Forest Park Review 052522

F O R E S T PA R K

ForestParkReview.com Vol. 105, No. 21

$1.00

REVIEW MAY 25, 2022

Mayor Rory Hoskins running for re-election

Touts achievements from Madison St. to rising home values

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Incumbent Forest Park mayor Rory Hoskins announced his intention to run for re-election, with a campaign kick-off/fundraising event scheduled for May 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Shanahan’s restaurant, 7353 Madison St. While the election isn’t until April 4, 2023, Hoskins is determined to hit the ground running. In the campaign e-mail, he touted economic development, the progress in the ongoing efforts to redevelop the village owned Altenheim property and rising home values. Hoskins also said that he’s been building relationships with local schools and nearby communities – something that he plans to continue doing if re-elected.

The May 25 fundraiser comes as Hoskins is looking to refill his campaign war chest. Hoskins for Mayor campaign committee, which remained active since the last election, currently has only a few hundred dollars in the bank. An election campaign report shows the campaign owes $3,000 to an advertising firm, but Hoskins said that this was a clerical error, and the debt was paid off more than two years ago.

Aquatic Center’s splash pads delayed PAGE 3

@FP_Review @ForestParkReview

Going out in a blaze of color Grant-White’s final event Page 8

See HOSKINS on page 7

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 THIS ISSUE Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

John Rice: International Mud Day is almost here

Tom Holmes: Learning how to speak ‘country’

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

PAGE 16

PAGE 15

2

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

ARE YOU BEHIND ON HOUSING COSTS DUE TO COVID-19?

APPLY L FOR UP TO LY

IN EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE!

Join us at the Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Event to receive application assistance for the Illinois Homeownership Assistance Fund!

Thursday, May 26 Noon - 6 PM Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 4550 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, IL 60162 Register at bit.ly/oprhc-housing-help

START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY! The Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund can help with ... delinquent mortgage payments delinquent property taxes delinquent homeowner's insurance and/or flood insurance delinquent mobile home lot rent costs related to a period of forbearance delinquent Homeowner, Condominium, or Co-Op Association fees

Check your eligibility and apply online for the Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund to reduce or eliminate past-due housing costs.

Visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf to learn more and apply!

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Supply chain, weather, COVID-19 delay pool’s splash pad

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

Pool opening on time, splash pads by late July

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

with a spray fountain in the middle. The Castle splash pad on the north side of the grounds will include a water slide and several smaller spray fountains.

Jackie Iovinelli, park district executive director, said the district was able to get most of the project components, but “there are small pieces that complete areas that were missing.” The park district worked with project architect, the Napervillebased Hitchcock Design Group, to adjust the plans accordingly, but any change required multiple layers of approval from the park district, Hitchcock, the project general contractor and the suppliers, which slowed the project down.

It didn’t help that one of the project subcontractors had COVID-19 mitigation “protocol issues,” and faced staffing shortages because too many workers got sick.

Iovinelli said that, as of May 19, they were still on track to finish the splash pads by late July.

In the meantime, the park district is preparing to open the Aquatic Center. While other neighboring park districts, including the Park District of Oak Park, are facing lifeguard shortages, Iovinelli said her park district had no such issues. They need to hire 75 lifeguards, and 48 lifeguards from last summer confirmed that they would be returning this summer, and they already had had 30 applications by May 4.

“Our goal through this is to continue to operate our Aquatic Center in order to meet the needs of our residents, while safely, efficiently and effectively completing the Splash Pad,” Iovinelli said. “As things progress, we will continue to inform our community.”

Supply chain issues and rainy spring weather have delayed the completion of the three splash pads under construction at the east end of the Forest Park Aquatic Center, pushing the opening from May 28 to late July.

When completed, the space will feature three splash pads that get increasingly complex the further north one goes, as well as several shade structures. The Park District of Forest Park wanted to improve what was previously little more than the concrete pad with the shade structure and relieve some of the overcrowding in the main aquatic center.

The groundbreaking took place on Sept.

19, 2021, with the goal of finishing it by the start of the pool season. But the park district announced May 6 that the opening has been delayed, and the situation hasn’t changed much since, But the park district remains hopeful that it will be able to open the splash pads

by August.

The project is part of the larger, multi-year effort to improve park district facilities along Harrison Street.

As previously reported by the Review, the splash pad drew inspiration from the nearby Ferrara Pan Candy Company, 7301 Harrison St., and has a “Candyland” theme, with bright contrasting colors. The pad surfaces were patterned after game boards.

Town Splash Pad at the south end of the grounds will feature hoops and larger spray fountains, with a snakelike pattern drawn across the pad. The Jousting Grounds splash pad will, as the name suggests, feature forwardfacing water sprays that kids A rendering of the splash pads at Forest Park Aquatic Center. can aim at each other, along

Reporter Igor Studenkov Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Big Week Editor James Porter Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review

PROVIDED

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $30 per year. $44 for two years, $60 for three years.

Out-of-county subscriptions: $38 per year.

Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print

by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.

3

4

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

As costs rise, village rejects green pavers for parking lot 3-2 vote against absorbing higher price to pay Desplaines lot

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Park’s village council decided not to repave the village-owned employee parking lot at 510 Desplaines Ave. with permeable pavement after all.

During the May 23 village council meeting, almost four months after they decided to delay the decision, the commissioners voted 3-2 not to go ahead with the project, with Mayor Rory Hoskins casting the deciding vote. The village previously committed to the project thanks in large part to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) agreeing to foot 70% of the projected construction costs. But after the project bids came back higher than expected and with MWRD “unable” to increase their share, commissioners Maria Maxham and Ryan Nero argued

that they couldn’t justify spending the extra money.

During the Feb. 11 meeting, the council decided to hold off taking actions as Hoskins suggested that a federal grant could make up the difference. But the grant failed to materialize and, by May 23, the council was close to running out of time – if it didn’t approve the bid by June 1, it would lose the grant. With the council voting the contract down, village administrator Moses Amidei said Forest Park would still likely need to repave the parking lot within the next five years, even if it’s with more transitional asphalt.

The project would’ve replaced asphalt with permeable pavement, so that, instead of draining into the sewer, rainwater would seep underneath the pavement, where it would be stored and slowly released into the sewer system. That could keep around 40,000 gallons of stormwater from going to the sewers all at once, reducing flooding.

In 2020, Forest Park estimated that the project would cost around $288,000. MWRD agreed to cover $201,600 of it. Forest Park was originally supposed to cover the re-

maining $86,400, as well as $28,800 in construction engineering costs.

But the lowest bid came back higher than expected. With MWRD sticking with the amount they agreed to cover, accepting the bid would’ve increased the village’s share of construction costs to $143,400 and engineering cost would have gone up to $35,000.

Commissioner Jessica Voogd, whose purview includes public land and public parks, reiterated her earlier arguments that the extra cost would be worth the longterm benefit of reducing flooding.

“I expect that we’ll need to deal with this structure in the future and spend money,” she said. “We can do it in a green way, or we can do the asphalt.”

Maxham argued that it could make more sense to apply for MWRD funding again, since the 70% it gets would be more reflective of actual costs. Amidei cautioned that it hinges on construction costs not increasing and MWRD accepting the next application.

Commissioner Joseph Byrnes mused that he “has never seen the prices go lower in construction,” so it might make sense to

take advantage of the opportunity while it’s there.

Nero reiterated his earlier argument that the extra money would be better spent on other, more pressing infrastructure projects. He also noted that Forest Park successfully applied for MWRD grants in the past.

Amidei told the council that he expects MWRD to be understanding of the village’s position, and he doesn’t believe the no vote would hurt their chances with the next grant.

Nero added that, while he generally agreed with Byrnes’ point, he believed that the current supply chain issues were an aberration and that, once they are addressed, the costs wouldn’t rise as fast as they have been recently.

“Are they going to go down? No,” he said.

“But maybe they’ll level out to where they were 2-3 years ago.”

Nero and Maxham voted against the contract, while Voogd and Byrnes voted in favor. Hoskins, who was silent throughout the entire discussion, cast the final ‘no’ vote.

Western suburbs move to collaborate on climate Forest Park joins Broadview, River Forest, Oak Park

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Park is poised to join Broadview, Oak Park and River Forest to form the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative (C4), which would work together to help member communities implement environmental sustainability projects, such as buying charging stations for electric cars and shifting electricity supply toward solar panels.

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins laid out the proposal during the May 23 village council meeting. He said the collaboration would help the communities achieve economies of scale and get better contracts. The collaborative set the ambitious goal of re-

ducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2023, and by 100% by 2050.

The four villages are planning to hold a public Memorandum of Understanding signing at Triton College on June 1 at 10 a.m. The Forest Park village council didn’t discuss the collaborative during the May 23 meeting, and there will be no meeting before then. Hoskins told the Review that, if any of the commissioners tell him they weren’t interested in joining, he wouldn’t participate. But he said that he didn’t anticipate any opposition and emphasized that the terms of the memorandum will allow Forest Park to leave any time.

Hoskins told the council that the C4 proposal was spearheaded by Broadview mayor Katrina Thompson. Broadview, Oak Park and River Forest presented the plans at the West Central Municipal Conference four weeks earlier, inviting member municipalities to participate. The memorandum describes C4 as an agreement between western Cook County suburbs, but otherwise doesn’t impose any membership

requirements.

Under the terms of the memorandum, each member community will establish a local sustainability working group to figure out how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set targets and strategies for making the municipality more environmentally sustainable. The community representatives will meet monthly to develop regional strategies. C4 will contract Gary, Ind. based Urban Efficiency Group and Oak Park-based Seven Generations Ahead consultants to help with the planning.

The memorandum also frames C4 as a way to achieve equity between more welloff communities like Oak Park and the communities that struggled to attract investment, such as Broadview.

“C4 is designed to bring together BIPOC and non-minority communities across income lines to share ideas, secure resources, and drive large-scale projects within and across communities that achieve agreed upon greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, equity, and sustainability goals,”

the document introduction stated.

The document also mentions that minority communities tend to be disproportionately impacted by pollution, so a collaborative approach makes sense.

Hoskins gave the electric vehicle charging station as an example of how C4 could benefit Forest Park. He said that he has seen parking garage owners develop charging stations, with some even approaching the village – but pricing becomes an issue.

“This village has already been approached, but rather than deal [with those companies] individually, it would be possible for Forest Park and other suburbs to work a better deal,” he said.

Hoskins said that village administrator Moses Amidei already had one meeting with his counterparts in the other three villages.

In an interview before the meeting, Hoskins said that C4 was exactly the kind of collaboration between western suburbs that he would like to see more of.

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Growing Community Media

LocalNews a non-profit newsroom

We’ve got YOU covered.

NewsDiningGovernmentActivismArts EducationEventsRealEstateNonprofits Dear Readers, This week in our Spring Fundraising Campaign to raise $50,000 to support GCM’s local community journalism we spotlight our long relationships with the communities we serve. Which is to say, we’ve been around the block a few times and we’re proud of it.

The professional reporting and coverage that you rely on week in and week out in Forest Park Review is grounded in our strong presence in Forest Park since 1917. Through the years, our team of engaged journalists has kept you abreast of what is happening in our community, making sure you have the information you need to act and shape Forest Park for the better. From Jean Lotus, Jackie Shulz and Ken Trainor to Jill Wagner, John Rice and Igor Studenkov, we have welcomed fresh reporters to your beat, always maintaining the high standards of journalism you expect from Forest Park Review.

Since 2005 over 25% of US newspapers and 50% of US journalist jobs have disappeared. Many communities, urban neighborhoods, suburbs, exurbs and beyond, have no source of local community news reporting on their schools, businesses, parks and government actions.

Forest Park Review is not immune from the relentless economic forces driving this decline. To continue to serve the Forest Park’s needs for quality information, the Review became part of the nonprofit Growing Community Media in 2019, allowing tax deductible donations from readers like to you sustain this news you use.

And this coverage NEEDS your support. We rely on YOUR donations to generate over 25% of our operating budget, to allow us the continued privilege of reporting quality news stories that animate our community.

Donate today to help ensure that Forest Park Review coverage can continue for another 105 years and beyond.

Thank you for your continued trust and support, Dan Haley and the Forest Park Review Team

To donate, visit ForestParkReview.com/donate

5

6

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Remembering veterans and starting summer

By TOM HOLMES

Contributing Reporter

Memorial Day, aka Decoration Day, began after the Civil War in the northern states as a time to remember fallen Union soldiers, and after World War I, it evolved into a day to remember veterans who had died in all of this country’s wars.

Next Monday, May 30 at 2 p.m., Joe Byrnes, commissioner and veteran, will emcee what has become the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Park District of Forest Park. The Forest Park Police Dept. color guard will post the colors, said Michael Thompson who organized the event.

Fr. Stan Kuca will pray the invocation, and “a few words” will be said by Mayor Rory Hoskins. A taped version of the National Anthem and taps will be played.

Thompson said the commander of the Forest Park American Legion Post #414 will read the “The American Legion Preamble” which seems timely these days: “For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 100-percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associa-

FILE

tions in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on Earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of

justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”

What will make this year’s ceremony especially meaningful, Thompson added, is that U.S. Army Colonel Michael Chyterbok, who was born in Ukraine, will address the gathering and “give insight into the loss of life in that current conflict.”

served, which will be posted in the Gallery Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial beginning of summer and the Park District marks that by opening the pool for the first time on Saturday, May 28.

“We are excited,” said Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli, “and are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.”

In addition, members of the American Legion will place wreaths at the war memorials located at the Park District Administration Building, St. Bernardine, the corner of Thomas and Adams, and in the Forest Home Cemetery.

The Forest Park Public Library, according to its director, Pilar Shaker, will acknowledge the significance of Memorial Day in several ways: • Adult Services will have a book display featuring titles that are thematically appropriate for Memorial Day • The Youth Services staff will have a pull-out collection that features ageappropriate titles that touch on relevant themes • And the library staff is engaging its followers on social media, asking folks to send photos of friends, family, or other loved ones who have

You can also hop in the car and take a five-minute drive to Trailside Museum at 738 Thatcher Ave. in River Forest for the following programs: • Nature Story Trail: “Ruby’s Birds,” May 28 at 9 a.m.

• Spring in the Prairie Walk, May 28 at 10:30 a.m.

• “Bone” Appetit, May 29 at 3 p.m.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Park District of Forest Park community pool

Police Chief Ken Gross noted that May 15, 2022 to May 21, 2022 is National Police Week (https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2022/). “Two of our officers traveled to Washington DC for events there,” he said. Chief Gross and his wife provided food for all three shifts on May 18 in honor of National Police Week to acknowledge “the hard work that the members of the Forest Park Police Department regularly do.”

FILE

“Bone” Appetit at Trailside Museum

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

HOSKINS

Running for re-election from page 1 In his campaign e-mail, Hoskins touted economic development that happened on his watch, pointing to the under-construction Chipotle location at the northwest corner of Harlem Avenue and Madison Street, the village’s main commercial entry point. He also mentioned that “Madison Street is as busy as ever” – something which has been an ongoing concern throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – but he made no reference to the ongoing complaints of rowdy behavior near some bars, or his efforts to address the issue, anywhere in the e-mail.

Hoskins touted the demolition of the vacant buildings on the villageowned Altenheim property, clearing the way for redevelopment. And he also took credit for the plans to demolish the long-vacant Pines Restaurant and the Oak Leaf Lounge property, 7400-7412 Harrison St. The Park District of Forest Park, bought the site on March 3 for $1.25 million in order to expand its Harrison Street footprint.

The park is a completely separate entity from the village.

Furthermore, Hoskins took a bow for the February 2021 deconversion of the condominium buildings at 1037, 1029, 1021, 1013 and 1005 Des Plaines

Ave. into apartments, saying that it im- when teachers invite him and creatproved public safety and “has resulted ing opportunities for students to see in a noticeable decline in police calls how the village government work. On to those locations.” As Steve Glinke, May 9, a group of fourth graders got Forest Park’s public health and safety an inside look at the village’s police director, told the Review at the time, and fire departments. the village was not involved in the “Ever since I became a mayor, I tried change because the deconversion is to be involved with the local schools,” a civil matter between the buyer and Hoskins said. “I really believe in the the sellers and is regulated under the importance of interacting with parIllinois Condominium Property Act. ents, interacting with students.”

In a follow-up interview, Hoskins The e-mail touted Hoskins “working told the Review that, in closely with our neighborboth cases, the parties ining communities to the volved in the transactions east and west” of Forest approached the village, Park. He told the Review and he gave the projects that he meant lobbying their blessings. He said efforts toward something that, with the Pines site, that benefitted several he will support any zoning western suburbs, such changes and other villageas the Rebuild 290 coalilevel approvals the project tion, a grouping of state may require. In case of and local politicians that the Des Plaines Avenue RORY E. HOSKINS wanted to get federal indeconversions, Hoskins frastructure bill funding said that, when some conto rebuild the Eisenhower dominium owners tried to Expressway.

Hoskins also said that halt the process by refusing to sell, the there were more low-key collaboravillage didn’t take sides.

“We wanted to let the market forces tions. When Forest Park went out to operate and tried not to interfere with buy security cameras, they made sure they got the same models and software them,” he said.

Hoskins told the Review that he as River Forest to ensure cross-comtook pride in building relationships patibility.

“We’re also doing a few fun things,” with Forest Park School District 91 students, teachers and parents. He Hoskins said, adding that, during this said he makes a point of attending year’s St. Patrick’s Day, “mayors of back-to-school events and graduation Oak Park and River Forest marched ceremonies, speaking in classrooms in our parade with us.”

Hoskins’ campaign fund According to his campaign committee’s most recent quarterly filing with the Illinois State Board of Elections, the campaign committee had $756 in hand as of April 1. Hoskins said that, unlike some other area mayors, he doesn’t use the committee to regularly fundraise, and the records don’t show much activity. He had used the fund to make occasional three-figure donations to various political campaigns. Most recently, in Feb. 15, 2021, it donated $250 to Oak Parker Juanita Griffin’s unsuccessful campaign for village board.

On Jan. 16, 2020, it spent $1,300 on catering with Jimmy’s Place, 7551 W. Madison St. And, in 2021, it spent a to-

tal of $950 on non-itemized expenses.

These are expenses that are smaller than $150, so they don’t have to be reported individually.

The campaign received a total of $7,600 in donations in 2020, but no donations in 2021 or the first quarter of 2022. Most notably it received $1,000 from Christopher Burke Engineering, the village’s long-time engineering consultant, on Jan. 14, and another $1,000 from Forest Park-based Iron Workers Local #1 labor union, 7720 Industrial Dr., on June 14.

But the most notable item, which appeared in every quarterly report since the end of the 2019 campaign, is the $3,000 loan from Win Marketing,

of west suburban Addison, which did campaign advertising work throughout the 2019 campaign. The loan was made on March 28, 2019. While the records show that, on Jan. 23, 2020, the campaign committee paid Win Marketing $4,300 to do mailings, there is no record of Hoskins paying the $3,000 loan back.

But when asked about it, Hoskins said he was unaware that the line was in the campaign reports. He said that the “loan” was actually the money he owed Win Marketing, and that he paid it off in December 2019. If the records don’t reflect that, Hoskins said, then he made a mistake during filing.

L E T T E R

‘Fear of the Unknown,’ cannabis and video gaming Steve Glinke, the village’s Director of Building, Planning and Zoning, offered some informed observations during a recent Planning and Zoning Committee meeting regarding the possible opening of a cannabis dispensary in Forest Park.

Some background from “Forest Park May Allow Cannabis Dispensaries on Madison Street” (Forest Park Review, May 17, 2022): “During the Sept. 12, 2019 hearing on how Forest Park would handle the impending recreational cannabis legalization, residents raised concerns about public health issues, education and outreach, safety surrounding the facility itself and whether it would be a strain on the local police department.”

Mr. Glinke rightly reflected on what was said in 2019 and came to this conclusion: the hearings “offered a lot of hyperbole, the fear of the unknown.”

The antidote to the “fear of the unknown” turns out to be real-world experience, observation, and research, as Mr. Glinke noted that since 2019, “the village had a chance to look at dispensaries in Oak Park, Melrose Park, Elmwood Park and Chicago, and consult with the neighboring police departments.

The safety concerns...simply didn’t pan out.”

There’s another likely reason Mr. Glinke and the Planning and Zoning Committee are interested (as they should be) in attracting a dispensary to Forest Park: “Marijuana generates a 5% sales tax...it’s a cash cow, and I think the boogieman is gone.”

If this “fear of the unknown” reminds you of anything, it should. The same fear dominated the discourse around video gaming. “I believe it (video gaming) causes an increase in the crime rate,” asserted a Forest Park resident in this newspaper in 2018. (One doesn’t need to search this newspaper’s archives for very long to find many similar sentiments.)

It’s time for the village to do for video gaming what it did for cannabis dispensaries. Do the research.

Talk to the police and government officials in Berwyn and North Riverside and elsewhere. Look at our own village’s police reports from the time video gaming was here. And present the findings impartially.

For the record, video gaming in Illinois generates 5% tax proceeds for towns such as ours, the same as marijuana sales would. Unless there’s evidence to the contrary, it’s difficult to imagine that the return of video gaming wouldn’t also be a “boogieman-free cash cow.” Why wouldn’t our village welcome both?

Joseph Sullivan

7

8

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

At Grant-White’s final event, parents share mixed feelings Sadness, hope and a call to rally for schools

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

It was a bittersweet evening for many Forest Park District 91 parents who attended the May 19 North Side Art Festival at Grant-White Intermediate Elementary School, 147 Circle Ave. Families walked around the halls to see the artwork from the students who attend the schools serving the north side of Forest Park. They enjoyed the musical performance, and kids enjoyed getting a chance to play on the school playground afterwards. But there was no escaping the fact that it will be the last event Grant-White will be hosting at the very least for a while, maybe forever.

Only seven days earlier, on May 12, the district’s Board of Education voted unanimously to close Grant-White and transfer its students to Field-Stevenson Intermediate Elementary School, 925 Beloit Ave. The move comes in response to the school’s continuously declining enrollment. During the same meeting, the board agreed to make school buses free and available to every student whose family wants to take advantage of them.

Several parents at the event told the Review that their children didn’t even get

to properly experience attending GrantWhite, or any school, for that matter, since the school was remote for much of the past two years.

“I’m a little sad,” said Ashley FesterBrown. “My son is in third grade. He just got used to the school, so he’s a little sad.”

She added that she was concerned about the larger classroom sizes at Field-Stevenson.

“We only got to spend a year, because of COVID,” said Frank Tom, whose son is also in third grade.

He said that, on the balance, while he and his wife were sad to see Grant-White close, they were excited by what Field-Stevenson would bring.

Jeanette Irizarry, whose granddaughter is a fourth grader at Grant-White, said that she didn’t understand why the district “would close a perfectly good school,” and that she felt that the district “didn’t talk to the community all that much.”

“There are not a lot of happy parents out here,” Irizarry said, motioning at the playground.

But her responses to the interview questions also suggested that the district could do more public outreach. Irizarry was under impression that the fifth graders would be transferred to a middle school

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Students interact with the art projects in the hall.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Students and families check out the artwork during the Art Festival at Grant-White Elementary School.

– something that was part of the original proposal but wasn’t approved during the May 12 meeting.

Many of the parents at the art festival had kids at Garfield Elementary School, 543 Hannah Ave. Lauren and Cameron Watkins, who have a daughter in first grade, said that, since they were new to Forest Park and didn’t have any kids at Grant-White, they didn’t feel qualified to comment. But they both said that they appreciated the concert and seeing the kids’ art on the walls.

Molly O’Donnell said that her second-grade child would have gone on to Grant-White if the school wasn’t closed. But she said that, since she was considering moving further west – something that, she said, was due to the rising cost of living rather than anything happening to the schools – so she wasn’t sure whether that would matter.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

O’Donnell said that she hoped that, whatever happens, the Forest Park community doesn’t take its schools for granted.

“We loved [the arts festival],” she said.

“I think public schools in Forest Park are a lifeblood of this community. We hope that the community rallies behind public schools.”

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Children work on coloring pages at the Grant-White Art Festival last week.

Punk reporter Jean Lotus, a former editor of the Forest Park Review, was back in Chicago last week performing as part of a reunion celebration with Barbie Army, the punk rock band she helped create back in the 1980s.

The band played a lot in small venues across Chicago from 1986 to 1991. But according to a long piece in the Reader last March, Barbie Army did not focus much on recording its music, just playing live. But several of the band’s songs were uploaded to YouTube where they caught fire and the attention of a Berlin-based record label which has now released a full collection under the title “Barbies Don’t Bleed: Retrospective 1986-1990.”

These days Jean lives in Colorado and has become the vital online reporter covering the hemp industry.

The things you don’t know about former colleagues.

9

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

10

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

May 25-June 1

BIG WEEK Music & Motion Storytime Friday, May 27, 10:30-11:00 a.m., Reiger Park This special storytelling session was designed for kids 5 and under (weather permitting). Masks are required for parents. 1526 Circle Ave.

STORY WALK: The Me I Choose To Be Wednesday, June 1, all day, Park District of Forest Park This inspirational picture book by Natasha Tarpley is the featured selection during the month of June, focusing on loving yourself and exploring a world of possibilities.

Recommended for kids in pre-school and kindergarten. 517 Desplaines Ave.

Senior Movie Wednesday, May 25, 1 - 3 p.m., Forest Park Library Today’s feature is Lured, a 1947 movie starring Lucille Ball. The screening is hosted by Marie at the Austin Room.

Space is limited. Please register for admission to this socially distanced screening. 7555 Jackson Blvd.

Listing your event Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park groups and businesses are planning.

We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday

Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Habitat Earth: Living in a Connected World Saturday, May 28, 7 -8 p.m., Triton, Cernan Earth and Space Center Dive below the ocean’s surface, travel beneath the forest floor and journey to new heights to witness the intricate intersection between human and ecological networks. Adults: $8, Seniors (55 and over): $4, Children (2-12): $4, Triton College Students, Faculty & Staff with Current Semester ID: FREE, All Other High School or College Student ID: $4

Ivy Ford Tuesday, May 31, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s This Chicago blues guitarist has built up a steady buzz in the last couple of years. Come to this free patio show and find out why. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Portillo’s Garden Dog vs. Traditional Dog A case can be made for both

By DAVID HAMMOND

casings.

Oak Park Eats Condiments play a key role with the Garden Dog, as they do with many other foods.

May 17, 10 a.m., the Garden Dog, Porti- If you have a hankering for sushi, you llo’s vegetable-based alternative to the tra- can assuage some of that urge by adding ditional hot dog, went on sale. Around 11 soy sauce and wasabi to Krab Stix or even a.m., I step to the counter and order one … canned tuna: the flavors will not, of course, along with one of Portillo’s traditional all- be the same, but the condiments will push beef hot dogs. some of the same buttons. Having the In a side-by-side tasting of the Garden traditional condiments in place makes it Dog and the traditional Portillo’s hot dog, harder to discern that the Garden Dog is we came to three conclusions: not, in fact, a traditional dog.

1. With the signature condiments In his book Eating Animals (2009), Jona(pickle spear, tomatoes, pickled sport pep- than Safran Foer observes that sometimes pers, mustard, raw onion, iridescent green- when omnivores/carnivores hear talk of blue relish, celery salt) and the regular vegetarianism, they feel as though “their poppy seed bun, if your first bite was of backs are against the wall.” There will be the Garden Dog, you might mistakenly be- pushback against vegetable alternatives. I lieve it was a traditional dog. The flavors get it. I prefer traditional dogs, but there is are *close*. not a gaping difference between traditional and Garden Dogs, and Garden Dogs provide personal and planetary health advantages.

Made with pea protein, Garden Dogs have the same amount of protein as Traditional Dogs, with less sodium and no nitrites, so that’s a plus. Caloric differences, however, are negligible: Garden Dog, 320 calories; Traditional Dog, 340 calories.

Beef is my favorite food, but we eat too much red meat Photo David Hammond in this country, and beef proTraditional hot dog, left, and Garden Dog, right. duction requires vast quantities of water and land. So for the sake of the planet, and the 2. In the bun, Garden Dog and tradipeople who live on it, maybe we should try tional dog look almost identical; upon closto eat a little less meat. It certainly won’t er examination, however, you’ll see that kill us to eat more vegetables, though it the Garden Dog is darker, almost brown, might if we don’t. and drier-looking, while the traditional Anyway, I applaud the efforts of Portidog is reddish pink, moist and more visullo’s and their Garden Dog, just as I apally appealing. plaud Buona Beef for their Italian Beefless 3. Garden Dogs don’t have the same sandwich. We’re not yet fully accustomed texture as traditional hot dogs; the meat for to vegetables standing in for beef, but mayGarden Dogs is a little looser and the casbe, at least occasionally, we should try meat ing doesn’t have the longed-for “snap.” Traalternatives — many taste better than just ditional dogs, by contrast, have a lusher “OK,” and they are definitely better for all mouth-feel and a somewhat snappier bite of us. because they use sheep and hog sausage

11

Serving the Forest Park Community for over 30 Years

Introducing the Xpert Flood Control System An Introduction and Graphic Explanation of our Xpert Flood Control System

Xpert

THE RECESS

THE GUARDIAN

your pump's status at all times from inside your home.

A recessed inspection cover is plated with your present lawn so you can mow over it. The depth of this cover was designed by landscapers to allow gras� flowers, etc. to grow. This cover will blend into any type of landscap­ ing situation. Only you know it is there. Xpert also has a metal and concrete cover available for parkway and driveway installations.

DURING FLOOD, THE BACKFLOW FROM

SEWER CLOSES GATES

DURING FLOOD, WATER 15

RE-ROUTED TO SUMP & EJECTED TO CITY SEWER --IIC:....J

Forest Park Residence Only

60" POURED .

CONCRETE BASIN

THE PREVENTER PLUS™ DOUBLE GATE SYSTEM

It's the pride of Xpert and what we consider to be the finest and most dependable valve on the market. Other valves either have to be turned on manually, have to be started electronically or allow sewage to accumulate around the gate area preventing proper op­ eration. The preventer remains open until flooding occurs and then closes automati­ cally without any user intervention.

The 1/2 HP Ejector driven pump takes internal water and sewage from the overflow compartment and within sec­ onds ejects it at a rate of 134 gallons per minute through the bypass. This means that during flood conditions, you can use all the internal water you want without fear of backup. Upgraded Pump System with two Swithces.

Xpert Flood Control installs a finish block vault, or precast basin, to house the preventer, its 1/2 HP ejector pump and its plumbing. The basin is installed with steps to provide easy access to all the components providing lifelong use of the Xpert flood control system with proper service and maintenance.

We Do Not Use The Lower Quality Plasic Fiber Basins.

(FREE ESTIMATES) 773-267 -5000 www.floodexperts.com Sawa’s Old Warsaw Sawa’s Old Come Celebrate early from Warsaw Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • Dine In • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery

Y A D S ’ E E N T I N DAILY BUFFET SPECIALS www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

VAL BR

             

FET F U B T S Tuesday EAKFA

Meatballs in Dill Sauce

Texas Style French Toast Apple wood Bacon Scrambled Eggs Potato Pancakes Kiszka (Polish Sausage) Sliced Ham Pork Sausage Links Apple Crepes Apricot Crepes Blueberry Crepes Cheese Crepes Fresh Fruit Raisin Bread English Muffins

Wednesday Pork Goulash

Thursday Swiss Steak or Pepper Steak

Friday (Dinner only) Bloody Mary Broasted Cod Fish ~Carved Beef & Ham or Mimosa ~Shrimp Cocktail/Broasted Shrimp only $6 Saturday (Dinner only) All that plus Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk or Coffee...

BBQ Smoked Pork Ribs ~ Breaded Pork Cutlet For only $9 per ~person!

Carved Beef & Ham Lunch ~ Noodles ‘n Ham 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $9 per person

Dinner ~ of BBQ Parties 6 orPork moreRibs Adults will have 15% Gratuity added to check 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. $13 per person

Sawa’s Old Warsaw • 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview Smorgasbord • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL

708.343.9040

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

12

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

C R I M E

Police investigating shooting in Madison Street alley

An argument between a man and a woman in the alley on the 7600 block of Madison Street allegedly led the man to try to run over the woman, and the woman trying to shoot the man in response. Neither were hurt.

The alleged incident took place on May 16 at 8:45 a.m. The officers responded to reports of shots being fired and interviewed the couple who allegedly witnessed the incident from their balcony, which faced the alley in question. The couple recognized a man and a woman who were arguing as their neighbors. While the man remained unidentified, subsequent investigation identified her as a 32-year-old Forest Parker.

The female witness said she saw the man put the woman in a headlock and slammed her into the garage door. Sometime later, they saw the man take off in a silver 2022 Toyota Camry parked nearby, only to return and apparently try to run the woman over. The witnesses heard a gunshot, but it wasn’t clear who fired it.

The police officers recovered a single spent casing in the alley. The woman and her sister, a 35-year-old Lombard woman, were taken into custody.

While the report doesn’t elaborate on the circumstances of the arrest, both were charged with resisting arrest, and the woman in the alley was charged with aggravated discharge of the firearm. Neither woman cooperated with the police, and the man’s identity remains unknown.

Hit-and-run driver A 38-year-old Bellwood man led several area police departments on a chase through Forest Park, River Forest and Maywood, allegedly hitting a school bus in the process.

The alleged hit-and-run took place at the intersection of Desplaines Avenue and Randolph Street on May 20, at 3:59 p.m.

The man, who was driving a red 2007 Ford F250 with a trailer, kept going west through River Forest and into Maywood. He was reportedly driving erratically, and the trailer

was dragged on the rims, sending sparks flying.

The driver ended up turning southbound on 9th Avenue. As he approached Garfield Elementary School, 1514 S. 9th Ave., he drove through the school yard and kept heading southbound on 10th Avenue, then heading westbound on Harrison Avenue.

He reportedly hit a school bus on the I-290 off-ramp near the Harrison and 17th intersection, then got onto the expressway. The alleged offender exited I-290 at 25th Avenue. At that point, Maywood and Bellwood police officers joined the pursuit.

The driver ended up going northbound on 21st Avenue until it dead-ended. He left his truck and tried to flee on foot through backyards, but the officers intercepted him at 20th Avenue.

The alleged offender was charged with one count of attempting to flee a peace officer, three counts of resisting an officer and an array of traffic offenses. At the time of the report, he was detained pending a bond hearing.

Car stolen from garage

A silver 2014 Ford Explorer was stolen from a garage in the 400 block of Circle Avenue on the night of May 16-17.

The victim discovered the theft on the morning of May 17. He said that his daughter left the vehicle in his garage on May 16 at 6 p.m., and nobody took the vehicle out after that. An AT&T service crew reportedly saw the garage open at 3 a.m. The victim said that the car had a spare set of keys in the center console, but no valuables. Chicago police ran the vehicle’s license plate at 4 a.m. .

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, May 28-30, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded.

Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Igor Studenkov

CREATIVE DESIGNS. UNIQUE SOLUTIONS. SKILLED CRAFSTMANSHIP. CALL TODAY! 708.771.2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES START HERE.

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Did you know?

Mental Health America reports that one in five U.S. adults experienced a mental health condition before COVID-19, and the need for care continues to rise.

The good news is that treatment is available. Our community offers services for children, teens and adults on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

8311 Roosevelt Road | Forest Park, IL 60130 riveredgehospital.com | 708-771-7000

You can feel your best. Let us help.

We work with patients and their families, delivering quality services to help individuals get back on their feet. Contact us today. No-cost assessments are available 24/7.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Riveredge Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Riveredge Hospital. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 220767-0988 5/22

13

14

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

A Taste of Togetherness

Takeout 25 to host in-person event at FitzGerald’s

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

As the restaurant industry continues to recover from a pandemic blow, Takeout 25 has expanded its focus to provide long-term community support for local eateries while positioning Oak Park and the surrounding communities as a “destination” for food, music and loads of local fun.

The nonprofit, founded by Oak Park Village Trustee Ravi Parakkat, has brought together owners, managers, and passionate community members to raise awareness and generate consistent business for local restaurants.

Takeout 25 is known for their Taste the Town events; held during the pandemic, these carry out focused fundraisers brought restaurants together while raising money for themselves and a meaningful local charity. Now, the fourth event of its kind is set to take place in-person on June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. on FitzGerald’s outdoor patio, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.

Will Duncan, owner of FitzGerald’s, has been following the evolution of the Takeout 25 initiative from its early stages and admires Parakkat’s ability to “coalesce food entrepreneurs” into a meaningful and effective network.

“We love being part of this vibrant food community,” said Duncan. “When Ravi asked us to participate it was an easy yes for us. Hosting means we get to celebrate the best of the western suburbs while exposing the FitzGerald’s experience to new audiences.”

Babygold Barbecue will be among the featured restaurants at the June Taste the Town event. Duncan was clear their final menu has not been determined yet but promises a unique three-to-four bite item that represents the best of the Berwyn barbecue joint’s offerings.

A diverse array of restaurants from Austin, Forest Park and Oak Park will join Babygold as featured vendors at the Taste the Town event. Expect dishes from Amerikas, Kettlestrings Grove, Khyber Pass, Poke Burrito Chicago, Surf ’s Up Oak Park, Schweet Cheesecake and Twisted Cookie to create a delicious array of menu offerings.

“We also want to expand our brand to include more than food,” said Parakkat. “We take this opportunity to give people a taste of our local community by bringing in different local entities in addition to restaurants.”

FILE

Takeout 25 will hold a Taste the Town fundraiser at FitzGerald’s on June 26.

Takeout 25’s Taste the Town at FitzGerald’s will be a celebration of memorable food with an eye toward sustainability, but will also focus on art, entertainment, tourism and philanthropy. The upcoming event will collect donations for Beyond Hunger specifically while also drawing attention to other local businesses through general donation incentives.

The first 80 donations of $25 or more will earn donors a voucher to visit a local art, entertainment, or tourism attraction. Participating venues include Unity Temple, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, the Hemingway Museum, Lake Theater, Wonder Works, the Arts Council, Escape Factor and the Oak Park River Forest Museum.

“This aspect of the event is really an experiment to see if it is possible to entice people from outside of our community to visit Oak Park,” said Parakkat. “There really is something for everyone at Taste the Town. We have ways to participate in person and also have options for pickup and delivery. It really is about inspiring broader community support.”

In-person participation in limited to 250 guests. Single tickets ($50) include three food tasting coupons while family passes ($100) include admission for two adults and seven food coupons — children under 16 years old are free when parents purchase a family pass. Organizers have also come up with a creative “Devour the Town” option filled with a surprise array of items to satiate the hungriest community members. In person guests will have access to a cash bar and Byline Bank is sponsoring live music for the afternoon.

Guests should expect the classical soul sounds of Gerald McClendon, the “Soulkeeper,” and his high-energy band to bring a lively vibe to the FitzGerald’s patio. Takeout and delivery tickets, starting at just $25 are also available.

Tickets are on sale through June 21 or until they sell out at https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/Takeout25TastetheTown and the event is sponsored by Byline Bank, Delivery First, Guaranteed Rate, Cadence Group, and West Suburban Garage Doors.

“Thanks to generous community members and community-minded businesses, Taste the Town has the ability to strengthen our community as we recover from the pandemic and look to the future,” said Parakkat. “The event will make us more resilient and put Takeout 25 on the map in the broader Chicagoland area.”

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

O U R

I

V I E W

Hoskins declares

t is no surprise that Rory Hoskins is running for re-election as Forest Park’s mayor. And good for him to make this announcement a full 11 months ahead of the April 2023 municipal election.

In his announcement over the weekend, the mayor touts as accomplishments the strength of business along Madison Street, progress on remaking village property at the Altenheim, economic development overall, tighter connections with leaders of neighboring towns and fostering support for local schools.

We’d point out, despite some criticism, that everything Hoskins has accomplished has been done with a thick overlay of COVID-19, making every step more difficult.

Madison Street has been a mixed bag. Yes, it is positive that the street, even through COVID, remains largely filled and fairly vital.

Not mentioned, unsurprisingly, are the ongoing issues related to a few bars and the rowdy behavior they engender. Kudos, though, to Hoskins for his determined efforts to squelch a complex problem.

As we’ve noted repeatedly, progress at the Altenheim has been too slow for too long. We’re dubious a newly appointed village commission will move the needle without more transparent leadership from the mayor. We wait.

Hoskins does get credit for working on improved relations with the mayors of neighboring towns, including Maywood, River Forest and Oak Park. We share challenges and opportunities and Hoskins sees that. He has also been good, again not a surprise, in working Democratic allies in Springfield. At a moment when money is finally flowing from state and federal sources, it is a good moment to have a mayor who knows how to work the levers.

We are especially appreciative that Hoskins singles out his support for the District 91 Forest Park elementary schools. These schools are absolutely central to the future of this village. Going back a decade, we’ve listened with horror as elected village officials trash-talked our schools or downplayed their significance.

Our schools have virtues and they have a gigantic enrollment/ public confidence challenge. Hoskins showing up for the schools is vital to changing the perception of our public education.

Now we watch with interest to see who else joins this race.

There are rumors and social media conversations about potential candidates. Forest Park will benefit from a contested election and we look forward to covering it.

Jean Lotus rocks

There are, to our chagrin, a great many former editors of the Forest Park Review loose in the land. We’ve lost track of a good number of them but a person we happily can’t shake is Jean Lotus, a strong and community-focused editor of the paper back in the previous decade.

She has since relocated to Colorado and actively reports on issues related to the hemp industry. But her picture is in this week’s paper as her 1980s girl punk band — Barbie Army — reunited in Chicago recently. They also played a set in Oak Park last weekend.

She is a woman of many talents and passions.

15

OPINION Learning how to speak ‘country’

‘C

ommunication” was the most important thing our therapists dealt with in marriage counseling, right? That’s if we wanted the relationship to last. If the most important thing was winning, that’s what you focus on in divorce court.

There’s an old saying: when two people get married, the two become one. The question is, which one?

Liberals, and I’m one of them, sometimes act like we know all the answers. After all, we’re more educated than rural and small-town folks in red states.

So I decided that one way to learn to communicate with red-state voters and to really hear where they’re coming from — since there aren’t many in this lifestyle enclave and those who exist stay in the closet — is to listen to some country & western songs. Here’s what I heard:

It’s where I learned about workin’ hard And having a little was just enough It’s where I learned about Jesus And knowin’ where I stand You can take it or leave it This is me, this is who I am

The simple life Wendell Berry writes poems and stories about small-town living. He celebrates simplicity. His characters don’t need the stimulation of Lyric Opera, Goodman Theater, watching professional sports live, the excitement of living in the midst of diversity. “I like to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there,” is what red-state folks say about the city. That’s what Forest Parkers also say about small towns. We live in bubbles, don’t we?

TOM HOLMES

Home I have lived in nine communities for at least a year. In country songs, the place where you’re living now is the place in which you grew up. There are often tradeoffs, of course. You give up opportunity, culture, wealth, education and in return you get lifelong relationships — family and buddies you see every day. You get the experience of community which is more difficult in the big city.

Alabama Sampler I was born country And that’s what I’ll always be Like the rivers and the woodlands Wild and free (running wild and free) I got a hundred years of down home Running through my blood I was born country and this country’s what I love Fishin’ in the Dark I’m proud of where I came from I was born and raised in the Boondocks ...

Five-card poker on a Saturday night Church on Sunday morning I’ll keep my heart and soul in the Boondocks.

It’s where I learned about livin’ It’s where I learned about love

Summer in the Country Sippin’ sweet tea, soakin’ up the breeze The birds and bees, and the creaking’ of an old screen door (---screen door) Talkin’ ’bout the good life The bullfrogs singin’, fireflies blinkin’, me and my girl, swingin’ out on the porch Remindin’ each other just what we’re livin’ for Summer in the country

Anti-political correctness Red-state voters tend to be less educated than folks who voted for Biden and Harris. They want well-educated people to teach their children and to take care of them when they’re sick, but they get mad as hell when pretentious elites from the East and West coast (and near western suburbs of Chicago) tell them how to live.

Friends in Low Places I got friends in low places Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away And i’ll (sic) be okay I’m not big on social graces Well i guess i was wrong i just don’t belong See TOM HOLMES on page 16

16

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

T

Here’s mud in your eye

his has been a great year for … mud.

Record downpours and days of dreary drizzle have kept the soil soggy. I had no idea that mud was a celebrated substance, until I read that International Mud Day will be observed on June 29.

The holiday was started in 2009 for the benefit of children in Nepal and Australia. The former has naturally-occurring mud, while the Aussie children resorted to making mud pies in their plastic pools.

According to the article’s author, Kay Manning, kids trade photos of their mud-smeared faces on the internet. Coordinators of the event believe that playing in mud on the same day helps kids from the two countries connect.

Playing in mud, though, is more than a social activity. Health professionals believe it strengthens a child’s immune system. It reminds me of a pollution case I investigated, involving a gas-manufacturing plant that discharged coal tar. I checked old directories to see who was living near the plant when it was operating. Then I went through the current phone book to see which neighbors were

still alive.

I ended up interviewing three people in their 90s. They had chewed on coal tar as kids and swum in a river swirling with black stuff. When I told a pediatrician friend of my findings, he said, well of course they’re in their 90s; they grew up eating coal tar.

Mud isn’t just a health aid, it’s downright entertaining. I encourage my grandsons to dig holes in their yard in hopes of reaching China. When they get down to a certain depth, I pretend I hear voices but can’t understand what they’re saying, because I don’t speak Chinese. Their parents love these excavations in their lawn.

I once covered a daring mud rescue at The Park. A young boy was playing Frisbee with his sister, when it landed on the pitcher’s mound. The boy tried to retrieve the Frisbee but got completely stuck. It took several Park District workers to yank him out of the mud.

I also remember a mud incident when I was babysitting my 2-year-old grandson.

He was at the stage where the world is an amusement park. Squirrels and rabbits are exotic wildlife. Cars are captivating and

JOHN RICE

A

L O O K

B A C K

I N

every passing plane is worth a look.

He found Forest Park especially fascinating. There’s way more action here, than in outer suburbia, where he lives. Trucks and buses rumble by. There are pedestrians to greet and dogs to pet. Best of all, were the “el” trains. He would just finish talking about the last “choo-choo,” when another would lumber past.

On previous outings, Troy had been wary of mud. I found this a bit discouraging but gave it another try. I introduced him to a puddle and he splashed right through it. At his age, any fun activity is worth repeating endlessly. He spent the next half hour running back and forth through the puddle, laughing in delight each time.

I noticed his cute outfit was becoming increasingly discolored. I wondered if his mom was a member of M.U.D.D., (Mothers Ugainst Dirty Dungarees). When she came to pick him up, I sheepishly offered to buy him new shorts if she couldn’t get them clean.

But why should I apologize? According to the book, Why Dirt is Good, most pediatricians believe “that the healthiest adults are those who spent the most time as kids rolling around in the dirt.” I don’t know if I should give Troy coal tar to chew on, but those folks I interviewed said it made their teeth really white.

T I M E

Aerobics and ale High school track-and-field coach and PE teacher Gigi Kody was the aerobics instructor teaching classes at a Madison Street bar twice a week in 1987. Side Kicks, at 7801 Madison St., which hosted the class, was said to be less intimidating than health clubs, because “people with a not-so-perfect body can come in old sweats or whatever is comfortable and just have fun.”

The class required a three-month commitment and was “a low-tone aerobics designed to tone the inner thigh, lower thigh and buttocks.” Kody wanted to emphasize the social aspects of aerobics, which paired naturally with the social aspects of a tavern.

Jill Wagner

Tom Johnson

From June 3, 1987 Forest Park Review. Photo by Tom Johnson

TOM HOLMES Learning country from page 15 And show myself to the door.

And I didn’t mean to cause a big scene Just give me an hour and then I’ll be as high as that ivory tower That you’re living in.

Castle on the Hill Fifteen years old and smoking hand-rolled cigarettes Running from the law through the backfields and getting drunk with my friends We found weekend jobs, when we got paid We’d buy cheap spirits and drink them straight Me and my friends have not thrown up in so long Oh, how we’ve grown I can’t wait to go home

Resentment It’s a version of bait-and-switch, I suppose. Red state voters see ads about the good life involving expensive cars, designer sneakers and beautiful bodies; and then they look at their paychecks and realize that they’re at the bottom of the wealth gap. The boss makes seven figures and the worker makes five. It wouldn’t be so bad if the elites would show you some respect, if they would listen to your voice. And so you’re vulnerable to demagogues who shout f*ck the system, drain the swamp.

Facts don’t matter or are weaponized when you’re angry.

Nine to Five With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5 Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving They just use your mind, and they never give you credit It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022 Sponsored Content

B

Parking Lot Refresh Benefits Beyond Hunger Drive-Thru and Greater Community

eyond Hunger’s Drive-Thru Food Pantry will be safer and more efficient thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services. This June, those funds will support the restructuring and resurfacing of the parking lot at First United Church of Oak Park where Beyond Hunger rents space. The reconfiguration will help ensure Beyond Hunger’s continued ability to provide nourishing food to the community in a convenient, desirable way—offering another dignifying choice for local families.

We are extremely grateful to Senator Don Harmon for his commitment to our mission and his assistance in connecting Beyond Hunger to this opportunity. The funds directly impact the health and wellness of our community and allow us to sustain the increased service levels we’ve experienced throughout the pandemic in a safe and efficient manner.

The funded project encapsulates IDHS’s mission to support service delivery of programs that improve health and wellbeing, support children and youth development, and family and community safety. It is Beyond Hunger’s honor to ensure that the project will make a lasting impact for the multiple organizations and community groups that call First United Church of Oak Park their home.

Because the restructuring of the parking lot is funded by IDHS, First United Church of Oak Park may reallocate infrastructure funds to the greater care of our neighbors. First United Nursery School will have an elevated level of safety for the daily pick up and drop off of the children attending their early childhood programs. As First United Church of Oak Park has a longstanding history of opening their doors for various community and charitable groups, we know that multiple groups such as the Kids Kloset, Cluster

Tutoring, and the numerous scouting programs that use this facility as their home will benefit.

We are grateful to our general contractor, First United Church member Gary Cerniglia, who is graciously donating his time. We are also grateful for the time and expertise donated by Joe Junius of Aria Group Architects who provided the new parking lot design that will accommodate the needs of all these groups in addition to Beyond Hunger’s Drive-Thru Food Pantry.

We have already begun to let our clients know that this project will take place through the month of June as it requires that we relocate the bulk of our operations and our Drive-Thru Food Pantry service. Our walk-in pantry will remain at First United throughout the construction process.

For questions regarding Beyond Hunger services or the upcoming project, please contact Sheila Harris, Director of Operations: Sheila@

GoBeyondHunger.org. For media inquiries please contact Sarah Corbin, Communications Manager: sarah@GoBeyondHunger.org.

Learn more about Beyond Hunger’s mission to harness the power of communities to end hunger visit our website GoBeyondHunger.org.

Beyond Hunger creates solutions to end hunger at every stage of life through our comprehensive programs, from feeding kids when school is out, to providing emergency food to families in need, and delivering groceries to homebound older adults. Our community partnerships help us identify pockets of hunger and meet the need together.

17

18

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Growing Community Media

HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

and flower bed maintenance. d. Construction: Installation of park/ playground equipment, park benches, park signage, retaining walls, and drainage systems.

2. Assist with the custodial maintenance of all Park District facilities.

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

3. Assist with any equipment repairs for the Park District. This includes but not limited to vehicles, tractors, any facility, or program equipment.

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT PARK SPECIALIST Starting Salary Range: $17.50 $20.38/HR plus full benefits Working Hours: The Park Specialist is a full time non-exempt position working 40 hours per week, plus overtime. The scheduled work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, including ½ hour unpaid lunch. Hours may be shifted occasionally to accommodate specific tasks.

Summary: The Park Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director of Parks with the maintenance operations of the Park District grounds,

4 Assist the recreation department in set up, construction, and repair of all special event props.

facilities, and equipment. The work includes, but not limited to: 1. Landscape maintenance operations for the Park District. This includes but not limited to: a. Turf maintenance: Mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, seeding, weed control, and trash removal. b. Athletic field maintenance: Baseball diamond infields, soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and installation and maintenance of necessary apparatus of each field use. c. Landscape maintenance: Soil grading and preparation, tree planting, tree trimming, tree spraying, tree watering, mulch bed maintenance,

Qualifications: 21 years of age. A valid Illinois State Driver License (Class A). In good physical condition with sufficient strength to lift and hold 50 pounds.

Interested candidates shall submit an application in person or by email: John Beto, Director of Parks 401 Thatcher Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708-366-6660x103 jbeto@rfparks.com

Growing Community Media NFP • Business Manager

We are hiring a part-time business manager to oversee the financial and business operations of our busy community publishing nonprofit.

Essential leadership position which offers flexible hours (25 per week), a hybrid of in-office and work from home options, and a salary in the mid-$40s.

Our long-time business manager is departing after seven years to take a full-time position elsewhere.

• Payroll and benefits Among the key roles for our business manager are: • Payment processing for donors, • QuickBooks proficiency

- General ledger, invoicing, month end

• Budgeting

• AR and AP management

advertisers and subscriptions

• Audit preparation

• Preferred hire will have nonprofit finance management experience.

Bonus points for being a notary!

Send resumes to Dan Haley, CEO, Growing Community Media dhaley@wjinc.com

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK PRINCIPAL COACH & PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Principal Coach & Program Specialist with a starting pay of $20.46 hourly to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/ jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=41011&c l i e n t k e y = 4 1 D 8 3 0 0 1 8 4 9 0 6 11 7 978771C10E755DC6

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing Village ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals in the Village; and to impound, care for and assist with redemption of animals as appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the following link: https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=218333253. For additional information on the position please visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. This position is open until filled.

UTILITY (WATER) BILLING CLERK

HELP WANTED • OAK PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Application Deadline is Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.

How to Apply: • Purchase and complete your application at https:// iosolutions.com by the application deadline • Submit all supporting documentation by the application deadline

Written Exam Information: Your exam will be offered electronically, and you will take the exam in your own home. There will be multiple sessions offered and each will be proctored virtually. All sessions will be offered during business hours the week of July 25, 2022 – it is your responsibility to ensure you have the flexibility to test during these times.

Police Officer Minimum Requirements: • $40.00 non-refundable application fee

Salary and Benefits:

• At least 21 years of age and have not passed their 35th birthday by closing date for application

• Population: 54,500 Sworn Police Officers: 119

• U.S. Citizen who speaks and understands English

• Competitive benefits package includes: Two weeks paid vacation; Health, dental and vision insurance plans; Paid sick leave accrual; $50,000 Village-paid term life insurance; 13 paid holidays; Educational pay; Defined-benefit pension plan

• Possess at least 60 hours of college credit at a fully accredited college or university, and also possess a minimum grade average of “C” by application deadline • Possess a valid driver’s license • Successful completion of the POWER Test within one year prior to the application deadline

• Salary: $72,680.49

Please contact IOS Recruitment at (800)-343-HIRE or recruitment@iosolutions.com with questions regarding the application, required documents or testing.

The Village of Forest Park seeks candidates for the union position of Full-Time Administration Utility Billing Clerk. Experience with data entry, customer service, administrative assistant skills, bookkeeping or accounting is highly desired. Must be flexible with work assignments and comfortable working with numbers and the public. Other qualifications include computer skills, the ability to meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, general office skills, including handling of nonemergency calls and walk-up customer service, and good verbal and written skills.

Starting salary $32,487 annually.

Generous Benefits Package, IMRF Pension and 10 Paid Holidays. Open until filled. Eligible candidates will be required to pass pre-employment ability testing and an extensive background check. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark.net and

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HELP WANTED

Summer Work $15/hr

College or HS students 18 or older, make your own hours weekdays, clean, safe, fun Manufacturing work assembling graphic display frames that you’ll see in Wal-Marts, Verizon stores, CTA stations, all over US. No weekends, no evening hours.

Top rated firm, Alpina Manufacturing LLC, founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals.

Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net .

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Intern in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible

19

and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

RESIDENTIAL LEASING AGENT – OAK PARK, IL

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking a capable Residential Leasing Agent to join our leasing team. You will present and lease our apartments to prospective tenants. The right candidate will be personable, flexible, informative, and well versed in multi-family residential properties. Experience with YARDI a plus.

OPRC is an equal opportunity em-

ployer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday, vacation, sick leave, and PTO. For a complete position description please go to our website: https:// oakparkrc.com/about-us... or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT WITH OPRC

Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join its accounting team. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in the accounting field with previous experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger analysis, and budget preparation. This individual must also have excellent computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel.

Experience in non-profit environment, property management accounting, and/or HUD experience and YARDI software considered a plus.

For a complete job description please go to our website: Work for OPRC – OPRC (oakparkrc.com) or to apply send cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com.

OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer a highly competitive benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401(k) with employer contribution, FSA, EAP, paid holiday,vacation, sick leave, and PTO.

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS Riverside, IL (pop, 9,298) The Village of Riverside is a mature, historic community located 11 miles west of Chicago in Cook County. Riverside is primarily a residential community originally conceived and planned in 1869 as a model suburb

by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Village operates under the President– Trustee form of government with an appointed Village Manager. The Public Works Superintendent is a challenging, stimulating position that is hired by and reports to the Director of Public Works. The Public Works Superintendent is primarily responsible for the operation of the water system.

The Public Works Superintendent can expect to perform complex supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, organizing, directing, and assisting with supervising the operations of the Department of Public Works. Positions supervised include clerical, administrative, maintenance and professional staff as assigned. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a combination of educational and relevant

RENTALS experience to fulfill the requirements of the position. The Public Works Superintendent must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License and an ILEPA Certified Water Supply Operator certification of Class C or higher. Salary Range is $82,102.50 to $105,000. Send cover letter, resume, anticipated starting salary and five work related references to Ian Splitt, Village of Riverside, 27 Riverside, Riverside, IL, 60546 or email credentials to isplitt@riverside. il.us. First review of resumes will occur on May 18 th, 2022. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOME CARE WORKER FOR SENIOR

Home care worker for senior in our Riverside home. Meal prep. Covid shots and boosters required. Call 708-567-6455.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Services Department. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible and difficult customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more difficult and complex customer service duties depending on the department including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. This position is crosstrained with the other Customer Service Representative IIs in the Village.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until June 13, 2022.

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 1 BR APARTMENT FOR RENT

Convenient, accessible area CALL 708-456-2643

Best Selection & Service

MMpropMgmt.com

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

708-657-4226

1 BEDROOM APT

Small 1 bdr apt in Forest Park. Water and heat included. No parking. Available May 1. $700/month.

708-227-7007

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

MARKETPLACE

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALES

Oak Park

North Riverside

Moving after 22+ yrs. Yard décor, lawnmower, furniture, baby clothes & furniture, tools, books, kitchen stuff, clothing, toys, and much more.

Clothes, toys, furniture, household items, and much more! *Located 1 block south of Cermak Rd, between 13th and 14th Ave.*

HUGE MOVING SALE 930 COLUMBIAN SAT MAY 28 9AM-2PM

GARAGE/YARD SALE 9026 W 22ND PLACE MAY 26, 27, 28 8:30AM-4PM

Oak Park

YARD SALE 1036 N. EUCLID AVE. SAT MAY 28 10:00AM-4:00PM RAIN DATE: SUN MAY 29

No early birds.

Huge salesman sample sale with gift items in original packaging. Gently used household items: Nambe, Soap, Candles, perfume, LEGO, holiday items, jewelry, accessories, Pet, Microwave, reading glasses, linens, fancy dish towels, outdoor table w/ chairs, lamps, Van Gogh posters, gadgets, baskets, crafts, games, kitchen and more!

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Executive Assistant with a starting salary of $50,000 yearly with benefits to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/ jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=57519& clientkey=41D8300184906117978 771C10E755DC6 Human Resources Specialist (River Grove, IL) F/T 9:00am to 5:00pm. 2 yr exp. in position or equiv., high school or equiv., Duties: Recruit, interview, place workers at supermarket chain.

Prep, maintain employment records.

Explain, oversee work policies, schedules, vacation using MS Office.

Maintain records of hours, OT, vacay, employee training, certifications, grievances, reprimands. Resume to Richard Machnicki, Rich’s Fresh Market, 3141 N. Thatcher Ave., River Grove, IL 60171.

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR

CARS WANTED HELP WANTED GRANTS COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James

20

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

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

HOME SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

CEMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE On Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00 am., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2022-2023 school year. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom.

The details are listed below.

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: A. Bid documents will be ready after 3:00 p.m. on, Friday, May 27, 2022.

Only General Contractors may obtain bid documents by emailing their request. The email shall include General Contractor’s information of the following: Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Telephone, Fax, Contact Person. Documents will be emailed within 24 hours of the email request. Documents will not be issued if any the requested information is not received.

tion to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to Zoning Ordinance.

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining.

Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 • www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN

Mike’s Home Repair

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-296-2060

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN

PAINTING

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

FAST DELIVERY

Mulch & Topsoil

Premium Shredded Hardwood ���������������$28/yd Dyed Red ������������������$35/yd Dyed Brown ��������������$33/yd Playmat��������������������$30/yd Premium Blend Dark �$38/yd Premium Bark Fines��$48/yd Blonde Cedar ������������$54/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111

NOVENAS

NOVENAS PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus.

Thank You St . Jude. R.B.

NEVER FAIL NOVENA

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me.

St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Special Education at 708-524-3030.

Join Zoom Meeting https://op97-org.zoom.us/ j/83861957687?pwd=eWdqVTJDMHdIV2IzSE95UHRtU3lKQT09 Meeting ID: 838 6195 7687 Passcode: 219686 One tap mobile +13126266799,,83861957687# (Chicago) +16465588656,,83861957687# (New York)

US US

Published in Wednesday Journal May 18, 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF 2022-2023 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATES FOR RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 10, 2022, a resolution was passed establishing that the 20222023 meetings of the Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, will be held in Room 201 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Riverside Brookfield High School building, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The Regular Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month except for November. That meeting will be held on November 15, 2022, due to the November 8 election day. The Committee of the Whole Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of September, October, January, February, April, and May. Meeting dates can be found on the Riverside Brookfield High School website (www.rbhs208. net).

Email bid document request to: jbaldwin@wtgroup.com Bid forms are non-transferable. Only those Bids that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, API Architects will be accepted at the bid opening.

B. Only qualified General Contractors who can furnish satisfactory proof that they have performed work of similar nature as Contractors will be entitled to receive Plans and submit Bids. The Riverside Township reserves the right to issue Bid Documents only to those Contractors deemed qualified.

C. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond for not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “PROJECT MANUAL” D. No Bid may be withdrawn after opening of Bids without the consent of the Owner for a period of forty-five (45) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids.

E. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract.

F. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

IV. AWARD CRITERIA AND REJECTION OF BIDS: This Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder considering conformity with the terms and conditions established by the Riverside Township in the Bid and Contract documents. The issuance of Plans and Bid forms for bidding based upon a pre-qualification rating shall not be the sole determinant of responsibility. The Riverside Township reserves the right to determine responsibility at the time of award, to reject any and all Bids, to re-advertise the proposed improvements, and to waive technicalities.

BY ORDER OF: RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP

The applicants are requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-5 that would allow the home with the proposed addition to have a Floor Area Ratio of 0.467.

The Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of 0.40.

The legal description of the property at 934 Park Avenue is as follows: LOT 9 AND THE SOUTH 2.90 FEET OF LOT 10 AND THE EAST HALF OF THE VACATED ALLEY LYING WEST OF AND ADJOINING SAID LOTS IN SKILLINS SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 11 IN SNOW AND DICKINSON ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF PARTS OF SECTION 1 AND SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participation in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

Published in RB Landmark May 25, 2022

Published in RB Landmark May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed Bids for the remodeling described herein will be received at the office of the RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 until 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 22, 2022, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted

by Karuna and Viresh Rawal, owners of the property at 1443 Forest Avenue, who are proposing to construct a two story addition onto the existing home.

The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted by Janet and Curtis Helwig, owners of the property at 934 Park Avenue, who are proposing to construct a two story addition onto the existing home.

The applicants are requesting major variations to Section 10-9-7 that would allow the north wall of the home, which has a non-conforming side yard setback of 2.76 feet, to be extended at the First Floor level by 5 feet matching the non-conforming setback of 2.76 feet. They are also requesting a variation to extend the north wall at the Second Floor level

II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The proposed work is officially known as RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REPAIR and consists of structural repairs to the approximately 210 long suspension bridge spanning the Des Plaines River behind the Riverside Township Hall. Additionally the existing coatings shall be removed and replaced.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdic-

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to Zoning Ordinance.

PUBLIC NOTICES by 25 feet 2 ½ inches matching the non-conforming setback of 2.76 feet.

The Zoning Ordinance allows additions to buildings which do not meet the side yard setback requirement, but the setback of the addition must maintain either a three-foot side yard or a side yard that is the same width as the current side yard, whichever is wider; and the length of the addition is limited to a length of twenty feet.

The legal description of the property at 1443 Forest Avenue is as follows: LOT 1 IN CELANO’S SUBDIVISION, BEING A RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF LOT 6 IN OWNER’S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participation in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Daniel Louis Grotefeld 2022CONC000419.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Daniel Louis Grotefeld to the new name of: Daniel Louis Kuithe The court date will be held: On 6/22/22 at 10:30am at 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom #1707 Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, June 1, 8, 2022

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

CLASSIFIED

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to legal voters, residents of the Township of Oak Park, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, that Public Hearings on the Tentative Town Fund, General Assistance Fund, and Community Mental Health Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2023, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the Oak Park Township Senior Services building, 130 S. Oak Park Ave., in the Township of Oak Park. To request a copy of the Tentative Budgets named above for review, call Township Hall at 708-383-8005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A digital version of the Tentative Budgets is available at www. oakparktownship.org. Oral and written comments concerning these proposed annual budgets are welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following:

All interested citizens, groups, senior citizens and organizations representing the interests of senior citizens are encouraged to attend.

Oak Park Township does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or employment in its programs or activities. Those needing special accommodations are asked to provide 48 hours notice.

Given under my hand in the Town of Oak Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois, the 20th day of May, 2020.

DaToya Burtin-Cox Oak Park Township Clerk PLEASE NOTE: At this time, it is uncertain what measures will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID. The hearing may be held virtually only. Please visit the Township website at www.oakparktownship. org or call us at 708-383-8005. If the hearing is virtual, information for participation will be posted on the website.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

21

1. A Text Amendment to Section 10-3 (Definitions) of the Zoning Ordinance to define solar energy systems; and 2. A Text Amendment to Section 1021 (Land Use Chart) of the Zoning Ordinance to designate solar energy systems as a permitted accessory use in all Zoning Districts.

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

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

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record.

If you cannot attend the public hearing but would like to provide input on this matter to the Zoning Board of Appeals you may submit your comments in writing, to Clifford Radatz, Building Official, no later than 12:00 Noon on the date of the public hearing at cradatz@vrf.us or by mailing them to 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, June 10th, 2022 for the following: Bid Number: 22-401BM Village of Oak Park North Fire Station Boiler Replacement There will be a pre-bid meeting at the north fire station, located at 212 Augusta, Oak Park, IL on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park—Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302—will receive electronic proposals until Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of removal and replacement of watermain valves ranging in size from 8 inches to 16 inches, including removal and replacement of valve boxes and valve vaults, watermain and fittings, curb and gutter, pavement and parkway restoration, traffic control, and all appurtenant work thereto.

for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications to only those contractors deemed qualified. No plans will be issued to prospective bidders after 4:00 P.M. on the working day preceding the opening of bids.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 4:00 P.M., which can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budget-purchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8216686

The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation, or other Federal agency approved by the Village Engineer, by providing a certificate of eligibility to the Engineering Division at which time a password will be issued for access to the online bid documents.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Assistant to the Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or at mwalsh@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us.

Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal May 25, 2022

Starting a New Business?

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park reserves The Village of Oak Park --Ofthe right to issue plans and specifice of the Village Engineer, 201 fications only to those contractors South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois deemed qualified. No bid docu60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursments will be issued after 4:00 day, June 16, 2022 for Project: p.m. on the working day preceding 22-1, Sewer Main Improvements. the date of bid opening.

Bids will be received and acceptAll prospective bidders must prove ed, and bid results posted via the they are pre-qualified by the Illinois online electronic bid service listed Department of Transportation, or below. In general, the improveother approved Federal agency, ments consist of the installation by providing a certificate of eligiof PVC sewer mains including bility to the Engineering Division residential service lines, precast at which time a password will be manholes, drainage structures and issued for access to the online bid catch basin connections, restoradocuments. tion of roadway including bitumiThis project is financed with local nous pavement, curb and gutter, Village funds and federal Comsidewalks, driveways, parkways, munity Development Block Grant pavement markings, and all appur(CDBG) funds and thus is subject tenant work thereto. to all federal rules, regulations and Plans and proposal forms may be guidelines, including Davis-Bacon obtained via the electronic serand Related Acts, Section 3, and vice starting on Thursday, May Equal Opportunity requirements.

26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Plans and Locally funded phases of the proposal forms can be found at project are subject to the Illinois https://www.oak-park.us/yourPrevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS government/budget-purchasing/ 130/0.01 et seq. requests-proposals or at www.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK questcdn.com under login using Bill McKenna QuestCDN number 8170629 for a Village Engineer non-refundable charge of $30.00.

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 25, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK; Plaintiff, vs.

HENRY KIRKE CUSHING AKA HENRY K. CUSHING; MARY K. O’GRADY AKA MARK K. O’GRADY AKA MARY KAY O’GRADY; MARQUERITE HOLDING; Defendants, 21 CH 5827 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-405-018-0000.

Commonly known as 115 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 21-002016 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3194270

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION ASSOCIATED BANK, NA; Plaintiff, vs.

SHEILA CONNER; STEVEN CONNER; THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; THE STATE OF ILLINOIS; CITIMORTGAGE, INC.; Defendants, 19 CH 13166 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-08-311-001-0000.

Commonly known as 200 South Humphrey Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence.

If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19-038564 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3194804

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

22

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

Our Community Needs Community Journalism It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children.

Perhaps now, more than ever.

Let's build community!

Read and Support the Forest Park Review.

Partner with us.

Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022

23

(708) 366-8989 INC., REALTOR

7342 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130

Our office will be relocating to 7234 Madison St., Forest Park as of May 1st.

Need a helping of

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving Now safely moving new residents our new residents totoour Nowsmall, safely moving wooded campus. small, woodedtocampus. new residents our small, wooded campus.

A safe && A safe smart choice. smart A safe &choice.

smart choice.

Choosing a community you Choosing a community you can trust never been can trust has has never been more more difficult. important.

Choosing a community you Our community has an can has never been Ourtrust community has an impeccable record of safety more difficult. impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe

during and andthe weCOVID-19 will stop at crisis nothing Our community has an to make we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. impeccable record of safety sure it continues. during the COVID-19 crisis We would be honored for your family to be part of and we will stop at nothing We would be honoredours. for your to maketosure it continues. family be part of ours.

Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

We would be honored for your 99% OUR CALEDONIA family to OF be part of ours.

STAFF IS VACCINATED

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 447-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546

Limited availability!

24

Forest Park Review, May 25, 2022