Big Week

Looking for a Sci-and Fantasy Discussion Group?

The Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., has got you covered! March 12’s book is “Wild Country” by Anne Bishop, to be discussed from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the community room. Upcoming books are “Kill the Queen” by Jennifer Estep on April 9 and “Borne” by JežVanderMeer on May 14.

BIG WEEK March 4 – 10

Rediscover your taste-buds! Come see Forest Park chef Ashley Simone prepare plant-based soups perfect for spring. She’ll share laughs, recipes and cooking tips while preparing pots of creative soups for tasting and sharing. Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., in the Austin Room.

Composting Forum

Join the village of Forest Park on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. to learn about composting. Did you know that half the materials Americans discard, including food scraps, yard trimmings, and soiled paper, are compostable? Find out about how we can keep our food scraps out of landlls and how composting reduces our waste and saves money. Activities will be provided for kids. Meet community groups and hear a presentation with a Q&A from composting and sustainability experts. This event will be held at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.

Senior Movie and Exercise

Boneheads and Brainiacs

Meet Dr. Moira Dolan, M.D., author of a book all about winners of Novel Prize winners in medicine between 1901 to 1950, who were a surprisingly diverse group of racists, cranks and opportunists… as well as heroes, geniuses and selŠess benefactors of humanity. Dolan will discuss her book “Boneheads and Brainiacs” and sign copies at Centuries & Sleuths, 7419 Madison St., on March 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Red Pop Fury

No cover to see Red Pop Fury, featuring Forest Parker Mark Grzelak! Friday, March 13 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Lantern Haus, 7414 Madison St.

Vaping Explained

Join the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., to learn about vaping and why it’s being called an epidemic for young people. This interactive presentation will be delivered by a Forest Park resident and health educator Mishawn Purnell-O’Neal. O’Neal holds a master’s in public health from Benedictine University and has taught at the college level. She has branched out in order to work with parents, young people and community members through conducting workshops at schools, libraries and more. Thursday, March 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

D91 takes proactive steps to prevent coronavirus

Illinois schools prepare for possible exposure

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

“District 91 is taking proactive and preventative measures to prevent the spread of [coronavirus] and the flu,” said Superintendent Lou Cavallo in a March 3 memo to parents. The information, posted on the school’s website, states that the district is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on stopping the spread of viruses. The district also recommends families follow the same recommendations at home. These steps include disinfecting all hard surfaces, such as doorknobs and desks, at night and throughout the day. Schools will also give students opportunities to wash their hands frequently and will teach them the correct way to do it. Other preventive measures mentioned are: ■ Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. ■ Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. ■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick. ■ Stay home when you are sick and do not send your child to school if he or she is sick. ■ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. The memo also mentions that the school district is keeping up to date on the coronavirus outbreak locally as well as nationally. On March 4, River Forest’s Dominican University students received notification that a student who had been in contact with a patient undergoing treatment for coronavirus did not test positive for the virus.

According to the statement, “The test approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health confirms the student did not contract coronavirus (COVID-19). The institution will continue to walk alongside the student and is thankful to the campus community for the collective response and outpouring of care.” The statement went on to say that the university is “working closely with public health officials at the local, state and national levels to monitor the spread of the virus.” According to Thomas Gibbins in an article in the Dominican Star, the student newspaper at Dominican University, a statement went out to students on Monday, March 2 from Dr. Barrington Price, vice president of student success and engagement, stating that a student living off-campus had been in contact with a coronavirus patient. The statement indicated that the student was not showing symptoms and would be quarantined at home for another week. Other Illinois schools have been affected by coronavirus scares as well. On March 9, ABC News reported that two Illinois schools had closed due to coronavirus. Vaughn Occupational High School in Portage Park is closed until March 18 because a teaching assistant had been on a cruise ship, returned to work and later tested positive for the virus. Loyola Academy in Wilmette was closed March 9 for deep cleaning after learning over the weekend that a student had been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. “We know this situation is unsettling,” said a memo on the school’s website. “However, canceling school on Monday allows us to do an enhanced cleaning of the school and to consult further with public health officials.” The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a statewide hotline at 1-800- 889-3931 to answer questions about coronavirus or report a suspected case.

Courtesy Maria Maxham PREPPING: A hand sanitizing station greets sta and visitors at Forest Park’s village hall, 517 Desplaines Ave., as the village works to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus.

Village addresses coronavirus

Governor declares state of emergency

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Forest Park officials addressed COVID-19 at the March 9 village council meeting. In his report, Village Administrator Tim Gillian said he wanted to “let the residents know that the staff at village hall has been working hard to make sure we’re up to date on all that is the coronavirus.” Mayor Rory Hoskins spoke about the issue in detail, stating that the village has been talking about the issue of coronavirus for the past several weeks. “First and foremost,” said Hoskins, “staff have all been brought up to speed on safety precautions.” He added that the department heads “are in constant communications with state, federal and county authorities for the latest information on what we can do as a town with limited resources to slow the spread of this virus.” Hoskins said the village is encouraging residents to do what they can online, such as purchasing automobile stickers or paying fees. “If you don’t have to come into village hall, then don’t physically come into village hall,” said Hoskins. But he added that hand sanitizer is available in public spaces. And “staff is working overtime to clean vehicles and sanitize common spaces.” Additionally, said Hoskins, the village is talking to and coordinating with the library, the park district, and District 91 to make sure everyone’s on the same page and protected. Hoskins also mentioned that the village has mutual aid agreements with other police and fire departments in the event that Forest Park first responders are affected by coronavirus. In terms of other village staff, the ability to work from home to get things done remotely is a possibility should the need arise. Hoskins mentioned the Howard Mohr Community Center is considering postponing senior events, but nothing official has been done yet. Karen Dylewski, director of the community center, said that Tuesday morning Senior Club is cancelled until April 7, but at this point everything else is business as usual. “We’re diligently cleaning everything,” said Dylewski. “We’re staying on top of it.” A Capital News article on March 9 reported Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a state of emergency decree in response to the COVID-19 threat.

According to the article, the proclamation is “an operational procedure” allowing the federal government to reimburse costs related to the state’s response and making disaster relief funds available. It allows Illinois to station support teams of health officials and first responders as needed as well as receive additional support from the CDC and federal Emergency Management Agency. Thirteen other states have enacted similar measures, including California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Kentucky, New York, Florida and Maryland.

“I want to emphasize that this is a statewide response with robust preparations and deployment of resources in southern, central and northern Illinois,” Pritzker said during a news event in Chicago. According to Capital News, as of Monday Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike reported that there were 11 cases of COVID-19 in Illinois. But Ezike added that “it’s possible we will get more.” Nationally, there were 423 cases in 35 states, including the District of Columbia, as of Monday evening. The Illinois Department of Public Health has a hotline at 1-800-889-3931 for questions about the virus or for reporting suspected cases. Its website has updated information at dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseasesand-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus.

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WE KNOW EGGSACTLY WHAT YOU WANT

All egg dishes are made with free range, USDA organic, non GMO fresh eggs from our local Farmers!

Photos by Melissa Elsmo Chef Robert Nunez cuts pork al pastor from the spit at Gringo and Blondie in Elmwood Park

More than tacos at Gringo & Blondie

An assortment of tacos, cemitas, and burritos await at Gringo and Blondie, located 7514 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park. The new Mexican street-food spot is brought to Restaurant Row by Massa Café Italiano owner, Angelo Lollino.

Lollino, the North Avenue gelato genius, had always dreamed of opening a Mexican restaurant in Elmwood Park. Seven years ago, he hired Robert Nunez to run front-of-the-house operations at Massa Café Italiano. Lollino supported Nunez’s aspiration to attend culinary school and after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago, Nunez took over back-of-thehouse operations at Massa. Before long, he was helping his boss conceptualize the menu for Gringo and Blondie.

Nunez has been cooking for as long as he can remember — even as a young child he was handson in restaurant kitchens. MELISSA ELSMO Food Writer

BURRITO BOWL: A vegetarian burrito bowl is a colorful option for restricted diners at Gringo and Blondie.

“We didn’t have a babysitter, so my mother would bring me to work at the diner with her,” says Nunez. “I was 11 years old and cooking hash browns on the flat top.”

Exposure to a restaurant kitchen transformed into a lifelong passion. After working his way up through Massa Café, Nunez is now the head chef at Gringo and Blondie. “I am grateful for this opportunity,” he says, “and I know Anthony has put his faith in me.”

The duo collaborated to develop a thoughtful, colorful and authentic menu with creative flair. Today Nunez executes the dishes with confidence. Gringo and Blondie is getting great feedback on their menu and attention to detail.

Everything is cooked to order at Gringo and Blondie and Nunez is particularly proud

Photos by Melissa Elsmo CANE ASADA AND AL PASTOR: Gringo and Blondie two taco dinner, shown here with Carne Asada and Al Pastor tacos, comes with beans and rice.

there is no held meat in the restaurant.

Cooked on a rotating spit topped with fresh pineapple, al pastor is a daily favorite at the Elmwood Park taqueria. Served in tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, the slowcooked pork is a standout menu item in any form.

“It took us a while to get the marinade right, but we finally did,” said Nunez, “it’s not overpowering and has lots of citrus flavor.”

Gringo and Blondie receives a daily fish delivery ensuring their popular shrimp and fish tacos are cooked and served at the peak of freshness. The seafood marinades include epazote, an herb similar to basil with its own distinct flavor.

Modelo beer-battered cod is fried to golden brown and topped with a vinegar-forward Mexican slaw and jalapeno crema, while the shrimp at Gringo and Blondie is served spiced and grilled.

Rather than peddling commonplace tortas, Gringo and Blondie serves up cemitas to folks with a sandwich craving. Cemitas make use of traditional torta fillings but use a specialty bread with a slightly sweet flavor profile, fluffier texture and signature sesame coating.

In fact, Gringo and Blondie takes their love for cemitas a step further by having their local baker make rolls and loaves from the cemita dough. While the rolls are used for sandwiches, the loaves are transformed into French Toast a la Mexicana for brunch. Cin

Gringo & Blondies 7514 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 708-716-3390 GringoandBlondie.com

namon, caramel, candied pecans, whipped cream and seasonal fruits make the dish a standout on the thoughtful Sunday brunch menu. Traditionalists will find Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, and Pozole among the Sunday brunch fare.

“I think having a sense of community in a restaurant is important,” says restaurant manager, Jimme Gallegos, “and Gringo and Blondie has accomplished that in a short time.”

The experienced manager knows the Elmwood Park community was eagerly awaiting the opening of the North Avenue restaurant. After being open for five months, Gallegos is happy to report customers feel happy and comfortable dining at the colorful taqueria. Guests will be able to savor grab-and-go tacos and margaritas in the sun soon enough. Gringo and Blondie will be bringing an outdoor eating area to the restaurant this spring.

“When people make a choice to eat at Gringo and Blondie they are supporting the local community,” says Gallegos.” This is not a chain — this is a family-owned restaurant.”

Noon till 8pm. • Reservations please

PRESENTS

BIKE PATH Safe and convenient

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cation of a grant from the Cook County Department of Transportation in the amount of $432,000 for this project. (Commissioner Dan Novak was not present at the meeting.) The village would supply the additional $108,000 of the $540,000 total project, called the Forest Park Van Buren Street Multi-Use Path Improvement Plan. The plan involves construction of 1,600 linear feet of a 10-foot-wide asphalt multiuse path along the west side of Van Buren Street to the CTA transit center. According

Photo provided MULTI-USE PATH: Forest Park is applying for a grant to build an asphalt path along the west side of Van Buren Street from Madison Street to the parking area/path near the CTA Blue Line Forest Park Transit Center. e project will also connect the existing Illinois Prairie Path to the proposed Desplaines River Trail project.

to the project summary, “the curb will be pushed into the roadway to accommodate the width of the path.” The project has multiple goals and fits into both the village’s comprehensive plan as well as the Active Transportation Plan. One of the goals, according to the project summary in the grant application, is to “encourage more people to bike and walk to Forest Park’s CTA Blue Line station and continue their trip via public transportation instead of driving to get to the same destinations.” This is in line with Forest Park’s larger plan “to create multi-modal transportation options through the village.” The village’s Active Transportation Plan aims to bring improvements that make it “safer and more convenient for people to walk, bike, and use transit in Forest Park.” By eliminating sidewalk gaps along Van Buren, it will be easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely. In addition to being consistent with the village’s long-term goals, the project also fits into Connecting Cook County, the county’s long-range transportation plan that prioritizes “transit and transportation alternatives.” Finally, the project supports the county’s goal to provide “equal access to opportunity.” According to the project summary, about 45 percent of Forest Park residents are low to moderate income, and residents in adjacent Maywood are about 60 percent low to moderate income. Grants will be awarded in July. Design completion is anticipated by April 2, 2021. Bidding for the project would tentatively happen in May 2021, with the start of construction in June and completion of construction in November.

Religion Guide

You’re Invited to

A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls

SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130

William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service

Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television

DAYSTAR (M-F) 3:30-4:00pm Nationwide WJYS-TV (M-F) 6:30-7:00am Chicago, IL. WCIU-TV (Sun.) 10:30-11:00am Chicago, IL. Word Network 10:30-11:00am Nationwide (M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

ELCA, Lutheran Good Shepherd Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00a-Worship 10:30a-Education Hour All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741

409 Greenfi eld Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. www.unitedlutheranchurch.org 708/386-1576 Lutheran—ELCA United Lutheran Church

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church 7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available Grace Lutheran School Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org

Lutheran-Missouri Synod

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org

Methodist

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park 324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park CELEBRATING OUR 108TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church 188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220 stedmund.org

on the corner of  omas and Fair Oaks Ave. worship on Sundays @ 10am nursery care available fairoakspres.org 744 Fair Oaks Ave. • 708.386.4920

OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org

Roman Catholic Ascension Catholic Church

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am 5:00 pm at St. Edmund Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 – 4:45 pm Saturday Taizé Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Upcoming Religious Holidays Mar 2-20 Nineteen Day Fast Baha’i 13 Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard Scientology 17 St. Patrick’s Day Christian 19 St. Joseph’s Day Christian

St. Giles Family Mass Community We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.

Third Unitarian Church Rev. Colleen Vahey 11:30 AM Service 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago (2 blocks east of Austin Blvd.) thirdunitarianchurch.org 773-626-9385 Enriching Spirit. Motivating Action

To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342

PRINCIPALRESIGNS Moves to Carol Stream

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D91’s middle school assistant principal Tinisa Huff was promoted to the position of principal at Betsy Ross, beginning in the 2020/2021 school year. According to D91’s website, Joseph Pisano received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a social science endorsement from Dominican University. He completed his graduate program at Concordia University and received a master’s degree in educational leadership. Superintendent Lou Cavallo, who did not respond by press time with a statement about Pisano’s resignation or with information about the process for hiring a new principal, is retiring after the 2020/2021 school year.

St. Pat’s parade draws huge crowds once again

Good food, good planning make for successful event

By MELISSA ELSMO and MARIA MAXHAM Oak Park Eats and Forest Park Review

Parade goers didn’t need the luck of the Irish to find holiday themed fare along the Forest Park parade route. “Obviously, there was a ton of corned beef sold and eaten on Madison Street on Saturday,” said Christine Westphal Barnard of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. “All businesses that I checked in with seemed to do well.” The Lantern House, Starship and The Junction Diner churned out traditional corned beef sandwiches, while Exit Strategy changed things up a bit by offering corned beef tacos and Rueben eggrolls. In lieu of more traditional boiled corned beef offerings, Small Batch Barbecue offered smoked pastrami sandwiches and earned rave reviews from parade goers. Urban Pioneer Group put a savory-sweet spin on the St. Patrick’s Day theme by offering corned beef sandwiches, Guinness beer and Mama Kat’s Lucky Charms cupcakes. Twisted Cookie made artisan shamrock shakes and shamrock smores to add a little more sweetness to parade day. In addition to serving an impressive 7-tier rainbow hat cake for the parade preparty, Brown Cow pulled out all the culinary stops to honor the Emerald Isle in Forest Park. They enhanced their menu by focusing on green products like Green River floats, mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches and mint chip shakes. Forest Park’s 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t just pull in record crowds for a day of fantastic food and fun. “It was a model of efficiency,” said Mayor Rory Hoskins at a March 9 village council meeting, thanking the village departments for the work they put in. Village Administrator Tim Gillian, who said he’d attended the parade for the past 25 years, was blown away by this year’s event. “Without a doubt, Saturday was the best one I believe we’ve had, certainly in terms of crowds,” said Gillian. He thanked all the departments involved, giving special credit to public works, whose dedication before, during and after the event to help it run smoothly. “By Sunday at noon you would never have known there were thousands of people out there,” said Gillian.

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Irish eyes are smiling Forest Park’s 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade went o without a hitch on March 7. Forest Parkers and visitors celebrated a day of sunshine and festivities.