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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 105, No. 23

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REVIEW JUNE 8, 2022

Arts Alliance announces Stoop Sessions PAGE 4 @FP_Review @ForestParkReview

District 91 weighs preschool changes

Challenge of hiring aides cited as concern on staffing levels

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Park School District 91 is considering making changes to its preschool program, potentially reducing the number of classroom aides and changing the way kids get music and arts education – but nothing has been firmly decided yet.

In recent weeks, the Review received tips suggesting the district was planning to reduce the number of classroom assistants from two to one, as well as cutting the music, art and gym teacher. While the changes don’t appear to be quite as drastic, district officials and teachers confirmed parts of it. District officials said they might need to reduce the number of classroom aides depending on how many vacancies they have by the start of the 2022-2023 school year, and that they wanted to make sure special education students have the aides they need. As for art and music education, the changes would potentially affect the half-hour period that is currently filled with either art education, music education, gym time and library time. Since the teachers involved also teach older students, there would be no staff reductions.

During the June 2 board of education meeting, superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez addressed the concerns directly. She insisted the district isn’t planning to change the program and that, so far, they’ve only seen one vaSee PRE-K on page 7

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS: Nate Rainey, of Forest Park, holds the Juneteenth flag and raises it during the annual Juneteenth flag raising ceremony outside village hall. More on page 3.

Growth baked into park budget Pocket parks, Pines site get attention

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Park District of Forest Park weathered the pandemic better than

expected in terms of finances and is ready to embark on major capital projects. That was the optimistic message for the new fiscal year sent by Jeff Murphy, the district’s business superintendent, during a June 7 meeting of the park district’s commissioners.

While the park district is still wait-

IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 THIS ISSUE Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

ing for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to process its Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant application to help fund the renovation of Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave., it’s looking to make headway on the renovations of See PARK BUDGET on page 7

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

John Rice: Why he’s running for the Illinois House

Alan Broulette: Early to rise makes a man…well, wise up

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PAGE 13

PAGE 12

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

Growing Community Media

LocalNews a non-profit newsroom

We’ve got YOU covered.

NewsDiningGovernmentActivismArts EducationEventsRealEstateNonprofits Active disinformation at our door It used to be that our competitors were other local newspapers: Forest Leaves, Proviso Herald, Austin Voice, Oak Leaves, Suburban Life.

These days our competitors are local Facebook groups chattering down rabbit holes. And, more virulently, propaganda and well targeted balderdash being passed on as news. Such a piece went viral this week with a made-up story out of neighboring Oak Park and River Forest High School. Without a byline, West Cook News “reported” on a May 26 school board meeting where an update on the school’s ongoing assessment of grading policies was presented.

This reactionary web site is non-transparently supported by political money, making this a lucrative method of spreading propaganda near and far through digital and social platforms. Heard immediately from locals and ex-pats who had read the piece and believed OPRF was going to implement a new grading policy this fall that puts in the fix to raise the marks of Black and Brown students while ending all accountability.

The story is a race-baiting crock. But it had reach.

Wednesday Journal’s story has now been posted and published. It is thoroughly reported and sourced by Amanda Tugade, our education reporter.

It will not ever catch up to the whirlwind of the propaganda echo chamber. But for the people who live in the community, who elect the school board and pay the taxes and send their kids to this school, it is a credible and fact-based piece of reporting.

If the threat to our democracy that looms in part with the lying and contortions of purposefully divisive propaganda seems remote to you -- a Fox News story, a national story -- well here it is at our neighbors’ front door.

Putting a real reporter, with an authentic byline to work covering critical local news is what we do at Forest Park Review and Growing Community Media. Every day.

It costs money and I am asking you, if you are outraged by this destructive masquerade at reporting made up news, to join us in our work by donating today. Right now.

This is important. This is immediate. This is how you stand up for democracy in the community you live in.

Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

To donate, visit ForestParkReview.com/donate

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

3

Juneteenth celebrations kick off across west suburbs Juneteenth flag raising in Broadview and Forest Park, parade hosted by River Forest, Maywood, Forest Park scheduled for June 18

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Equity Editor

Juneteenth celebrations kicked off in Proviso Township on June 2, with a flag raising ceremony at Broadview Village Hall in Broadview. The ceremony marks the start of a series of commemorations across the west suburbs.

During the June 2 ceremony, the Juneteenth flag was raised above Village Hall, just below the United States flag, as Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson explained the Juneteenth flag’s significance.

“The red, white and blue was intentional and meant to show that the formerly enslaved and their descendants are free Americans, too,” Thompson said.

“I don’t think as a Black elected official, I should be embarrassed to say I’m Black and I’m proud, which I am,” the mayor said.

The date on the flag, June 19, 1865, represents the date when Union Army General Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3, proclaiming that the enslaved people in Texas were free — two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Last year, federal lawmakers made Juneteenth a national holiday and Illinois

made Juneteenth an official state holiday.

Broadview made Juneteenth an official paid holiday in 2020.

This year, the village is planning a threeday celebration from June 17 through June 19 at Schroeder Park in Broadview.

Thompson said this year’s celebration will include a fireworks display, among other features.

Meanwhile, the villages of Oak Park, Maywood, River Forest and Forest Park will jointly host the inaugural West Village Juneteenth Parade and related Juneteenth activities.

Forest Park hosted a flag raising ceremony on June 6 in the parking lot of Forest Park Village Hall in Forest Park.

The parade will take place on June 18, 11 a.m. The route is still being planned, but the parade will end at Proviso East High School, 807 S. 1st Ave. in Maywood, parade organizers said.

On June 18, 7 p.m., at the Forest Park Aquatic Center, 7501 Harrison St. in Forest Park, Forest Park officials will host the annual Juneteenth Family Pool Celebration and Movie Night.

For more information on the parade and festivities, email westvillages619@gmail. com.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Attendees embrace with a hug during the annual Juneteenth flag raising ceremony outside village hall.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Mayor Rory Hoskins greets Cub Scout members.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Live music during the event.

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

With family relocating, District Forest Park Library to give away Little Free Library 91 board member resigns Board hopes to fill vacancy soon

By IGOR STUDENKOV

cancy faces the same eligibility requirements – they must be registered voters who have lived in Forest Park for at least L’erin Cross, a member of Forest Park’s one year. Each candidate must submit a School District 91 Board of Education, re- resume and a letter explaining why they signed effective June 3, a little more than a want to be on the board. year into her term, due to her family reloTyler said that board vice president cating to Massachusetts.

Shannon Wood and board secretary The board officially accepted her resig- Monique Cotton-Yancy will review the nation during its June 2 meeting. Under resumes and interview the candidates state and district policies, the board must because “they have the skill and the interfill that vacancy within 45 days after June est” to do that. She said more details about 3. Board president Kyra Tyler said it want- the application process will be posted on ed to fill the seat as soon as possible, and the district website. they wanted to spread the word about the The newly appointed member will have opening as far as possible. a seat until the April 2023 muCross grew up in the Kansas nicipal election, when candiCity, MO. Dealing with several dates will vie for a chance to learning disabilities growing serve out the remaining two up inspired her to get into eduyears of Cross’ term. Those cation. Cross received a bachcandidates will be in a difelor’s degree in art education ferent pool than candidates from the University of Central running for the three reguMissouri. She taught in several lar four-year seats currently schools in Missouri. After movheld by Wood, Cotton-Yancy ing to Forest Park, Cross got and board member Kathryn involved with the South PTO Valleau. There is nothing preL’ERIN CROSS when her children started atventing the appointed board tending district schools. member from running for Cross was among the four candidates Cross’ seat themselves, nor is there anywho ran for four board seats in 2021, and thing preventing them from running for the only one who had never run for the po- a four-year seat – but they would have to sition before. In a candidate survey submit- choose one or the other. ted at the time, she said that she decided to Before the vote to confirm Cross’ resrun “because of the amazing people in For- ignation, Tyler said that she appreciated est Park.” her contributions to the district.

“When you move here, you quickly learn “We’re going to miss her participation that many people you meet are actively and her really interesting perspective, serving in the community,” Cross said. and the hard work that she’s done for the “This is an inspiration that pushes me to board,” she said. “Thank you so much also serve the community.”

L’erin, for your service. It’s been really, She said that she wanted to see the dis- really, really, really useful, and we appretrict improve student test scores without ciate you.” “teaching to the test,” as well as make in“I have enjoyed it, and I hope and know vestments in math and reading programs that you’ll find someone who’s dedicated “that work.” with helping you guys, and I appreciate Since there were as many candidates as the time that I got to have here,” Cross rethere were open seats, all of them won by sponded. default.

“I’ve lived in the Commonwealth Tyler said the board hasn’t had a vacan- of Massachusetts – be careful,” Tyler cy in the past four years. quipped. “I’m kidding – they’re great.”

Any candidate applying to fill Cross’ vaStaff Reporter

Contest ties into ‘Forest Park Together’ summer reading program theme

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Forest Parkers have until July 11 to enter a drawing for a chance to take a library home with them. Well, a little library.

The Forest Park Public Library is giving away a Little Free Library – a wooden box on top of a chest-high wooden pole, where anyone can leave and pick up books. Since 2009, the eponymous nonprofit has been encouraging people around the world to build Little Free Libraries in hopes of encouraging reading and making books easily accessible everywhere. This year’s Forest Park Library summer reading program theme is Forest Park Together, and the library felt that giving away something that benefits the community would fit that theme.

Little Free Libraries were a brainchild of Todd Bol, a former teacher and head of an entrepreneurial consulting firm in Hudson, WI. In 2009, when his mother, also a teacher, passed away, he built a wooden container that looked like a oneroom schoolhouse out of a wooden garage door and filled it with books as a tribute to her. Bol shared the idea with his partner, Rick Brooks, and they set out to build more Little Libraries, and founded a nonprofit to encourage others to do the same.

The nonprofit, which is till headquartered in Hudson, is aiming to provide “greater, more equitable book access in neighborhoods worldwide” and “strengthen communities and influence literacy outcomes” by putting books where anyone can pick them up.

According to the Little Free Library directory, Forest Park currently has seven little libraries. Some of the listings contain descriptions, revealing a wide variety of reasons why someone decided to put up a Little Library. For example, a Little Library at 914 Circle Ave. was put up by a mother whose four daughters loved reading and wanted to have one on their property. The library at 930 Dunlop Ave.

was a tribute to activist Mark Rogovin, who gave tours of the nearby Haymarket Monument in Forest Home Cemetery. The Little Library at 8311 W. Roosevelt Rd. was a gift to former Riveredge Hospital CEO Carey Carlock, and the Little Library at 7708 Monroe St. was put up by the owner of the nearby home-based daycare for the community’s benefit.

Forest Park Library already uses a similar box in front of its building to distribute non-perishable food.

Alicia Hammond, the library’s community engagement manager, said they knew that there might be Forest Parkers who wanted to have a Little Free Library of their own, but didn’t have the expertise or the woodworking skills to make one.

By giving away the library, they would not only be helping someone out, but they would be giving a resource to the community – which fit the summer reading program’s theme.

Ironically, the Little Library they are giving away was something that a staff member won in another contest.

The Free Little Library giveaway is only open to Forest Park residents. If they are renters, they must have permission from the owner of the property, and they must also get permission from the village in order to place anything on the public right-ofway. To enter, contestants must submit an online form and give their name, address and write why they want a little library.

Hammond said that the winners would be free to repaint and otherwise decorate their Little Library, if they want to.

“The library’s mission is to provide opportunities that educate, empower and entertain the public,” said Hammond. “We feel that putting an additional Little Free Library into the community will help community members share books and provide access to reading materials.”

Read more • For more information about the contest, visit www.fppl.org/2022/05/01/ lfldrawing/ • To find a Little Library near you, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

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Arts Alliance announces Stoop Session schedule A ‘micro-Ravinia’ on neighbors’ front lawns

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Paul and David Gulyas will kick off the 2022 edition of Stoop Sessions with a concert on the front porch of Michelle FitzHenry’s home at 1041 Thomas in Forest Park on Tuesday, June 14 starting at 7 p.m.

The concept of the Stoop Sessions, which the Forest Park Arts Alliance (FPAA) started in 2019, is to give local artists the opportunity to perform their music on the front porches of residents for an audience seated on lawn chairs. FPAA member Cecily Roland called the sessions a “small Ravinia.”

Hosts for the concerts include Michelle Fitz-Henry, Deb and Chuck Michalak, Lin Beribak, Mark Borough and the Drever Family.

The performers, who range in age from 12 to 70, will present listeners with a wide variety of musical styles.

For example, David Gulyas, who will accompany his son on guitar, is 70 years old, while Paul is 36 and will sing original songs from his “multi-genre production outfit, Cutta.”

In contrast, Noa Garcia is just 12 years old but already has an impressive resume.

She performs with The Soul Children of Chicago and has been to New York twice for Broadway call backs. She will be singing jazz classics from artists like Nina Simone, Etta James, Edith Piaf, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and more!

Gabe Medina and Kelvin Grzelak, who are both 17, will be performing with Cami-

lo Medina, 19. Kelvin’s mom Kathy said, “The kids jam together often, and have learned a fusion of music styles that are infused with rhythms and styles from all over and times past.”

Kathleen Lane, who is 27, said, “I recently graduated with a second degree in music with a focus in Jazz Vocal Performance. A lot of my original music tends to have an indie/singer-songwriter/jazz vibe to it. I will be performing songs from my yet to be released album.”

According to its website, the rock band Dig Engine, “writes original songs that look at the joys and struggles of life and relationships through an ultimately hopeful lens.” Dig has performed shows at top Chicago venues including Reggies Rock Club, Fitzgerald’s, Martyrs, the Cubby Bear and the Elbo Room, in headlining and supporting slots.”

Rick Wagner, who has been a homeowner in town since 2002, put into words why art is important, especially in these times, saying, “As a member of the Forest Park Arts Alliance since its inception I believe in supporting all arts in Forest Park. Having strong support for all the arts makes a community more vibrant. Art lifts the spirit through music, word, theater or visual presentation. Forest Park has so many talented individuals and its very important that we showcase their work.”

Cecily Roland, a Forest Parker for 20 years, added that in addition to giving local talent some exposure, the Stoop Sessions help build community. “This,” she

The scoop on the Stoop June 14

Paul and David Gulyas

1041 Thomas

rain date 6/16

July 12

Noa Garcia

505 Ferdinand rain date 7/14

July 26

Gabe Medina & Kelvin Grzelak 1529 Elgin

rain date 7/28

August 9

Kathleen Lane

503 Thomas

rain date 8/11

August 23

Dig Engine!

905 Elgin

rain date 8/25

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

JAZZED UP: Indonesian jazz musician Elio Adriano plays piano, Aug. 29, during the second Stoop Session Porch Concert.

explained, “gives people of the community an opportunity to interact with each other.”

Deb and Chuck Michalak, 66 and 73 years old respectively, have lived in Forest Park for 33 years and therefore “walk the talk” when it comes to building community.

When asked why they are hosting one of the concerts, Deb Michalak said, “We have attended Stoop Sessions each year and have thoroughly enjoyed the music, the camaraderie, the peace and unity of the event, and the fact that it is a free offering.

We have been impressed with the variety and scope of the presenting musicians, and we love the spontaneous conversation that crops up between previously unknown Forest Park neighbors.

“We are motivated to host because although we are not musicians, we are music lovers, and Stoop Sessions offers us an opportunity to participate at a grassroots level in the magic that is music. As we

think about the world we live in today and reflect on how we grew up, we know that our home communities provided us with a safe place to formulate opinions, grow into caring, giving people, and set the stage for who we have become as adults. We believe that neighbors and neighborhoods influence development, so it is imperative that we continue to gather as neighbors and demonstrate joy whenever possible.”

Beribak said the Stoop Sessions were cancelled for 2020 due to Covid but that the FPAA was able to have Sessions last year with Noa Garcia, Kathleen Lane and Dig Engine!

“Initially,” she said, “the performers received what was collected when we passed a bucket for donations. Last year, we had enough in our coffers to pay a stipend of $100 plus the bucket. This year, Mark Hanson, a State Farm agent, is covering the $100 per performance and we will still pass the bucket. It’s not much, but at least some appreciation.”

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

Early voting will happen in Bellwood, Maywood and Melrose Park; poll workers still needed, Clerk Yarbrough says

By BOB UPHUES Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

Proviso hosts early voting sites

Three sites in the Village Free Press readership area will serve as early voting sites for the 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election from June 13 through June 27, providing any suburban Cook County resident the opportunity to cast an in-person ballot prior to Election Day, which is Tuesday, June 28.

While there are no village-level races on the ballot in this election, there are a host of federal, state and county-level posts up

for election, including races for U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress; Illinois governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and comptroller; Senate and House seats in the Illinois General Assembly; Cook County Board president, commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, assessor and Board of Review; and a slew of state and county judicial races.

There are seven local referenda on this year’s ballot. Those referenda are in Bell-

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wood, Maywood and Melrose Park.

The three early voting sites, which are in Bellwood, Maywood and Melrose Park — like all of the roughly 50 early voting sites across suburban Cook County — will be open during the early voting period to voters Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sites are the following: • Bellwood Village Hall | 1000 N. 25th Ave. in Bellwood • Maywood Courthouse (Whitcomb Building) | 1311 Maybrook Drive in Maywood • Melrose Park Village Hall | 1000 N. 25th Ave. in Melrose Park You do not need an excuse to vote early and a government-issued ID is not required to vote, although it can help if there’s a question about a voter’s signature.

Early voting and Election Day polling places will also now be equipped with electronic voter check-in devices, rolled out by Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough last week during a press conference in Cicero.

The system uses an iPad where voters can check in without polling place workers having to thumb through large paper poll books. Each device can pull up a voter’s registration, verify signatures and ensure they are given the proper ballot.

If you are not registered to vote, you can register at all early voting sites. Anyone registering for the first time or filing for an address change must present two forms of ID. Types of ID acceptable can be found on the Cook County Clerk’s website at tinyurl. com/2y96yedu.

All early voting is done in person on electronic touchscreens, since poll workers need to be able to offer the correct ballot to all who are registered to vote anywhere in suburban Cook County. Once cast, ballots will be securely stored until votes are counted after polls close on election night.

In addition to the Brookfield Village Hall early voting location, here are other early voting sites located in the vicinity of Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside: Any registered voter in suburban Cook County can also opt to vote by mail. For information on voting by mail either for a single election or permanently, visit cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/ vote-by-mail.

At her press conference last week, Yarbrough also reiterated the need for Election Day poll workers. Election judges get $200 for Election Day, while polling place technicians are paid $365.

Anyone interested can apply online at cookcountyclerk.com/work.

CONTACT: info@vfpress.news

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

PREK

Staffing concerns from page 1 cancy occur. Alvarez didn’t rule out potential changes to the art and music programming, but she didn’t elaborate.

District 91’s preschool program is located inside the same building as the Garfield Primary Elementary School, 543 Hannah Ave. The classrooms are located on the lower level, but students use the library and some classrooms and spaces that elementary school students also use. There is a special classroom set up for special education students who need support beyond what can be offered in a regular classroom.

Children attend preschool for a half-day session. The proposed restructuring deals with a half hour period that preschoolers get once a week. What happens in this period varies each quarter, with each class getting each subject in a different order. Each preschooler getting a quarter of art education, a quarter of music education, a quarter of gym time and a quarter of library time, where students do reading-based learning activities and get an opportunity to read books.

Meeghan Binder, president of the Forest Park Education Association faculty and staff union, told the Review that throughout May administrators told the staff they were considering reducing the number of classroom aides, “including a reduction in paraprofessional support,” as well as “a change in schedule offerings for the preschool classes.” While nothing has been firmly decided, she said she met with Alvarez and “it was stated that the implementation of both of these proposed changes are still under consideration by our administration at this time.” Binder said that the administration was planning to meet with teachers to discuss the issue further.

“Our teachers pride themselves on having worked over the past 10 years to create a preschool program for our families that works to meet the needs of the whole child and we will be meeting with Dr. Alvarez this week to discuss their concerns over these proposed changes,” she said.

Edward Brophy, the district’s assistant superintendent of operations, told the Review, said the reduction of classroom aides was something they were considering if too many aides decide to leave the district over the summer. He said they wouldn’t know for sure if they would even need to make the reductions until early August.

“What’s challenging is that, sometimes, resignations will occur throughout the sum-

mer, so it’s not always known what vacancies we’re going to have to fill, because it’s a very fluid process,” Brophy said.

He said the district is trying to have as much flexibility as possible on the matter. However, he said their “absolute priority” was making sure special education students have the aides they need, even if it means moving assistants from other classrooms.

When asked whether the district planned to fill the vacancies, Brophy said hiring classroom assistants, especially the ones who work with special needs students, was challenging even before the pandemic.

“It’s a widely shared challenge among the school districts in Illinois and elsewhere to recruit and retain [instructional assistants],” Brophy said.

As for the 30-minute programs, Brophy said the district never considered firing teachers, since those teachers teach K-2 students as well. What they were considering was no longer having the dedicated periods, so that preschoolers would have more time to socialize – which, he said, became more important than ever due to how much time kids were isolated from their peers during the pandemic. Brophy emphasized they would still be getting art and music education from their regular teachers.

“It’s just rethinking how we want to use the time, because it’s a short window,” he said.

One teacher the Review spoke to on May 31 said she was concerned about what that would look like in practice, and she was waiting for the meetings Binder mentioned to find out more.

Brophy didn’t respond to follow-up questions asking when the district would decide what to do with 30-minute periods. When asked whether finances had any role in either decision, he said that he would get back to the Review on that but didn’t respond by deadline.

In her comments during the June 2 board meeting, Alvarez tried to soothe the concerns about changes.

“We are very proud of our preschool program and have no intention of changing what has been developed,” she said. “The times and what is offered to our 3–4-year-old scholars is not changing. We continue to provide highquality and accessible programs for our early learners.”

However, she also said that “art, music and PE will be provided by our preschool teachers and library will be provided by our library media specialist.”

“We will also be reviewing schedules for our primary specialists -- PE, art and music, to see if there is available time for any additional enrichment of 30 minutes, once a week, each quarter for our preschoolers,” she said.

PARK BUDGET Capital projects from page 1 Remembrance Park at 7341 Randolph St. and Popelka Park at the corner of Adams Street and Thomas Avenue. It’s also planning to clear the recently purchased Pines Restaurant and the Oak Leaf Lounge property, 7400-7412 Harrison St., with the goal of building a new facility that, among other things, will allow the park district to significantly expand its popular day camp program.

The park district is also expected to grow its programming and continue to rent out more spaces, which has proven to be an unexpected boon for it during the pandemic.

With the budget preview released, the park district must have the budget available for public review upon request for at least 30 days. The board of commissioners is expected to approve the budget during one of its July meetings.

The park district’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year. Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said that, overall, the next fiscal year’s budget is lower than this year’s, going from $4,931,917 in the 20212022 fiscal year to $4,903,837 in the 20222023 fiscal year.

But that doesn’t mean the park district is pulling back from any capital projects – quite the opposite.

“If I was to give you a phrase or idea for what the park district will be facing next year, I would say ‘growth,’” Murphy said.

The proposed capital budget is $1,224,737. Iovinelli said the district does not have the exact breakdown of how that money would be spent until they finish the design for all three projects. The capital budget item is a rolling fund, so whatever won’t get spent during the next fiscal year is simply rolled over into the following year.

When the park district took over management of the four village-owned pocket parks in 2020, it wanted to start improvements with Reiger Park, 1526 Circle Ave. But the project can’t move forward without the OSLAD grant, not just because of the funding, but because the grant won’t fund projects that started beforehand. The park district shifted priority to two other pocket parks – Remembrance and Popelka.

7

Iovinelli said the park district hopes to finalize the design by the end of the month, with the goal of completing the project this year – with the caveat that the supply chain issues that delayed the completion of the new splash pad adjacent to the pool could slow down these projects as well.

With the newly acquired Pines/Oak Leaf property, the park district’s first priority is to demolish the existing buildings. Iovinelli said, once it happens, they will go to the community to help develop the exact plan for the site, but they generally hope to build a “much-needed indoor multipurpose space.”

Murphy told the commissioners the district hopes the new space will allow them to expand their day camp program, which is currently at capacity.

“Almost every week has a waitlist, so we’re missing revenue opportunities just because we’re out of space,” he said. “When we [build] this building across the street, it would give us more room to accommodate anyone that desires to be in our program.”

When asked whether this “growth mode” would extend to park programming as well, Murphy said the park district “is going to see growth in other areas, programs, members, activities at the Roos [Recreation Center].”

Murphy said that, since 2018, the budgets have been fine-tuned to keep better track of expenses. This helped the park district make money even during COVID-19 spikes.

“Last year, [we made] not a lot of money, but we made money,” Murphy said.

“By keeping track of those expenses more accurately, [Superintendent of Facilities Andrew Doss] knows how he’s doing at Roos.”

He also said that the pandemic opened their eyes to just how much space they can rent out, and it has been “a fantastic way of making money.” “[For the 2021-2022 fiscal year], we budgeted $15,000 and made $41,000,” Murphy said. “We’re anticipating for that to continue into 2022-2023.”

He added that they budgeted $40,000 in rental revenues, just to be on the safe side.

When asked whether the splash pad delay would hurt summer revenues, Iovinelli told the commissioners that there was only a “six-pass difference” in the number of people who purchased pool passes. She noted that revenue tends to vary greatly week-to-week depending on the weather.

8

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

June 8-15

BIG WEEK Read Under The Rainbow Storytime Tuesday, June 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Forest Park Public Library We celebrate Pride Month with stories that celebrate identity and individuality. There will be stories, plus a take-home craft kit. Designed for ages 5 and under.

7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Library Summer Reading Kick Off Party Forest Park School District #91 is seeking applications for a vacant position on the Board of Education. An individual will be appointed to fill the vacant position until the April 2023 elections are held.

Interested persons must submit a letter expressing interest and a resume via email to jbarnes@fpsd91.org no later than Friday, June 17, 2022.

Following a review of the submitted materials, the Board will schedule interviews with selected candidates. Not all candidates for the Board vacancy will be interviewed. If you have any questions concerning the role of the Board of Education and the responsibilities of a Board member, please contact Shannon Wood, Vice President of the Board at swood@fpsd91.org

Friday, June 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library This after-hours party will feature fun activities for all ages, summer reading sign up, and snacks. Registration highly encouraged. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Nail & String Art Thursday, June 9, 4-5:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Learn a cool new type of art, that involves nails, colorful string, and wood. String art is weaving colored string, wool, wire, or yarn between hammered nails to make geometric patterns. Artists use lines of thread to create curved patterns that can form various desirable shapes. (Make and take kits will be available.) 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

An Evening With Andrea Elliott Monday, June 13, Forest Park Public Library The first woman to win an individual Pulitzer in both Arts & Letters and Journalism, New York Times journalist Andrea Elliott’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City chronicles eight dramatic years in the life of a young girl named Dasani and her family as they move from shelter to shelter in New York. By turns heartbreaking and inspiring, Invisible Child is a story about the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the cost of inequality—told through the crucible of one remarkable girl. Join us on Zoom. Please register for this event.

Middle Grade Mystery Fan Club Thursday, June 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Centuries & Sleuths We’ll share and tell about our favorite mysteries, read a selection and play a game where you can play detective. Designed for kids ages 8-10. 7419 Madison St., Forest Park.

Listing your event in the calendar Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community 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

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022 ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

C R I M E

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Car wash repairman’s van with work equipment stolen

A man who thought his work van was towed discovered that it was stolen, with $20,000 worth of work equipment inside.

The victim, who works for a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based car wash equipment manufacturer, told police he repairs company equipment in area car washes and that he’s been parking his white 2013 Ford Econoline E250 work van at a parking lot on the north side of 15th Street, just west of Circle Avenue, for the past seven years.

He last left the van there on May 28 at approximately 10 a.m., but when the victim returned for it on May 31 at 5:30 a.m., he found it gone.

After a towing firm confirmed it didn’t have his vehicle, the victim called police.

The victim said that the van contained multiple DeWalt hammer drills and various hand tools, along with a DeWalt tool box. It also had company-owned car wash repair equipment “including electronics, computer parts, motors, chemicals and various other items.”

Attempted burglary A man tried to use a block of concrete to break the lock on the back door of Elite Tire & Auto Service auto repair shop, 35 S. Harlem Ave., running away after his attempt triggered a burglar alarm just before 2 a.m. on May 31.

Security camera video reportedly showed a man walking east on Franklin Street, on the south side of the building. The man looked through the Franklin Street door and then was seen with his head wrapped in a T-shirt and carrying what appeared to be a large chunk of concrete. The man was next seen running to the other side of Franklin Street, crossing to the other side of Harlem Avenue and running north on Harlem Avenue.

Police arriving on the scene in response to the burglar alarm found the rear door unlocked. The door handles and locking mechanism were damaged, and the officer saw a large piece of concrete near the door.

Nothing was taken, and the suspect hasn’t been identified.

Now safely moving Now safely moving new residents our new safely residents totoour Now moving small, 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

Man arrested for shoplifting, lies about name A 55-year old Chicago man was charged with theft and obstruction after he was caught allegedly shoplifting from the Forest Park Walmart, 1300 Des Plaines Ave. and repeatedly lied to the officers about his name.

On June 3, at 10:29 a.m., the alleged offender was observed changing into clothes that were on sale at the store. He reportedly tried to walk out without paying for them, and the store employee who made the complaint reported that the man tried to steal “multiple items,” including a belt and several watches. The employee stopped the alleged offender and detained him at the store’s security office until the police arrived.

When questioned by the police officer, the man originally gave a name that didn’t show up in law enforcement databases.

The man was warned that he would be arrested if he failed to provide a real name, but he continued that insist that it was his real name.

A fingerprint check eventually confirmed his real identity, and revealed that he had a Town of Cicero police warrant out for trespassing.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, May 31-June 2, 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.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

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 COVID-19 crisis Wethe would be honored for your family to be part of ours. and willbe stop at nothing We we would honored for your to maketosure it continues. family be part of ours.

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Introducing the Xpert Flood Control System

An Introduction and Graphic Explanation of our Xpert Flood Control System

THE RECESS

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.

Xpert

THE GUARDIAN

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

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.

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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.

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Savor a slice of history at Old World Pizza The legacy recipes of the Bambini family endure at the Elmwood Park mainstay In 1960 the Bambini family emigrated from Sicily to the United States and brought an arsenal of well-loved recipes with them. In 1963 the family opened their first restaurant and relied on “quality and service” to nurture a loyal customer base.

Though ownership of the pizza and pasta focused eatery has changed hands several times over the years, the same collection of century old recipes remains at the heart of the Elmwood Park business. Today, The Original Old World Pizza, 7230 W. North Ave., thrives thanks to generational affinFood Writer ity for their traditional pies and consistent flavor.

Current manager, Nick Tharani and his staff have dedicated themselves to keeping this Elmwood Park pizza tradition alive. Tharani has been part of that legacy for three years, but pizza cook, Amadeo Montalvo, has been topping, baking and sliced Old World pizzas for more than two decades. The continuity of recipes and longtime employees cultivates a base of cus-

MELISSA ELSMO

More than pizza at Old World: An array of dishes awaits at the Elmwood Park eatery. Burgers, wings, salads and pasta dishes are shown here with traditional Old World pies.

PROVIDED

Veteran pizza cook, Amadeo Montalvo, slices up a small thin crust pie at Old World Pizza in Elmwood Park.

MELISSA ELSMO

tomers who keep coming back.

“All of our sauces are made fresh inhouse,” said Tharani. “A Wisconsin dairy farm custom blends our cheese.”

The manager qualifies Old World’s sauce as “not too sweet and not too tangy.” The red sauce forms the base for the five types of pizza offered at the unassuming strip mall restaurant. Traditional thin crust and indulgent deep dish are the most popular offerings, but double deck, double dough and stuffed pizzas are also on the Old World menu. The shop churns out an average of 150 pizzas every Friday night.

In fact, Tharani recollects a time when a former owner changed the custom cheese blend for a less expensive and more readily available brand. Customers were swift to notice the change and the business returned to their old ways to keep their patrons satisfied.

“Some of our customers have been coming here for more than 20 years and we know them by face and name,” said Tharani. “If we make any changes, we’ll hear from them.

We have customers who come back to get a slice after 10 years and they say it tastes exactly the same.”

Old World Pizza has a small casual dining room where hungry customers can enjoy

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

Fried Dough is an indulgent treat from Old World Pizza in Elmwood Park.

a freshly made bowl of spaghetti or piping hot pizza, but 90% of Old World’s business comes from a combination of delivery and carryout orders. Pizzas account for 80% of business at Old World Pizza, but Tharani is quick to recommend their chicken wings,

A deep-dish pizza at served at Old World Pizza in Elmwood Park. Provided.

MELISSA ELSMO

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PROVIDED

house made meatballs, and fried dough, too.

An Elmwood Park mainstay, The Original Old World Pizza, is on a mission to continue serving hungry locals the pizza they have come to know and love — every slice they serve honors a near 60 year old legacy.

Lunch Specials at Old World Pizza: Despite supply chain issues and food cost increases, management has kept the prices on their weekday lunch specials the same. These “pick-up only” are available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and come with a can of soda or bottle of water.

Two slices of thin crust pizza ............$6.50 Italian beef sandwich with fries........$7.50 Meatball sandwich with fries.............$7.50 1/3-pound hamburger with fries........$7.50 Breaded Chicken Sandwich with fries ...$7.50 Grilled chicken sandwich and fries ...$7.50 Eggplant sandwich with fries ............$7.50 Pepper and Egg Sandwich with fries .....$7

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For more culinary delights, visit OakPark.com and click on EATS.

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A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED. FIND US ON RESTAURANT ROW! PDVVDFDIH FRP JULQJRDQGEORQGLH FRP

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

OPINION O U R

P

Protecting preschool

reschool has become an essential introduction to student-starved District 91 public elementary schools in Forest Park. The program is rightly admired and valued by local parents.

And while not all of those preschool kids continue with the district, a good number do, and it is a pipeline this district needs to continue to nurture.

Over the past month worries have surfaced that the district was looking to reduce the number of classroom aides and to eliminate some aspects of its art, music, gym and enrichment programs.

In a story this week, Igor Studenkov reports on the concerns of the teachers union that wants more clarity on these twin issues. He also presents the district’s response which is that it worries if current aides do not return it will be unable to hire enough aides in what is a tough employment market for schools. That’s a legitimate worry and hiring efforts need to be expanded.

The district also said the possible reduction in the preschools’ dedicated enrichment period is focused on giving young students more time to socialize after two years of pandemic isolation. The most critical benefit of preschool is socialization for our youngest residents.

We’ll continue to follow as the district hopefully improves its communication on any changes to its well regarded preschool program.

S

Early to rise makes a man … well, wise up

V I E W

Grassroots music

toop Sessions, the simple and inspired neighborhood music series, is back. Launched in 2019, COVID-cancelled in 2020, diminished but alive in 2021, the front porch/front lawn venues are reopening next week.

The work of the Forest Park Arts Alliance, this year’s series will feature five sessions, starting June 14 and running through Aug. 23. Some acts are repeating. Some are new. Performers range in age (12 to 70) and genre — jazz standards to fusion to singer-songwriter.

We say this often because it’s true. Forest Park is a hive of artistic talents. And why not? Close to the city. Affordable. Filled with nooks and crannies to make art. It has taken the Arts Alliance to tease all this art energy out, to build welcoming venues from front porches to garages in the alley, to nurture both artists and an audience that appreciates and celebrates this art.

Our story today, by Tom Holmes, quotes Rick Wagner, an Arts Alliance member and a local homeowner, making the case for hyper-local art. “I believe in supporting all arts in Forest Park. Having strong support for all the arts makes a community more vibrant. Art lifts the spirit through music, word, theater or visual presentation. Forest Park has so many talented individuals and it’s very important that we showcase their work.”

Stoop Sessions is a community-building, arts-loving, modestly artistsupporting endeavor that says so many good things about Forest Park.

Bring your lawn chairs. Meet your neighbors. Enjoy the music.

A column from the Alan Archives, July 10, 2019: do not know exactly what is going on with me lately, but in a move that goes against everything I was raised to believe was right and good and wholesome, I am finding myself more and more inclined to get up early in the morning.

It was my understanding as a child that there was nothing more odious you could ask of another person than for them to get out of bed before they were ready to do so. Direct experience taught me that, adult example taught me that, and television taught me that. Everyone is supposed to stay in bed until 10. It’s just human nature! Proposing a 7:15 tee time on Saturday morning is rude.

Proposing 6:30 is a war crime. I remember someone at my first job telling me he liked to be at his desk by 7. I didn’t believe him, as there did not seem to be much difference between being at your desk at 7 a.m. and being at your desk at 5 a.m. What’s the difference if it’s before 9:30? Why would you take a job that required such a thing?!

It turns out, though, that mornings are nicer if you’re not frantic from the moment the snooze alarm pings for the 16th time. Who knew? This past weekend, I was at the Farmers Market at 8. There was no line for coffee (nor was I desperate because I had already had some), the giant stroller delegation wasn’t out in force yet, and the vegetables didn’t look par-cooked by the heat. The leafleters were much less aggressive, too, which was an unexpected bonus. (I lobby every year for the same experiment: the Farmers Market should allow dogs and confine the politicallyminded to a special park a block away. This inversion of the current policy would improve the market considerably.)

Where getting up early really shines is on vacation. Leaving one’s AirBnB at 7:30 instead of 10 results, over the course of five days, in what is essentially an extra day of vacation — and that’s before you factor in

I

stuff like how much shorter lines are first thing in the morning, how much more active zoo animals are, how some summer things are better experienced before the sun is directly overhead, that sort of thing. To turn a five-day trip into six just by changing bedtime and realizing that morning bitterness is not compulsory? Yes please.

I realize that from here I sound like I am reaching the age and lifestyle Billy Crystal once described as “eating dinner at two in the afternoon, lunch around 10, breakfast the night before.” I know this might be part of the cycle of life and all that, but I still cannot communicate to you how revelatory this is, that getting up at 6:30 isn’t really any more difficult or unpleasant than getting up at 10, and there is way more day ahead of you. It’s about what you’re going to do with it more than anything.

I know there are those who will tell you this is just an issue of attitude, but this is not so. Obviously, it is harder to get up if you open your eyes facing a day of yardwork and errands, but there’s more to it. I had a boss I hated in the early 2000s, and I realized just how much partly by how much easier I found getting out of bed on weekends. Gotta listen to what you are telling yourself sometimes.

I don’t mean to evangelize. Some people tell themselves, correctly, that they prefer to sleep 2 a.m. to 10 a.m., and that they even function better. I’m not arguing that. What I’m discovering is that those hours are not the optimal hours for everyone. It’s as though I never tried running because I was told it was difficult and unpleasant, and then when circumstances forced running, discovered I was great at it and loved it.

Today I got up early to write this.

Tomorrow, perhaps I will get up early and think about what other features of life, which I take as fact, might really be things I am wrong about.

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

‘

Why he’s running for the Illinois House

I’m running on the power of a miracle,” said Dr. Eddie Kornegay, about being on the Republican ticket for state representative of the 7th District. The miracle he refers to has to do with his 28-year-old stepson, Anthony Jones. The lifelong Forest Park resident was the victim of a carjacking attempt on Jan. 20, 2021.

Jones had stopped for a snack at the BP gas station, Harlem and Roosevelt Road, in Oak Park. After he returned to his car, 18-year-old Edmond Harris reportedly sprinted up and demanded Jones’ 2019 Nissan Altima. Jones hit the gas but Harris reportedly fired through the driver’s side window. The bullet entered Jones temple and exited his cheek.

Jones entered the gas station but was asked to leave because he was bleeding on the floor. He called 911 and was taken to Loyola University Medical Center. He was hospitalized for six days and may never regain full vision in his left eye.

Harris allegedly carjacked a Chevrolet Impala on March 6. On March 23, he reportedly shot and killed Uber driver Javier Ramos and stole his Lexus. He later turned himself in at a Chicago Police station. Kornegay works with people like Harris in the Living Word prison ministry program.

He started at Living Word in 2014, where he serves as dean of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Joseph Business School. The last time I interviewed him was when Living Word hosted the 2015 Cook County Criminal and Traffic Sealing Summit.

“I have fallen in love with Forest Park,” Kornegay said at the time. “It’s a great community.” Now, he is running for election to the Illinois House of Representatives to represent District 7. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary on June 28, 2022.

He was prompted to run by an email from the Illinois Policy Institute to get more people “that sound like you” on the ballot. Kornegay was a lifelong Democrat who is voicing his values through a Republican organization. Should he win the nomination, his opponent in the general election will be Emmanuel “Chris” Welch, the Speaker of the Illinois House.

“I’m not running against Chris,” he insisted, “I’m running for disenfranchised voters.” He also is not embracing the radical fringe of the Republican Party. Kornegay quoted from scripture, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” He also said, “When violence comes inside your house, it changes the equation.”

He started his campaign with $86 deposited at Forest Park National Bank and will reach out to community organizations and work with friends to gather donations. He has “divine confidence” that if he knocks on doors and uses media platforms, he has a chance to unseat the incumbent. In the meantime, he continues to try and reach people like the one who shot his stepson.

JOHN RICE

A

L O O K

B A C K

Semper fine

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He teaches technology skills to inmates at Cook County Jail. Many of them are young, and Kornegay believes that in the presence of faith, transformation can occur. He is also part of a program that offers post-release opportunities. “I see people in dire circumstances breaking into homes. Lawlessness is spreading everywhere.”

The next step in his campaign is to host events in Forest Park. He wants to hear the voices of constituents: business owners, seniors, families with children. “We’re all shareholders,” he said.

On the morning his stepson was shot, Kornegay had been asleep. When he reached Loyola, Jones was embarrassed by his appearance and said, “Sorry you have to see me like this.”

The tragedy prompted Kornegay to ask himself, “What more can I do?”

Running for the 7th District seat is a start.

erb Semper, who grew up on the 1500 block of Elgin, son of a local druggist, Bert Semper, would go on to be known as the first University of Kansas Jayhawk to win back to back NCAA cross country championships in 1950 and 1951 in the 4-mile race.

Semper, described as a “barrelchested, bespectacled redhead,” lost sight in one eye in a BB-gun mishap when he was in his school days at Betsy Ross. His high school days at Proviso (East) he was the Suburban League cross country champion. In his senior year he competed in the second annual Illinois High School State Meet at Urbana in 1947, finishing third.

I N

T I M E

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW 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 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.

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Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

Growing Community Media

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT PARK SPECIALIST

Starting Salary Range: $17.50 $20.38/HR plus full benefits 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

HELP WANTED

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

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.

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, 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, 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Growing Community Media NFP • Bookkeeper/Office Manager

We are hiring a part-time Bookkeeper/Office Manager to oversee the day to day operations of our busy community publishing nonprofit.

Flexible hours (25 per week), a hybrid of in-office and work from home options, and a salary in the low $30s.

Among the key roles for this are: • Bookkeeping entries; QuickBooks proficiency desired • AR and AP management • Payment processing for donors, advertisers and subscriptions

• Payroll and benefits processing • Office supply maintenance • Nonprofit experience a plus.

Bonus points for being a notary!

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

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

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

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.

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG R E N TA L S

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.

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.

15

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.

PARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 1 BR APARTMENT FOR RENT

Convenient, accessible area CALL 708-456-2643

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

1 BEDROOM APT

Small 1 bdr apt in Forest Park. Water and heat included. No parking. Available May 1. $750/month.

708-227-7007

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE II

Clean, quiet, secure building. No pets. Seniors welcome. Available now. Rent $550/month.

Call 630-247-7936

ROOMS FOR RENT CHICAGO WEST SIDE ROOM FOR RENT

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

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

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

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

MARKETPLACE

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALES

Oak Park

La Grange Park

Vintage china, some Jadeite. Toys —-board games, rock tumbler, microscope, Haba marble run, dollhouses.

Gymnastics mat, kid’s Electra bike, scooters. Home decor— unused pillows, picture frames, furniture, light fixtures. Vintage wicker. Kids and adult clothing/shoes. Many holiday decorations. Building materials, antique doors and windows.

Tools, Clothes, books, records and much miscellaneous.

GARAGE SALE 701 S ELMWOOD AVE (AND NEIGHBOR TOO!) SAT 6/11 9 AM – 3 PM

CEMENT

CEMENT

708-386-7355

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

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

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.

HOME SERVICES

GARAGE SALE 845 ROBINHOOD LANE SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH 9AM - 2PM

River Forest

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 7300 DIVISION ST. FRI JUNE 10 8AM-5PM SAT JUNE 11 9AM-1PM

Clothing for kids and adults, toys, housewares, collectibles, books, small furniture and much more.

Please enter through the Bonnie Brae doors.

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

CARS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

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

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: 708-296-2060 Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Cars: HANDYMAN Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Collector James • 630-201-8122 Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James Restored or Unrestored Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars,

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

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

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

1323 JACKSON AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

1323JACKSONAV.INFO

233 LINDEN AVENUE, OAK PARK

233LINDENAVENUE.INFO

This is the one you have been waiting for! Welcome to this Beautiful French 1323 JACKSON AVENUE, RIVER FOREST 1323JACKSONAV.INFO Normandy, on an oversized lot. $1,349,000 1323isJACKSON AVENUE, RIVER FOREST 1323JACKSONAV.INFO This the one you have been waiting for! Welcome to this Beautiful French HASEMAN/CURRAN • 708.606.8896 • greer.gps@atproperties.com This is the one you have been for! Welcome to this Beautiful French Normandy, on an oversized lot.waiting $1,349,000

Magnificent, centrally located home in historic Oak Park featuring beauti233LINDENAVENUE.INFO 233 LINDEN AVENUE, OAK PARK ful updates and architectural details throughout. $1,325,000 233 LINDEN centrally AVENUE,located OAK PARK Magnificent, home in historic Oak233LINDENAVENUE.INFO Park featuring beautiVICTORIA SCHUTTE • 708.214.8108 • victoria@atproperties.com Magnificent, centrally located details home inthroughout. historic Oak$1,325,000 Park featuring beautiful updates and architectural

Normandy, on an oversized lot. $1,349,000 • HASEMAN/CURRAN • 708.606.8896

greer.gps@atproperties.com

ful updatesSCHUTTE and architectural details throughout. $1,325,000 VICTORIA • 708.214.8108 • victoria@atproperties.com

HASEMAN/CURRAN

greer.gps@atproperties.com

VICTORIA SCHUTTE

•

708.606.8896

•

•

708.214.8108

•

victoria@atproperties.com

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD 1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

1118 N KENILWORTH AVENUE, OAK PARK

1118NORTHKENILWORTHAVENUE.INFO

1115 FOREST AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

1115FOREST.INFO

Stately brick Colonial on established and prestigious Kenilworth parkway

Gorgeous side-hall brick Colonial boasting Arch-Lock™’ windows and en-

awaits. $1,100,000 1118 N KENILWORTH AVENUE, OAK PARK

tryway, with AVENUE, red oak hardwood flooring throughout..

1115 FOREST RIVER FOREST

1118NORTHKENILWORTHAVENUE.INFO

$925,000 1115FOREST.INFO

1118 NPASQUESI KENILWORTH OAK and PARK 1118NORTHKENILWORTHAVENUE.INFO LISA • AVENUE, •prestigious lisapasquesi@atproperties.com Stately brick Colonial on708.288.2621 established Kenilworth parkway

1115 FOREST AVENUE, FOREST BRIAN BEHAN • RIVER 312.480.1244 • b b @ atwindows p ro1115FOREST.INFO p e r t iand e s .co m Gorgeous side-hall brick Colonial boasting Arch-Lock™’ en-

Stately Colonial on established and prestigious Kenilworth parkway awaits. brick $1,100,000

Gorgeous side-hall Colonial boasting Arch-Lock™’ windows and entryway, with red oakbrick hardwood flooring throughout.. $925,000

awaits. $1,100,000 • LISA PASQUESI

708.288.2621

•

lisapasquesi@atproperties.com

tryway, with red oak• hardwood flooring throughout.. $925,000 BRIAN BEHAN 312.480.1244 • b b @ at p ro p e r t i e s .co m

LISA PASQUESI

708.288.2621

•

lisapasquesi@atproperties.com

BRIAN BEHAN

•

Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

•

312.480.1244 • b b @ at p ro p e r t i e s .co m Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

17

18

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

PRICE CHANGE!

HISTORIC BEAUTY!

846 KENILWORTH, OAK PARK $674,000 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK $1,179,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH

American Four Square, a great family home.

Majestic Victorian in central Oak Park Historic District.

Guess what?

Colin Fane, Agent 212 S Marion Street Fl G Oak Park, IL 60302 Bus: 708-383-3163 www.colinfane.com Monday & Friday 9am-5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-12pm

We are collecting non-perishable food items for Beyond Hunger’s “Can Do” Community Challenge!

Donations can be made during regular business hours through the month of April.

Together we can make a difference!

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 1901978

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

IC LUNCHEON 2 M O N

CO NOM Y

FUT THE

UR E OF

7TH ANNUAL

022

ECO

State Farm Bloomington, IL

TECHNOLOGY &

ECONOMIC LUNCHEON 2022 THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMY

THURSDAY, JUNE 23 • 11AM - 1PM

E

This panel discussion will take a deep dive into understanding current trends in areas of key economic indicators—purchasing power, construction & development and broadband infrastructure.

Join us this year at Dominican University.

Register or Sponsor a Table!

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

19

(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.

Our Community Needs Community Journalism Reporting local news, telling local stories and keeping local officials accountable is more important now than ever before.

Let's keep informed.

Read and Support your community news source.

Partner with us.

Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Sawa’s Old Come Celebrate early from Warsaw

Authentic Smorgasbord 7 a.m. to Polish-American 10:30 a.m.

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

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

Y A D S ’ E ENTIN

CARRY-OUT MENU

Beef Salad Ham off the Bone (sliced) $1.25 ea $2.50 1/2 pt Compl imenta $5.00 pt $10 qt Potato Pancakes Smoked BBQ Ribs $3.75 pt $6.00 qt ry (1/3 slab) $7.00 each $0.85 ea $8.50 doz Carved Roast Beef Macaroni $19.00 slab (sliced) $1.50 ea Pierogies, Potato Salad Stuffed Cabbage $0.85 ea $8.50 doz $6.00 pt $12.00 qt $2.50 1/2 pt $3.00 ea $30.00 doz Pierogies, Cabbage Special of the Day $3.75 pt Tuesda Broasted Chicken, $0.85 ea 8.50 doz $4.00 1/2 pt $8.00 pt $6.00 qt y Jun Wing $1.25 ea $14.00 qt Pierogies, Meat Style French  Texas Toast Kidney Bean Salad 5pm-8p e 14 $15.00 doz $0.90 ea Soup, Chicken m  $9.00 Appledoz wood Bacon $2.50 1/2 pt Broasted Chicken, Noodle $2.50 1/2 pt Pierogies, Cabbage Eggs  Scrambled $3.75 pt Leg $1.75 ea $4.25 pt $6.50 qt $0.90 ea doz  $9.00 Potato Pancakes $6.00 qt $20.00 doz Soup, Flavor of the Pierogies, Blueberry  Kiszka (Polish Sausage) Potato Salad $2.50 Broasted Chicken, $0.95 ea Day $2.50 1/2 pt  $9.50 Sliceddoz Ham Breast $3.00 ea 1/2 pt $3.75 pt $4.25 pt $6.50 qt Blintzes, Apple Polish  Sausage, Pork Sausage$30.00 Linksdoz $6.00 qt $.075 ea $7.50 doz Fresh/Smoked Soup, Czamina  Apple CrepesBroasted Chicken, Potato Salad $0.85 ea $8.50 doz (Duck) $3.50 1/2 pt Blintzes, Cheese  Apricot Crepes Thigh $2.50 ea $2.50 1/2 pt $3.75 pt $6.50 pt $12qt $.085 ea $8.50 doz Broasted Codfish  Blueberry Crepes $25.00 doz $6.00 qt $1.50 ea Vegetable of theMary Soft Serve Bloody  $18.00 Cheesedoz CrepesBroasted Wedged Three Bean Salad Day $2.75 1/2 pt Ice Cream Broasted ShrimpFruit Potatoes  Fresh $2.50 1/2 pt $3.75 pt or Mimosa $3.25 pt $6.00 qt $1.50 ea $4.50 pt $8.00 qt  $18.00 Raisindoz Bread$0.60 ea $6.00 doz $6.00 qt Sauerkrautonly $6 ShrimpCocktail Kolaczki Boiled Potatoes English Muffins Tossed Salad $1.50 ea $18.00 doz $2.75 1/2 pt $3.25 pt (Cherry/Apricot) $1.25 1/2pt $2.50 pt, $3.75 sm $6.50 lg All that plus Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk or Coffee... $6.00 qt $.050 ea $5.00 doz Beer Battered Cod $5.00 qt Fresh Fruit $1.75 ea $20.00 doz Fresh Cole Slaw Sour Cream/ Mashed Potatoes $2.00 1/2 pt $3.50 pt $2.50 1/2 pt $3.75 pt Apple Sauce Pork Chop Steak $2.25 1/2pt $3.25 pt, $7.00 qt $6.00 qt $3.00 1/2 pt $5.50 pt $3.00 ea $30.00 doz $6.50 qt Fresh Rolls/Rye Cucumber Salad Plate with Plastic Potato Dumplings Breaded Pork ‘n1/2pt Ham$3.50 pt, Dinner ~ 1/2 BBQ Ribs Bread $0.50 ea $2.50 pt Pork $3.75 pt $2.00 Fork & Knife Cutlet Lunch ~ Noodles $7.00 qt $6.00 qtto 9 p.m.

11 a.m. p.m.

4 p.m. $4.00 doz $6.50 loaf $0.30 ea $3.00 doz $4.00 ea $40.00 dozto 3:30 $9 per person $13 per person

VAL BR

FFET U B T S EAKFA

Polish Tacos

For only $9 per person!

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

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

20

Forest Park Review, June 8, 2022

YOU’RE INVITED!

Family Day

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION FRIDAY, JUNE 17 | NOON TO 5 PM Lunch is served 1 TO 3 PM OAK PARK BANK – MADISON ST. 400 Madison St. | Oak Park

Enjoy a taco truck, live music, and a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony as we open the new Oak Park Bank location.

Something new is coming to Oak Park! Is it a Taco Bell? Not quite — but we’ll have a taco truck here to help us celebrate. We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on our new Oak Park Bank location — this one’s on Madison Street — and we hope you’ll come to enjoy the live music, festive atmosphere, and tacos that we’ve arranged to ring in the moment.

Celebrate our GRAND OPENING with our #1 CHECKING ACCOUNT and

GET 300 $

1

400 Madison St. | Oak Park, IL 60302 708-948-0480 | bankoakpark.com

Plus, enjoy TOTALLY FREE ATMS!

3

Really, every ATM you use is free.

We’ll reimburse your ATM fees everywhere outside our network.

when you open a new Total Access Checking account.

Only $100 required to open. No minimum monthly balance or monthly maintenance fees.

Enroll in online banking, activate e-statements through the bank website, and have at least monthly occurring direct deposits totaling $500 or more each month for the qualification period.2

Stop by to say hello or open online at bankoakpark.com/taco Oak Park Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A. 1. Total Access Checking Account Bonus Information. This Total Access Checking account bonus offer is valid for new accounts opened January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. This Total Access Checking account bonus offer is not available to existing or closed checking account customers of Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’) and its subsidiaries or its active employees. Limit 1 bonus payment per customer, regardless of the number of accounts opened. If you qualify for this Total Access Checking account bonus offer, you are ineligible to receive this Total Access Checking account bonus offer from any other WTFC location. If you qualify for any other WTFC savings offer it may be combined with this Total Access Checking account bonus offer. Your new account must be open, in the same product, and have a balance greater than zero to receive the bonus payment. Balance is determined as of the end of each Business Day as the funds currently in your account including deposits and withdrawals made in the Business Day. The $300.00 bonus payment is subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting and may be considered income for tax purposes for the tax year in which the bonus was paid. BANKER INSTRUCTIONS: Enter offer code WFC00DMTA300 during account opening. 2. Total Access Checking Account Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open a new Total Access Checking account; (ii) tell us you are aware of this Total Access Checking account bonus offer at account opening; (iii) have at least monthly occurring direct deposits totaling $500.00 or more each month made to your new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month your new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’). For example, if you open your new account in January, you would need to have “Direct Deposits” made to your new account in February totaling $500.00 or more and in March totaling $500.00 or more; and (iv) enroll in online banking and activate e-statements within the Qualification Period. A direct deposit is defined as any payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization that is made via an electronic deposit. A direct deposit does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from other accounts at other financial institutions or ATM/debit card transfers and deposits. After you have completed all the above bonus qualifications, we will deposit the bonus payment into your new account within 30 calendar days after the Qualification Period. 3. ATM Fees. There is no WTFC transaction charge at any ATM in the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Sum surcharge free networks. Other banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges at their machines. Surcharge fees assessed by owners of other ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed. Reimbursement does not include the 1.10% International Service fee charged for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental United States. A listing of WTFC locations can be found here: wintrust.com/locations.