Park Eye Care

Anthony J. Garreffa, OD 7417 Madison St

708-366-2020

www.forestparkeye.com

Potter

Bridget Lane Pottery blanepotter53@gmail.com www.blanepotter53.wixsite.com/ mysite

Property Inspections

Property Guidance Inspection

805 Lake St. #274

Oak Park

773-469-3390

www.propertyguidance.net

Public Library

Forest Park Public Library

7555 Jackson Blvd.

708-366-7171

www.fppl.org

Real Estate/Property Management

Ariston Realty

7504 Madison St

708-771-5000

AvenueOne Management

7415 Madison St

773-622-4663 www.av1realty.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home

Services Chicago

101 N. Oak Park Ave.

Oak Park

708-848-5550

www.berkshirehathawayhs.com

Century 21 SGR, Inc.

Jessie Trevino

312-576-4696

www.jessebtrevino.com

COMPASS-Joelle Venzera

Real Estate Broker

803 Lake St

Oak Park

708-297-1879

www.compass.com/agents/joellevenzera/

David King & Associates

1011 Lake St., Suite 313

Oak Park

708-445-0505

www.dkacre.com

Extreme Realty

7223 Madison St.

773-875-2400

www.extremerealtyhomes.com

The Gillian Group | Anna Gillian Cramer Cait Thorsen Thomas Wuchte

BHHS Chicago

101 N. Oak Park Ave.

Oak Park

708.426-4349 www.thegilliangroup.com

Restaurants/Pubs/ Sports Bars

Bobby’s Eastside

7321 Madison St

708-689-0486 www.bobbyseastside.com

Cactus Grill

315 S Harlem Ave 708-689-8595 www.cactusgrillmex.com/

Caffe DeLuca

7427 Madison St. 708-366-9200 www.caffedeluca.com

Charlie’s Restaurant 7427 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-1969 www.charliesrestaurantfp.wixsite. com/forestpark

Chirrion Mexican Grill

7510 Madison St 708-689-8123 www.chirrion.com

Di’Vino Restaurant & Bar 1527 Harlem Ave. 708-689-0113 www.divinoforestpark.com

Elba’s Golden Steer Steakhouse 7635 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7798 www.goldensteersteakhouse.com

Fatduck Tavern & Grill 7218 Madison St 708-488-1493 www.fatduckgrill.com

Francesca’s Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery 7407 Madison St 708-771-3063 www.francescasfiore.com/

Habrae Thai Café 7230 Madison St 708-689-8852

www.habrae.com

Harvest 365 Restaurant & Fresh Grill

7610 Roosevelt Rd. 708- 488-0415 www.harvest365grill.com

Jimmy’s Place 7411 Madison St 708-771-7476 www.jimmysplaceforestpark.com

Louie’s Grill 7422 Madison St 708-488-8889

Madison Park Kitchen 7525 Madison St. 708-689-8607 www.mp-kitchen.com

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina 7404 Madison St 708-689-0850 www.mexicanrepublickitchen.com

NRebozo 7403 Madison St. 708-445-0370 www.newrebozos.com

O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 Madison St. 708-366-6667 www.osullivanspublichouse.net

Di’Vino partners Gabriel Padilla and Valerio Munoz | FILE

The Forest Park Review is now part of NEWSWELL, a nonpro t journalism organization that provides resources, technology, and long-term support to community newsrooms across the country. This partnership strengthens our foundation while keeping everything that matters the same. Our newsroom remains local. Our staff remains in place. Our commitment to this community is unchanged. With the added support of NEWSWELL, we are better positioned than ever to continue delivering the independent, community-focused journalism our readers rely on. Same mission. New chapter. Stronger future.

All donations support local operations.

Chamber members

Piacere Mio

7636 Madison St

708-366-4010

www.piaceremiorestaurant.com

Scratch Public House

7505 Madison St

708-689-8427

www.scratchfp.com

Shanahan’s 7353 Madison St

708-366-0775 www.shanahanscreole.com

Starship Restaurant & Catering

7618 Madison St 708-771-3016

www.starshiprestaurant.com

Retirement Communities

Altenheim

7824 Madison St

708-366-2206 www.thealtenheim.com

American House Oak Park 703 Madison St Oak Park 331-201-0881 www.americanhouse.com/oakpark

Aperion Care Forest Park

8200 W. Roosevelt Rd.

708-488-9850 www.aperioncare.com/locations/ forest-park/

Belmont Village

1035 Madison St Oak Park

708-848-7200 www.belmontvillage.com

Oak Park Arms

408 S. Oak Park Ave. www.oakparkarms.com 708-386-4040

Room Rentals/Boutique Hotel

Events by Cibula

7503 Madison St 708-689-0536 www.eventsbycibula.com

Schools/Academies/ Education

Forest Park Public Schools, District 91 424 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-5700 www.forestparkschools.org

Triton College

2000 5th Ave. River Grove 708-456-0300 www.triton.edu

Screen Printing/ Promotional Specialties

Ink Your Wear

8838 Brookfield Ave. Brookfield 708-329-4444 www.inkyourwear.com

Service Clubs/ Organizations

Fraternal Order of Eagles #1344

446 Hannah Ave. 708-366-1321

Harlem Maennerchor www.facebook.com/ Harlem.M.D.Chor

Kiwanis Club of Forest Park P.O. Box 514

708-209-1200 www.kiwanis.org

Sign Design/ Fabrication/Installation

Redheaded Sign Company 1010 Lake St Ste. 200 Oak Park 773-733-0109 www.redheadedsigns.com

Social Services/Senior Service Agencies

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

418 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-383-8060

www.celebratingseniors.net

Housing Forward 1851 S. Ninth Ave. Maywood 708-338-1724 www.housingforward.org

L’Arche Chicago 7313 Madison St 708-660-1600 www.larchechicago.org

Opportunity Knocks 8020 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-252-3299 www.opportunityknocksnow.org

Out With Purpose

P.O. Box 1460 Oak Park https://opalga.org/2024-2025-rebranding-project/out-with-purpose/

Sarah’s Inn

24 Hour Crisis line 708- 386-4225 www.sarahsinn.org

Sports Equipment

Play It Again Sports

7443 Madison St 708-657-4230

www.playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il

Sports Facility/Baseball/ Softball

Prime Athletic Club 1401 Circle Ave. 312-600-7965

www.primeathleticclub.com/index/ chicago-prime-athletic-club

Swimming/Water Safety

CAST Water Safety Foundation

7628 Madison St 708-435-4256 www.castwatersafety.org

Tea Merchants

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants

7311 Madison St 708-488-1136 www.todd-holland.com

Website Design

Weblinx, Inc. 165 Kirkland Circle Oswego www.weblinx.com 630-551-0334

Wellness Center

Heal Wellness & Longevity

7210 Circle Ave. 708-775-3775 www.heal4wellness.com/

Celebrating our 19th year on Madison Street

u Celebrating our 21st year on Madison Street!

Celebrating our 19th year on Madison Street

Direct online ordering is available

u Direct online ordering is available

Direct online ordering is available

Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)

u Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)

Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)

u Catering (please give 48 hours notice)

Catering (please give 48 hours notice)

Catering (please give 48 hours notice)

u Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

2nd floor outdoor patio dining

u 2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule) 7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200

(subject to private party schedule)

2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule)

7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200

Mama DeLuca

Mama DeLuca

The rhythmic heart of Forest Park

Kagan & Gaines serves as music service center, hub of harmony for four decades

BY JACKIE PISANO | Contributing Reporter

Since 1982, Forest Park has been the hometown of Kagan & Gaines, a one-stop shop for all things music.

From selling instruments and sheet music to providing music lessons and fostering musician connections, the local music shop has served generations of music lovers from beginners and students to professionals and educators.

Founded by Robert Kagan in 1930 as a string instrument shop, Kagan & Gaines was originally located in downtown Chicago on Wabash Avenue. In 1941, teenager Joe Cali began working at the store, eventually working his way up to manager and later purchasing the business from Kagan in 1962. In 1982, Cali — the father of current owner Joe Cali Jr — made the decision to move the store to its current location at 7655 Roosevelt Road.

Lincoln Smith, the store’s manager, says that Kagan & Gaines being a successful mainstay in the community for four decades is something they don’t take for granted.

“We’re located in the middle of some of the most talentpacked, independent arts communities in the Chicago area,” he said. “We’re lucky enough to be just down the street from historic venues like Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, and Fitzgerald’s and Friendly Tap in Berwyn. The area schools are a great example of thriving music programs [and] we’re thankful every day to be a true destination for musicians in this kind of totally unique and

culturally rich community.”

According to Smith, what has helped lead to Kagan & Gaines’ lasting success is not only the vast inventory of band and orchestra instruments stocked, but collection of unique, hard-to-find instruments, repair persons and instructors all under one roof.

“We carry guitars, drums, speakers, mixers, keyboards, ukuleles and accessories in the front-of-house, but we have a lot of hidden gems,” Smith said. “We have a lot of oddball instruments that have collected over the past decades, so if a musician is looking for something oddly specific, there’s a chance that we’ll have it — from a dulcimer to new old-stock ’70s trombones that have never been taken out of the plastic, to dozens of metal clarinets or C-melody saxophones; things that you would never know we have unless you ask.”

Aside from sales, Kagan & Gaines offers instruction for instruments including guitar, piano, bass, drums, violin, viola and cello — all by coaches who hold degrees for their instrument. Smith, who himself is primarily a guitarist, also dabbles in piano and mandolin and gigs around the Chicagoland area at restaurants, bars and private parties.

Though most of the store’s business is local, Kagan & Gaines also maintains a shop on music marketplace website Reverb. com, with the goal of reaching audiences both across the U.S. but around the world.

Violins are stored in a dedicated strings room. | PROVIDEDA performance space serves as both a lesson space and inti mate concert venue. | PROVIDED

Lincoln Smith is the manager of Kagan & Gaines, which offers a large variety of instruments from strings and woodwinds to keyboards and drum sets. Kagan & Gaines has proudly served musicians for nearly 100 years. | PROVIDED

“Customers all over the country would likely know us as a violin shop first,” Smith said. “We have an inhouse luthier and serve over 1,000 rental customers locally We ship fine violins to private teachers as far out as Pennsylvania and Colorado when their students are ready to purchase. Another of our hidden gems is our string brand, Westminster Strings, which we ship all over the world to distributors and violin shops as far as Poland, China and Australia.”

And, while the vast majority of shopping across business sectors has shifted to e-commerce over the past decade, Smith says that Kagan & Gaines remains a thriving and competitive business not only due to their vast inventory, but employees who have fostered personable shopping experiences and meaningful customer relationships over the years.

“I have a very realistic view that

brick-and-mortar music shops will always be in demand,” he said. “Most instrumentalists want to see and hold their instrument before committing. When someone calls or walks in the door, we want them to be wowed with how attentive we are — the whole sales staff is made up of musicians who love the nitty-gritty of gear and can give detailed guidance, and in most cases, personal experience.”

For Smith, what he loves most about his role as store manager is that no two days look the same.

“I have an incredible team behind me, a great shop culture that we’ve curated and an incredible community that gives us a lot of potential for growth as we get our name out to more of the local crowd,” he said. “We love meeting more of our community and I think we have something to offer everyone — it may be the match that kicks off a lifelong love of music.”

By the NUMBERS

Number of employees: 14 (including instructors)

Number of instructors: 7

Number of pages of sheet music sold each year: Roughly 16,000 individual pages of sheet music in around 800 books

Number of instruments rented out each year: Over 1,000

Number of instruments sold each year: 600-700

Number of music lessons each year: Close to 3,000 in 2025

Top three instruments sold: Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar, Yamaha P45 digital piano, Kala KA-15C concert ukulele

Top three instruments rented: Violin, viola and cello

Any other interesting numbers facts you could add? No. 1 largest Yamaha showroom in Illinois

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C ommunity Information

Howard Mohr

Community Center

7640 Jackson Blvd.

708-771-7737

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays Director: Karen Dylewski

The Howard R. Mohr Community Center, named in honor of the late state senator and Forest Park mayor, serves as a hub for both entertainment and social services. From supervising children before and after school to sponsoring weekly senior citizen trips, the community center meets many needs.

Children’s Clubhouse

The Children’s Clubhouse is a before and after school daycare program for children who attend Forest Park public schools, grades K-6. Offered weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year Call for free information.

Food Pantry

The Community Education Food Pantry is available to residents in need of emergency food due to temporary unemployment or other financial needs. Donations of canned or boxed, nonperishable food items are accepted year-round. Each Thanksgiving, food baskets are delivered to Forest Park families who are in need. Food and gift baskets are also distributed at Christmas.

Community Fridge

A publicly accessible refrigerator and pantry stocked with publicly accessible food for those with food insecurity..

Pace Bus Passes

Pace bus passes are available to adults at the rate of $20.00 for a 7 day pass. In addition, reduced fare rates for the passes are available to seniors and students.

Rules of the Road Review Class

Offered periodically, the purpose of the course is to help citizens pass the Illinois Drivers License Examination. Call for dates and times.

Senior Activities and Trips

The center offers a number of activities and services for seniors including Wed. trips to a variety of venues (theater, sports, games of chance, special exhibits.) Informational and personal safety seminars are also scheduled throughout the year

Senior and Disabled Dial-a-Ride

Bus transportation is offered Mon.-Fri. 8:30am - 2:00pm for seniors and people with disabilities. The bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. The cost is $1.00 each way Service includes trips to doctors, shopping, etc. within Forest Park and two miles outside the village borders. Call at least 24 hours in advance for an appointment.

Senior Bingo and Lunch

Ten games of bingo and lunch are offered to senior citizens for a small fee monthly, the 4th Thursday of each month. Call the center for dates, reservations, and to arrange transportation.

Senior Citizens Club

Meets Tues. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center Offers social activities for seniors, including arts and crafts, card and board games, visiting with old friends and making new ones. The club welcomes members from surrounding communities. Transportation is available to Forest Park residents by appointment.

Senior Income Tax Preparation

The American Association of Retired Persons will be at the center on Monday & Tuesday mornings to assist senior citizens with income tax preparation Feb. - April. This free service and transportation are available by appointment only.

Forest Park Community Fridge | TODD BANNOR

Community Info

Senior Movie

A first-run movie is presented at the center once a month, usually the second Thurs. Popcorn is provided. There is no charge. Call for date and time.

Senior Newsletter

Comes out the first Tues. of even-numbered months announcing weekly trips and events. Copies are available at the center, village hall and the library.

Senior Shopping Trips

Mon. Living Fresh & Tony’s Finer Foods, Wed. River Forest Jewel, Thurs. Broadview Aldi, Fri. Walmart. Call the center for schedules or to make an appointment.

Senior Taxicab Discount

State of Illinois Mobile Drivers Service

Offered periodically at the center, this service issues state IDs, renews driver licenses needing eye and/or written tests, for individuals who are within a year of expiration. Also changes information such as new addresses. Current fees apply The program is open to anyone younger than 75. Those older than 75 must go to a secretary of state facility.

Summer Clubhouse

Senior citizen taxicab coupon books can be purchased the center at the cost of $7.50 for $10 worth of coupons. The coupons are used in lieu of cash when paying cab fare and never expire.

The Community Center offers a summer daycare for children entering grades K-6. Creative projects, free play, weekly field trips, swimming, structured games, indoor and outdoor sports. This program provides summer adventures that promote a healthy mind, body and spirit. Call for dates and fee information.

Tiffany Stained

Bob and craftsmanship while cr art glass for homes and public spaces since 1975

BY HECTOR CERVANTES |Contributing Reporter

(Above) Custom Prairie Style stained glass light fixture in Oak Park. (Left) Stained glass rose window at Village of Rosemont Village Hall. | PROVIDED

Stained Glass Dome, at La Grande Boucherie in Chicago | PROVIDED

OAK PARK | FOREST PARK | UIC TAYLOR STREET

PropertyManagement is afullservice property managementfirm formedin 1986. "Raising the standard"has continued tobe part of the foundation ofour business.

PropertyManagement is afullservice property managementfirm 1986. "Raising the standard"has continued tobe part of the ofour business.

OAK PARK | FOREST PARK | UIC TAYLOR STREET

primary focus is the managementof multi-unit apartment rental properties Condominium Associations. We presently manage over 1,110 units throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and theUIC/Taylor St.district.

focus is the managementof multi-unit apartment rental properties Condominium Associations We presently manage over 1,110 units Park, Forest Park and theUIC/Taylor St.district.

M&M Property Management Inc. is proud to have been a part of the local community for 30+ years providing quality housing and management services.

M&M Property Management Inc. is proud to have been a part of the local community for 30+ years providing quality housing and management services.

M&M PropertyManagement is afullservice property managementfirm formedin 1986. "Raising the standard"has continued tobe part of the foundation ofour business.

PropertyManagement Inc. has been apart of the localcommunityfor providing quality housing andmanagement services

Our primary focus is the managementof multi-unit apartment rental properties and Condominium Associations. We presently manage over 1,110 units throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and theUIC/Taylor St.district.

Our primary focus is the management of multiunit apartment rental properties and condominium associations.

Our primary focus is the management of multi-unit apartment rental properties and condominium associations. We presently manage over 1,400 units throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and the UIC/Taylor St. district.

PropertyManagement Inc. has been apart of the localcommunityfor years providing quality housing andmanagement services. RaisingtheStandard”| www.mmpropmgt.com

RaisingtheStandard”| www.mmpropmgt.com

M&M PropertyManagement Inc. has been apart of the localcommunityfor over 25 years providing quality housing andmanagement services

We presently manage over 2,000 units throughout Oak Park, Forest Park and the UIC/Taylor St. district.

649 W. Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 708-386-7355

506 Wesley, Unit C Oak Park, IL 60304 708-386-7355

“RaisingtheStandard”| www.mmpropmgt.com 649 W. Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 708-386-7355

506 Wesley, Unit C • Oak Park, IL 60304 708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER

Oak Park - River Forest

Stained Glass Laylight Ceiling at The Alston Restaurant, in Chicago.| PROVIDED

ST AINED GLASS

Continued from page 27

started to falter At that point, Pat and I decided to take over the business and pivot toward work that reflected what we were more familiar with: architectural features like stained glass windows, beveled glass doors and Prairie School–style lighting fixtures,” Bob Nugent said.

He and Pat are the owners and founders, having taken over the company from an earlier partnership and guiding its growth into what it is now.

Pat was educated in the history and significance of influential artists, whose work continues to shape the direction of the business today.

“It ’s a popular thing for us to study where the glassworking, the art of it is presently and how it ’s moving forward. But we follow more of a historical prescription. That is, we follow the same techniques, the same materials, the same disciplines,” Bob Nugent said.

Architectural and decorative glass trends have remained largely consistent over the decades, with the most significant changes occurring in the adoption of modern technology to streamline production processes. Bob Nugent explained that Tiffany Stained Glass has adapted by incorporating these technological advancements to more efficiently create and restore pieces while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

“There are very few technological advances that become mainstream and are regularly used by us. So, we largely stick to the basics of historical techniques and disciplines to produce accurate reproductions and create pieces that maintain the integrity of the original work,” Bob Nugent said.

A history of finer dining

A license for liquor made Forest Park a destination for decades

BY RISÉ SANDERSWEIR | Eats Reporter

Forest Park has poured drinks for the entire region since temperance grabbed neighboring towns in its grip back in the 1870s. And while that has meant a whole host of bars, taverns, lounges and watering holes, it ’s also meant the village has been a center of finer dining too

Names like La Strada, Homer’s, Richard’s Tavern, Christina’s, Jerome’s, Gianotti’s, Olde Town West, Cesar’s and the Pines Lobster and Steak House linger in sepiatoned memories.

Elizabeth Taylor dined here too

But long before her arrival, Otto’s Restaurant, which used to be at 7212 W. Washington Avenue – between Harlem and Elgin Avenues (townhouses today), was serving up German fare to discerning diners.

One Facebook poster recalled that her grandmother lived around the corner from the location, but women weren’t allowed in the restaurant until evening dinner service.

Otto’s was a popular spot for post funeral luncheons as mourners traveled back from cemeteries in western suburbs. In the days of horse and buggy, it was a long haul out to the burial grounds and Otto’s was a very convenient and appropriate

Otto’s Restaurant, formerly at 7212 W. Washington | NEWPAPER CLIP

place to “pour one out” for the dearly departed.

In 2013, the Forest Park Historical Society hosted a progressive dinner and tour of Madison Street, sipping, dining and learning about its place in the regional dining scene. Restaurant names have changed, but Forest Park’s reputation for more free flowing drink made the village an attractive place for restaurateurs.

To tip back in time, Oak Park and River Forest didn’t allow alcoholic beverages to be served, even when ordering dinner, until the 1970s. Oak Park didn’t allow drinks without a meal until 2011.

Getting back to

Elizabeth Taylor: her third husband, Mike Todd, is buried within Jewish Waldheim cemetery After his interment there (he died in a plane crash,) Taylor was a frequent visitor to his grave. She was known to stop in at the Golden Steer Restaurant. It’s said that her drink of choice was Jack Daniel’s, neat.

Golden Steer, at 7635 Roosevelt Road, still carries those glory days of dining history forward. A steak from there, replete with their justifiably famous baked French onion soup, along with a few cocktails will send you down nostalgia lane, even if you aren’t old enough to actually remember those swankier times.

On a personal note: I met my future in-laws there only a few weeks into dating my now husband of 25 years. It was a full-throated Sunday brunch where the old fashioneds flowed. By the end of the meal one of the group took me by the arm and said, “Welcome to the family.” His warmth and welcome still color my rosy view of dining in Forest Park!

Golden Steer | FILE

GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL EATS

Travel the world, while eating in the village

BY RISÉ SANDERSWEIR

How many parts of the globe can you taste from Forest Park? There are many destinations that can whet your appetite for eating adventure, no passport required.

CHINA

Chinese Dragon 2, 7600 Madison Street, serves up a vast menu that brings the food of a country of 1.4 billion people to the American plate. Egg foo young, moo shu pork, sesame chicken go along with Thai and Vietnamese offerings.

IRELAND

O’Sullivan’s Public House, 7244 Madison Street, packs a punch with both a full bar and full menu. They’ve got the bar food you are expecting, as well as regular specials. You gotta try the fish and chips!

ITALY

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

di ricotta al tartufo

Caffe de Luca, 7427 Madison Street, says they are a taste of Venice. Seafood, steaks, pasta and more are great inside, but rooftop terrace dining for Sunday brunch is divine.

Piacere Mio, 7636 Madison Street, puts the focus on Sicilian dishes. Pillowy gnocchi with chicken, asparagus and sundried tomatoes are touched with truffle cream. Desserts are special too

Gnocchi

Jimmy’s Place, 7411 Madison Street, is the home cooking that you never had the luck of having at home. Pizza is tavern-style with crunchy crust (and offered in a gluten-free version.)

, 1527 S. Harlem Avenue, comes from the minds that created La Parra. Coastal European is the menu’s promise. Linguine Alla Di’Vino combines shrimp and mushrooms with bacon and garlic cream.

MEXICO

NRebozo, 7403 Madison Street, sets a first-class ticket vibe with flights of moles, made in-house with several unique recipes. Squash blossom mole is a seasonal favorite.

PAN

Happy Izakaya, 7230 Madison eet, is upstairs when you enter

The cheerful sushi bar captures a street scene in Tokyo. Donburi are sushi rice covered in meat or veggies simmered in sauce.

White Crane, 819 S. Harlem Avenue, touts creative Thai and sushi, so it could be under either flag. Try hamachi carpaccio: yellow tail sushi pieces, layered with ponzu, jalapeno, olive oil and chili sauce.

JORDAN

Petra Falafel, 7314 Madison Street, serves falafel of course, but also a wide range of Mediterranean specialties: shawarma, kebabs, kafta, lentil soup Roasted eggplant meets its pinnacle in baba ghanoush.

actus Grill, 315 S. Harlem Avenue, stakes its reputation on authentic flavors, but it is in on the trends too Case in point: quesabirria, slow-cooked shredded meat is shrouded in melted cheese.

Chirrion, 7510 Madison Street, pours on the atmosphere with featured drinks like micheladas, mojitos, margaritas, palomas and sangrias. A breakfast menu (really a brunch menu) tempts the tastebuds.

Macho’s Grill, 7300 Roosevelt Road, makes their tortillas in-house, so they are slightly thicker than the ones you buy in grocery stores, but diners say that just brings out the favor

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina, 7404 Madison Street, offers an extensive menu that can cover vegetarian and vegan eaters. The atmosphere inside makes you feel like you are dining on a vibrant street in Mexico

Tacabron, 7330 Harrison Street, has menu standouts like huaraches, which is a fabulous street food: masa in a boat-shape that is filled with your choice of meats or veg, then grilled to crispy perfection.

THAILAND

Habrae, 7230 Madison Street, reaches for authenticity There is a full menu, often featuring seasonal treats, but dessert is where the action is at: mango sticky rice, taro custard cake, banana dumplings and more.

Yum Thai, 7330 Madison Street, makes a point of choosing the freshest ingredients, and making the healthiest twists on traditional dishes. Kao soy combines soft and crunchy noodles in a creamy yellow curry.

Kaeng Kua from Habrae

Linguine Frutti Di Mare

Zucchini blossom mole from NReboza

DI’VINO

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes&

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes& meaningfulopportunitiesforalllearners:

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes& meaningfulopportunitiesforalllearners: th

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5) withhalfandfull-dayoptions

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5) withhalfandfull-dayoptions

Districtprovided schoolsupplies and fieldtrips

Districtprovided schoolsupplies and fieldtrips

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes& meaningfulopportunitiesforalllearners:

All4schoolsearned CommendableStatus onthe IllinoisStateReportCard!

Smallclasssizes (5:1Preschool;15:1K–8)ledbyhighly qualifiedteachers

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes& meaningfulopportunitiesforalllearners: th

Smallclasssizes (5:1Preschool;15:1K–8)ledbyhighly qualifiedteachers

All4schoolsearned CommendableStatus onthe IllinoisStateReportCard!

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5) withhalfandfull-dayoptions

• All 4 schools earned Commendable Status on the Illinois State Report Card!

Districtprovided schoolsupplies and fieldtrips

• Forest Park Preschool is a 5-day program (ages 3–5) with half and full-day options

• District provided school supplies and field trips

Innovativelearning: STEAMLabs(grades3–8)&newly renovatedFPMSsciencelabs(2026–27)

Innovativelearning: STEAMLabs(grades3–8)&newly renovatedFPMSsciencelabs(2026–27)

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5) withhalfandfull-dayoptions

Smallclasssizes (5:1Preschool;15:1K–8)ledbyhighly qualifiedteachers

All4schoolsearned CommendableStatus onthe IllinoisStateReportCard!

Districtprovided schoolsupplies and fieldtrips

• Innovative learning: STEAM Labs (grades 3–8) & newly renovated FPMS science labs (2026–27)

Innovativelearning: STEAMLabs(grades3–8)&newly renovatedFPMSsciencelabs(2026–27)

• Small class sizes (5:1 Preschool; 15:1 K–8) led by highly qualified teachers

Ourdistrictproudlyservesstudentsfrompreschool through8grade,deliveringstrongoutcomes& meaningfulopportunitiesforalllearners: th

grade

Spanishinstruction forallstudents,Preschool–8th grade

Smallclasssizes (5:1Preschool;15:1K–8)ledbyhighly qualifiedteachers

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5) withhalfandfull-dayoptions

• Spanish instruction for all students, Preschool–8th grade

Spanishinstruction forallstudents,Preschool–8th grade

Innovativelearning: STEAMLabs(grades3–8)&newly renovatedFPMSsciencelabs(2026–27)

Spanishinstruction forallstudents,Preschool–8th grade

Districtprovided schoolsupplies and fieldtrips

Smallclasssizes (5:1Preschool;15:1K–8)ledbyhighly qualifiedteachers

All4schoolsearned CommendableStatus onthe IllinoisStateReportCard!

ForestParkPreschool isa5-dayprogram(ages3–5)

HOURS 36 36

At Field Stevenson, every student learns the Go Sharks song from teacher Meeghan Leikel who fosters a creative outlet for students in her music classes.

April Vasquez helps customers at the sweet shop Twisted Cookie at 7401 Madison where the aroma of warm butter, vanilla and caramelized sugar bring comfort to those who stop in.

Challenged to capture Forest Park in 36 hours of photos, Erica Benson, local resident and photographer set out to find some of the community threads that bind our community together and keep us all coming out for more.

The Forest Bark Dog Park at Lehmer and Circle provides zoomie space, exercise and friendships for Cooper and his owner, Rob Schule.

Students share their talents and expertise at Proviso Math and Science Academy at Roosevelt and First Ave. Together they are encouraged to explore their creativity to solve problems and promote a culture of excellence.

Above: Busy as a beaver Public Works employee Dan Michaels chips wood plies left at curbs among many other village responsibilitie.

Right Center: Members of the Free Range Ukulele Society of Oak Park gather to play for their meet-up sessions at Eagles Hall (Fraternal Order of the Eagles).

Right: St. Paul’s Lutheran Thai Church at Brown and Dixon serves to guide and strengthen bonds, provide mutual support and sense of belonging to members while Smith Samaharn and Aran Anthony add a musical touch.

Right: The steady traffic outside the drive thru to the famous Portillos at Roosevelt and Deplaines is a testament to the popular Italian beef, Chicago style hot dog, charbroiled burgers and chocolate sheet cakes.

Lower right: Dancing is always in fashion at Rhythm and Blues Cafe at Ferdinand and Madison. Instructor Jackie Parker (left) and Davyana King enjoy line dancing before enjoying southern comfort food with a modern twist.

Below: Disabled American Veterans meet at the Howard Mohr Community Center at Desplaines and Jackson once a month as one of the many groups that call the center home.

Left and above: For 85 years Circle Lanes has been drawing teams, families and friends together at this classic, neighborhood spot with a bar, pool tables and a comforting atmosphere.

Below: Night life in Forest Park includes standup entertainment from comedians, including Cassandra Simpson, and hilarious improve teams

Above: Music is on tap at Roberts West Side, located at Madison and Circle. Equipped with two stages for local bands, open jams, bocce leagues and fundraisers.

Middle right: The CTA Blue Line brings late-night patrons home to the end-of-the-line stop, Forest Park.

Right: Like other cemeteries nestled along the Desplaines River, Forest Home Cemetery has been a source of comfort, serenity and space to honor the lives of many people from near and far.

at Babs Comedy Club

Bartender Tommy Kelliher pours a variety of beers to accompany the menu at the popular O’Sullivan’s Public House

Engage Christian Church

1000 Elgin engagecc.org

Pastor: Dawayne Choice

Chicagoland Christian Center 848 Ferdinand (773) 785-1700

Forest Park Baptist Church 133 Harlem Ave. 708-366-5091

Forestparkbaptist.com

Pastor: Timothy Hein

Living Word Christian Center

Office: 7306 W. Madison St Services: 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-697-5000

St. Bernardine Catholic Church | FILE

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Christ

500 Hannah Ave. 708-689-8312

mtmoriahchurchil.org

Pastor: Maurice L. Streeter

St Bernardine Catholic Church

7246 W. Harrison St 708-366-0839

stlstbparish.org/

Pastor: Stanislaw Kuca

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave. 708-366-3226

stjohnforestpark.org

Pastor: Leonard Payton

St. Paul Thai Church

7416 Dixon St

Primary: (708) 689-8584

Pastor: David Mercurio Bilingual Thai-English services

Your Neighborhood Destination for FAITH-BASED BOOKS & RESOURCES

Stop in today and shop our wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs, gifts, and more for the entire family!

Plus, enjoy coffee, fresh fruit smoothies and popcorn, sandwiches, snacks, and more at our Royal Café.

Re al Estate Statistics

This data represents sales of single-family homes and condo/townhomes in Forest Park from March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026. In addition to total homes sold and average sale prices, we’ve also included two stats: Market Time and Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio that show how rapidly the current market is moving. We also included information for rental contracts that were listed on the Multiple Listing Service.

■ Market Time is the number of days a property is on the market from the time it is listed until the day that it closes. In “normal” times, a seller might put their home on the market and expect it to go under contract within a month or two. Following that, it might take another month for the home to close. A low Market Time number indicates a strong market that favors sellers. Average Market Time for Detached Housing in Forest Park is at 47, indicating the market is moving relatively quickly, compared to a national average of 60-70 days.

■ Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio indicates the percentage of the listing price that a property was sold for. You might expect this number to be less than 100%, since buyers often try to negotiate discounts off the listing price. If the number is at 100% as it was in Detached Homes, that means sellers are getting exactly what they are asking from buyers.

Our thanks to the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors for providing these statistics.

Forest Park Real Estate Stats:

Detached Single Family Home:

Least Expensive Sale:

7710 Wilcox St.; $125,000 June 205

Most Expensive Sale:

500 Circle Ave.; $950,000 October 2025

Attached Unit:

Least Expensive Sale:

310 Lathrop Ave., Unit 302 (0 bedroom, 1 bath)

$85,000 March 2025

Most Expensive Sale:

7457 Washington St (4 bedroom; 3.1 bath, new construction, 3-story duplex) $725,000 April 2025

Detached Home Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 86

Average Market Time: 47 days

Median Sold Price: $407,500

Average Sold Price: $444,392

Total Volume of Sales: $38,217,700

Sale Price/Listing Price: 100%

Median Price Increase over same period

2024/2025: +3.3%

Attached Unit Stats:

Number of Units Sold: 119

Average Market Time: 42 days

Median Sold Price: $171,000

Average Sold Price: $235,141

Total Volume of Sales: $27,981,837

Sale Price/Listing Price: 99%

Median Price Decrease Over Same Period 2024/2025: -8.6 %

Rental Statistics:

In Forest Park, roughly 46% of the housing stock is rentals, while roughly 54% of the housing stock is owner-occupied. Below are statistics from the rental properties that were listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) between March 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026.

Number of Units: 135

Average Market Time: 40 days

Median Rental Price: $1,600

Average Rental Price: $1,816

Maximum Rental Price: $5,000

Minimum Rental Price: $950

7457 Washington St

500 Circle Ave.

Community Room, Library and Dining Room

Sun Room and Outdoor Courtyard Salon | Free Wi-Fi | Coin Laundry

Coordinated Transportation to Shopping | Social Events | Restaurants Cultural Activities

Government

State Government

Illinois

House Speaker/State Representative 7th District

Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch (D) 10055 W. Roosevelt Rd., Suite E Westchester, IL 60154

708- 450-1000

Springfield Office: 249-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8120

State Representative 8th District

La Shawn K. Ford (D) 5051 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60651 773-750-0866

Springfield Office: 239-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-5962

State Senator 4th District

Kimberly A. Lightford (D) www.ilga.gov/senate

Senate Majority Leader 4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 550 Hillside, IL 60162 708-632-4500

Springfield Office: 309-H Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8505

Village of Forest Park

Village Hall

517 Des Plaines Ave.

708-366-2323

forestpark.net

Hours:

Monday—Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Closed Weekends

Village Council

The village is incorporated under a modified commission form of government with the mayor and commissioners elected every four years. Forest Park has five commissioners, four of which are elected at large. The fifth commissioner is the mayor who has the dual role of both mayor and commissioner

■ Mayor Rory E. Hoskins and the Commissioner for the Department of Public Affairs.

■ Commissioner Maria Maxham, Accounts and Finance

■ Commissioner Michelle MelinRogovin, Streets and Public Improvements

■ Commissioner Ryan Nero, Public Health and Safety

■ Commissioner Jessica Voogd, Public Property

■ Departments: Department of Public Affairs, Department of Accounts and Finance, Department of Public Health and Safety, Department of Streets and Public Improvements, Department of Public Property

The village council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mon. each month in the council chambers on the lower level of Village Hall. A portion of each meeting is reserved for citizens’ comments.

Administrators, Department Heads

■ V illage administrator: Rachell Entler

■ V illage clerk: Vanessa Belmonte

■ Police chief: Ken Gross

■ Fire chief: Lindsey Hankus

■ Health and Safety, Building and Code Enforcement Director: Steve Glinke

■ Public Works Director: Salvatore Stella

■ Community Center director: Karen Dylewski

■ Health inspector: Restaurant inspections are handled through Cook County

Boards, Committees, and Commissions:

■ Board of Health

■ Environmental Control Commission

■ Fire and Police Board

■ Fire Pension Board

■ Library Board

■ Plan & Zoning Commission

■ Recreation Board

■ Safety & Traffic Commission

Important Village Numbers

Fire and police emergencies: 911

For non-emergency calls

Fire: 708-366-1234

Police: 708-366-2425

Mayor’s office: 708-615-6200

Administrator’s office: 708-615-6201

Clerk’s office: 708-615-6202

All-night parking: 708-366-7272

Fire inspection: 708-366-1234

Forestry: 708-366-4876

Health department: 708-615-6276

Street and alley maintenance: 708-366-4876

Water meter hookup and repair: 708-366-2323

Forest Park potter shapes community through art

Through

her pottery and volunteer work with the Arts Alliance, Bridget Lane helps make the village a hub for artists

BY HECTOR CERVANTES |Contributing Reporter

Bridget Lane has spent more than 50 years working with clay, creating simple, functional pottery designed for everyday use.

A Forest Park resident and secretary of the Forest Park Arts Alliance, Lane combines her passion for ceramics with a commitment to strengthening the local arts community.

Lane’s pottery style is simple and focused on creating functional pieces for everyday use, from teapots to inventive items like garlic shredders. She enjoys making handcrafted items that allow people to connect with art through daily routines rather than mass-produced objects.

“I always joke with people that you’d be surprised what’s happening in the basements of Forest Park. All kinds of people have painting studios, jewelry-

PROVIDED

making spaces and other creative setups. There’s so much going on, and a lot of it has to do with the size of the housing and its appeal in today’s market,” Lane said.

Lane hopes her pottery brings a sense of comfort and personal connection to daily life. She said using a mug or bowl that “fits you ideally” can make small routines, such as drinking morning coffee, feel more enjoyable. Many of Lane’s customers have told her they prefer her handmade mugs and bowls to standard, mass-produced ones.

“Over the years, I’ve figured out some

small details that make my mugs more comfortable to hold, like the size of the handle, unlike something you might get as a promotional piece, which is usually very standardized,” Lane said.

Lane encourages customers to try each of her mugs when she has several for sale, noting that the slight variations in handle size make each piece uniquely comfortable to hold.

The Forest Park Arts Alliance works with the park district, library, village government and the chamber of commerce to integrate art into community events and public spaces. Lane, who has served on the chamber board for nearly a decade, said the group focuses on building community through the arts.

“It’s been so exciting to see how much the community appreciates the art we’ve introduced. We hope to create more murals and similar projects. The bridge painting, in particular, was a community-driven effort, and seeing that level of involvement is very exciting to me,” Lane said.

“The Arts Alliance has a very interesting mission in that the word alliance is really important to it. In other words, we’re not trying to start new things. What we’re trying to do is make sure art gets integrated into what’s already going on in the community,” Lane said.

Schools

DISTRICT 91

Forest Park School District 91

424 Des Plaines Ave.

708-366-5700

fpsd91.org

Dr Elizabeth Álvarez, Superintendent

For information about PTA/PTO organizations, please contact individual schools.

Betsy Ross Elementary School

1315 Marengo Ave.

708-366-7498

fpsd91.org

Grades K-2

Tinisa Huff, principal

DISTRICT 209

Proviso Township High Schools

8601 W. Roosevelt Rd.

708-338-5900

www.pths209.org

Krish Mohip Superintendent

Field-Stevenson Elementary School

925 Beloit Ave. 708-366-5703

fpsd91.org

Grades 3-5

Susan Bogdan, principal

Forest Park Middle School

925 Beloit Ave.

708-366-5742

fpsd91.org

Grades 6-8

Terriyaka Watson, principal

Garfield Elementary School 543 Hannah Ave. 708-366-6945

fpsd91.org

Grades PreK-2

Jamie Stauder, principal

District 91 School Board

Shannon Wood

Monique Cotton Yancy

Monica Angelo

Steve Rummel

Andrea Marello (2 open, unfilled seats)

Proviso East High School

807 S. 1st Ave. Maywood, IL 60153

708-344-7000

pths209.org/east

Rodney Hull, principal

Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy

8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-338-4100

pths209.org/pmsa

Cristin Chiganos, principal

Admission to PMSA is by application only. Contact the PMSA office for more information.

The Proviso East High School band at the River Forest Memorial Day Parade | TODD BANNOR

A.L.M.A. Arts Language Music Academy

PreK-Kindergarten

1037 Marengo

708.769.4853 almacademyworld.org

Bilingual Montessori Lab Academy 1044 Dunlop Ave.

708-366-4916 bimontlab.com

Gasse School of Music

7641 Polk St 708-488-8117 gasseschoolofmusic.org

Giving Tree

7510 W. Randolph St. 708-209-1555 givingtreeschools.com

The Language and Music School at International Mansion

509 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park (708) 524-5252 lmschool.com

Montessori Dual Language Academy

314 Circle Ave.

708-771-5030

mla.school

Yoko Avramov, Director

Oak Park Montessori 16 Lathrop Ave

708-435-4309

oakparkmontessorischool.com

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Triton Community College

2000 5th Ave. River Grove 708-456-0300 triton.edu

Josiah McRae, a preschool student at Garfield Elementary School.

The Forest Park Public Library TOP TEN

ADULT BOOKS:

1. The Frozen River : A Novel / Ariel Lawhon

2. James : A Novel / Percival Everett

3. The God Of The Woods / Liz Moore

4. Remarkably Bright Creatures : A Novel / Shelby Van Pelt

5. The Housemaid / Freida Mcfadden

6. Listen For The Lie : A Novel / Amy Tintera

7. The Anxious Generation : How The Great Rewiring Of Childhood Is Causing An Epidemic Of Mental Illness / Jonathan Haidt

8. Onyx Storm / Rebecca Yarros

9. The Woman In Suite 11 / Ruth Ware

10. Ward D / Freida Mcfadden

YOUNG ADULT:

1. Blue Lock. Muneyuki Kaneshiro

2. Tamon's B-Side. Yuki Shiwasu

3. Komi Can't Communicate. Tomohito Oda

4. My Hero Academia Smash! Hirofumi Neda

5. Spy X Family Tatsuya Endō

6. Heartstopper Alice Oseman

7. Demon Slayer Kimetsu Academy Natsuki Hokami

8. Gachiakuta. Kei Urana

9. Jujutsu Kaisen. Gege Akutami

10. The Skyrim Library. Volume I The Histories

KIDS:

1. Dog Man. Dav Pilkey

2. Big Nate. Lincoln Peirce

3. Baby-Sitters Little Sister A Graphic Novel / Katy Farina

4. Plants Vs. Zombies. Paul Tobin

5. An Elephant & Piggie Biggie-Biggie! Mo Willems

6. Hilo Judd Winick

7. Cat Kid Comic Club Dav Pilkey

8. Cupcake Diaries. Coco Simon

9. Investigators. John Patrick Green

10. Narwhal And Jelly Ben Clanton

NON-BOOK CHECKOUTS

1. DVD/Blu-rays

2. Music CDs

3. Video Games

4. Magazines

5. Audiobooks

6. Wifi Hotspots

7. Wonder books

8. Gadget Collection

9. YS Kits

10. Playaways

99 Haus Balloons: Creative celebrations with an eco-friendly touch

A pandemic pivot turns into a thriving balloon business

BY HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

Forest Park’s 99 Haus Balloons brings color and creativity to events throughout Chicagoland.

The owner and CEO of 99 Haus Balloons, Aubrey Jacknow, explained that the inspiration for 99 Haus Balloons came during the uncertainty of the pandemic. After purchasing a building and launching a bar and event space in 2019, they had begun creating balloon

decor for gatherings. When COVID19 forced operations to shut down and the business did not qualify for assistance programs, they pivoted to balloon design as a way to stay afloat.

“As a bar, we could not remain open. Since I had already been doing balloon arrangements for the event space, we decided to put

the balloons on the bar’s website and advertise outdoor, contact-free deliveries. The balloons did so well that we made it a separate company Eventually we shut down the bar and now the space serves as my workshop,” Jacknow said.

The business operates through two main services: an online shop where customers can place orders for pickup

PROVIDED

company provides decor for a wide range of events, including celebrations to milestone occasions and corporate events.

“We love all of our events, even something as small as a birthday arrangement because we enjoy personalizing everything. Our team loves being part of every event and handling personalizations, whether it’s for something small or a much larger occasion,” Jacknow said.

Since opening, 99 Haus Balloons has completed more than 6,000 orders. Jacknow says this number is largely due to a focus on exceptional customer service and offering balloon designs that stand out from competitors.

“We offer slightly different and more unique balloon arrangements than our competitors and aim to provide a different kind of experience,” Jacknow said.

Sustainability has been a priority for the business from the beginning, driven by Jacknow’s desire to minimize their environmental impact.

Being a member of the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability Jacknow said and influences operations by ensuring they do not participate in balloon releases.

“You should not release balloons into the environment. We’re very much against that. If someone calls to purchase balloons for a release, we do not sell for that and do not recommend it. We always offer alternative options and try to educate our clients,” Jacknow said.

‘Fore’-ging

a new opportunity for golf in Forest Park

Brand-new Madison Street business offers locals opportunity to golf year-round

BY JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter

While the middle of Madison

Street in Forest Park is probably one of the last places someone would consider taking a swing at a golf ball, one of the downtown area’s newest businesses is hoping that this spring, locals of all ages and golfing abilities will do just that.

Swing Away Sports Club, which opened its doors in January, is owned and operated by Forest Park residents Lance Pruett and his wife, Jill Williamson. Located at 7247 Madison St., the business offers golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to try their hand at simulated, data-powered golf lessons.

your club hitting the ball, to help you understand what may have happened on that last shot,” he said.

Patrons can either practice their golf game on their own or book private lessons with one of the center’s experienced instructors, with coaching tailored to each person’s skill level and goals.

Whether you’re itching to play golf on a rainy day, perfect your golf swing before hitting an outdoor course or just have fun with friends, Pruett says Swing Away strives to help people learn about and enjoy golf in a welcoming, judgemental-free space.

After a two-decade career coaching rugby, Pruett says opening Swing Away was his way of doing something entirely new in his retirement.

“I came across indoor golf and thought it would be a great idea, as there are few opportunities to practice golf in the immediate area,” he explained. “We thought that it was something missing from the area and are glad to be able to help fill that gap We love our community and wanted to offer it something for everyone.”

“It’s important to us to make golf accessible to everyone,” he said. “Going to a golf course can be an intimidating thing, and we want to help people overcome that feeling. We have had golfers from 5 years old to over 70 years old come in. We have avid golfers who come in regularly, and first timers who have never swung a club before. It’s a great environment to give golf a try.”

At Swing Away, golfers get to play at one of two golf simulator bays, practicing distance control, speed and swing analysis using software with over 1,900 courses available, from fictional children’s courses such as Jurassic Park to world-renowned courses including Pebble Beach Golf Links (often rated the No. 1 public course in the U.S.) and Augusta National Golf Club (known for hosting the annual Masters Tournament).

“The simulator gives you data that you might not be able to access otherwise, and even shows a video of

Since opening, Pruett says he’s been happy to see that men, women and children have come from across the golfing spectrum, from local high-school and college thletes to seasoned golfers and those just looking to try something new.

In addition, Swing Away is currently hosting a “Women’s Intro to Golf” program, with an LPGA-certified instructor, and also offers opportunities for small group leagues and private party space. In the near future, Pruett says Swing Away will include a fully-stocked snack bar — with hopes of selling alcohol as well — as well as several dart boards, offering locals a new spot for corporate events and fundraisers.

Overall, Pruett says he hopes locals find Swing Away to be a place where they can feel comfortable to truly come as they are.

“We enjoy being a local company with local clients,” he said. “We want to be a virtual golf club, where people can meet and get together with area neighbors — and we are working hard to create that environment.”

For more information or to book golf games, visit swingawaysports.club

BREATHING NEW LIFE into second-hand sporting goods

Play It Again Sports offers new and quality used equipment to local athletes within budget

BY JACKIE PISANO | Contributing Reporter

While Play It Again Sports may be a national chain store for buying and selling new and used sporting goods, the owner of the local Forest Park franchise strives to make his location anything but cookie cutter

Open since June of 2021, Oak Park resident Erich Krumrei has been dedicated to making Play It Again Sports a fixture for local athletes and their families, providing not just quality sports gear and equipment in a range of accessible prices, but also fostering community connections at the same time.

“I enjoy working with the community and the

access it provides to meet a variety of different people, meet a bunch of teams and leagues,” Krumrei said. “To me, it’s really fulfilling to connect people in my network to support kids and sports.

At Play It Again Sports, shoppers of all ages can find an abundance of new and quality used items

for sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball, and even water and winter sports, camping and cycling.

For Krumrei, whose children all played sports at the local and high-school level, bringing a business to locals offering sport goods at prices accessible to a wide range of budgets was important.

“With rising living costs and expenses for playing sports, equipment is not cheap, and people come in here finding a great deal on new and qualityused equipment,” he explained. “With kids trying so many sports, this is a great place to come and trade in your soccer cleats and trade up to a baseball bat.

I think that the surrounding communities have been wonderful supporters of upcycling and recycling equipment that can be used for someone else.”

Along with directly buying products from top sports brands, Krumrei says Play It Again Sports carefully sources its used items from people who

PHOTOS PROVIDED

come in and are offered cash on the spot, helping extend the life of items and give others a chance to try new sports or outfit themselves for current sports without breaking the bank.

“When kids purchase something that’s used, I want them to also feel that they got a cool piece of equipment,” he said. “The biggest drive for me is getting as many kids to play sports as possible. I think there is a tremendous value for kids who play sports; the physical activity, the mental health aspect, learning about team dynamics — there’s a lot of great lessons to be learned. And, costs shouldn’t be a barrier for parents to get their kids into sports.

For equipment and gear brought in that Krumrei either does not have space for or does not deem fit for resale, he says that the store partners with local nonprofits to help customers donate their goods toward Chicagoland charitable causes.

Krumrei says that not only do customers often tend to be repeat individuals and families, but they also get the chance to meet locals they may not otherwise meet through conversations in-store, all of which fosters camaraderie.

“Shopping here is an activity for people to get out of the house and not have to travel to a large box store. If they’re repeat customers, they’ll get to know me and my managers,” he said. “There’s a real sense of community when you see the kids grow and have conversations about what sports they’re playing now I do think that in a digital age, people still also want to come try something on and see something in person before they make a purchase.”

In addition, Krumrei enjoys hosting free community events like his demo days, where reps from national retailers bring new equipment from their factories and offer customers a chance to try out new gear, with Krumrei offering special discounts for purchases.

“I’m happy to be here in Forest Park serving the community,” he said. “We’re continuing to grow and inventory is changing every day — you never know what you’re going to find when you come in here.”

A community place to come swing by

Victory Sports Club brings cutting-edge baseball/softball practice and coaching to local youth and adults

BY JACKIE PISANO | Contributing Reporter

When Oak Park resident Erich Krumrei opened retail sporting goods store Play It Again in the heart of Forest Park’s bustling Madison Street in 2021, he knew that eventually, he would like to expand his business to include a space dedicated to batting cages.

So three years later, when the opportunity to widen his retail footprint presented itself and Krumrei was able to open up space in the back of the store, he finally got to see his goal of bringing batting practice to downtown Forest Park a reality

Enter Victory Sports Club — a premier indoor training facility offering state-of-the-art batting cages, pitching practice, and one-onone personal training from expert coaches dedicated to meeting baseball and softball players where they’re at and helping bring them to the next level.

Since opening its doors in April 2024, Krumrei says Victory has catered to a wide range of athletes, from beginners looking to learn the basics to seasoned

players aiming to hone their skills for high school and collegiate play

With two large batting cages, modern pitching machines to accommodate slow and fast pitch play, a weight training space and coaches ranging from college athletes to former professionals, Krumrei says Victory is

proudly able to accommodate upwards of 100 athletes a month.

“We might be on the small side as far as space goes, but the quality of instruction that folks are getting and the baseball knowledge is exceptional,” he said.

While some days are filled with reservations from whole teams, others are packed with appointments of parents and their children — something Krumrei says was his vision when creating a space that could be used for team building, family bonding and more.

“Kids are starting to work with instructors earlier and earlier, and we have great instructors that are able to cater to young kids and high schoolers,” he explained. “I think it’s convenient for parents to be able to come here and drop their son and daughter off and pick them up in two hours.”

Aside from business from regular athletes, which ebbs and flows depending on sports seasons and of Krumrei says V baseball or softball hand at batting practice are welcome.

People can book a 30-minute or hour-long cage practice with either pitching included or not, monthly memberships if they’d like to use the cages.

With the majority of local club teams, programs and park district leagues, says the batting cages are fulfilling his goal of bringing a quality ity to locals, to practice their skills.

For more including pricing and book ing, visit victorysportclub com or call (708) 446-9159.

“We’re convenient and in the community — you’re not driving 5 or 10 miles for practice,” he said. been great with Victory and providing tha opportunity for and beyond.

ace ften as players of travel ei al of cilar m0 hat k ry book446-9159.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Park District

Park District of Forest Park

Administrative Office

7501 W. Harrison St

708-366-7500

pdofp.org

facebook.com/pdofp/

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday: Closed

The park district offers a variety of recreational programs throughout the year for all ages and in conjunction with local schools. Each resident receives a seasonal brochure and the Forest Park Review with a list of activities, classes and special events. Early registration is recommended to prevent cancellations.

Board of Commissioners

■ Timothy Gillian, President

■ Kristen Lyons, Vice President

■ Roy Sansone, Treasurer

■ Cathleen McDer mott

■ Betty Alzamora

Staff:

■ Jackie Iovinelli, FOIA Officer, Executive Director

■ Jeff Murphy, Superintendent of Business

■ Danette Krajewski, Superintendent of Recreation

■ Andrew Doss, Superintendent of Buildings and Parks

■ Andrew Cumbee, Marketing and Communications Manager

■ R yan Vilanova, Recreation Supervisor

■ Dominique Mazzulla, Recreation Supervisor

■ Karrie Schlichting, Facility Coordinator

A party goer executes a back flip off the spring board at Forest Park’s 16th Annual Juneteenth Pool Party | Todd Bannor

Parks

Park District of Forest Park Main Campus

Features 17 acres of recreation, both indoor and outdoor space. There are three softball fields, a synthetic-turf multi-use field, two playground areas, six tennis courts, two bocce ball pits, two sand volleyball courts, a separate skate park, an outdoor inline skating rink, an outdoor fitness court, fitness trail, outdoor pavilion and berm seating. The main building has multi-use space with an aquatic center In addition the park district is home of the 16” Softball Museum and hosts the annual No Gloves National tournament in July

Forest Park Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center features a zero-depth 367,000 gallon pool, two drop slides, two flume slides, a diving board, lap lanes, a splash pad with interactive play structures, and fullservice concession stand.

Individual pool passes for the 2025 season: residents $75; non-residents $150; senior residents $70; senior non-residents $105; and $15 day-pass for non-members.

Roos Recreation Center

Opened in 2018, this facility has a full-size gymnasium with indoor walking track, fitness room, shower and multi-purpose room. Membership is available for residents at $220 a year or $29/month and non-residents $319/year or $40/month. Discounts available for seniors and students. Residents who are veterans have free membership.

Families pitch their tents at the Forest Park Family Campout | Todd Bannor

Parks

Pocket Parks

Rieger Park

1526 Circle Avenue

Renovated in 2024 to feature a playground, a water play ar shelter area, natural berms, a gaga ball pit, open lawn/soccer field area, play mounds and a stage area.

Lathrop Park

1138 Lathrop

This simple tot lot is a shaded park with playground equipment in a fenced area.

Popelka Park

501 Thomas

Renovated in 2023, this park features a tree-house themed playground with swings and has been designed to accommodate children with sensory issues. The park also features two picnic tables under the shade of maple trees.

Remembrance Park

7341 Randolph

SCORE

Renovated in 2024, this park is named for the memorial recognizing three police officers and one fire firefighter who died while serving the community This park has playground equipment and a gazebo for guests to enjoy

Skate Park

708-366-7500 (Park District)

Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.

(708) 657-4230

7443 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 657-4230

West Suburban Special Recreation Association

The Park District of Forest Park, through the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA), offers more than 60 programs for local residents with disabilities. All ages and all ability levels are served in these therapeutic recreational activities. Many programs are similar to traditional park district classes, such as the association’s swim lessons, fitness classes and day camp. At these programs, a recreation specialist will adjust how skills are taught, how much personal assistance will be given and if any equipment accommodation is needed. Behavior management plans and other tools are used. Some programs require one-on-one staffing for a participant to be successful. Others are designed so that the competition is at a fair level, as in Special Olympics. For detailed information about WSSRA programs and equipment accommodations, call 847-455-2100 or stop by the park district to pick up a brochure.

playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il

7443 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 657-4230

7443 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 657-4230

playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il

playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il

playitagainsports.com/locations/forest-park-il

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Supporting migrant families

Migrant Ministry settles into former parish school

BY HECTOR CERVANTES | CONTRIBUTING REPORTER

The Migrant Ministry, an interfaith effort sponsored by the Catholic Parishes of Oak Park, opened its new location in January 2026 inside the former St. Bernardine School, where volunteers provide clothing, meals, social services and immigration support to migrant families each week.

The Migrant Ministry is coordinated by a volunteer leadership team, with different members overseeing housing, immigration support, volunteers and other key programs. As a coordinator on the Migrant Ministry’s leadership team, Celine Woznica oversees key programs

including housing, volunteer management, and immigration support.

“We have expanded so much. We still operate our free soup kitchens and serve meals, distributing clothing, coats, shoes and other essentials, but we have also

pivoted significantly to immigration support, social services and accompaniment,” Woznica said.

The Migrant Ministry is currently accompanying 26 families, helping them find apartments, covering six months of rent, and providing mentors to support their transition. The ministry also assists families who have had a loved one detained, guiding them through the challenging process.

“We outgrew the previous space because so many people were coming from other shelters and stations. They weren’t coming for showers; they were coming for the clothes, bedding, shoes and other items we were providing,” Woznica said.

A key resource for families is Pan Familiar de Acción, a booklet created by Woznica that helps migrant families

prepare for possible deportation. The guide provides instructions on assigning temporary custody of children, discussing deportation with them and organizing essential documents, with ministry staff reviewing it alongside families to ensure they understand each step

“It's 24 pages long. I created it in color and want it to be distributed in threeprong folders so it ads like a book

“Shopping” in the women and children’s clothing room | PROVIDED

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