ForestParkReview_082626

ForestParkReview.com Vol. 109, No. 34

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F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

Garage Galleries PAGE 4

AUGUST 26, 2026

Raising money to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods

Collaborative art effort projects 3-word phrases on local buildings Forest Park residents have been contributing phrases

By LILLIAN ALI Reporting Intern

SYDNEY LOVAN

A band plays live music during the Food Aid Block Party near Robert’s Westside. Bands such as High & Lonesome, Strawdaddy and Pipes were featured during Saturday’s event.

5th annual Food Aid Festival in Forest Park brings live music and fundraising to bear on hunger

By JACKIE PISANO Staff Reporter

Approximately 48 million Americans struggle with food insecurity daily, grappling with accessing reliable, safe and nutritious meals due to economic and social hardships. In Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding areas, it is es-

timated that 50,000 children and adults face regular, inadequate access to food.

To help combat local hunger, one Forest Park business owner and hundreds of community members gathered last Saturday at Madison Street and Circle Avenue for an afternoon of live music,

“Fresh cotton candy” “Then a warmth” “To leave you” Those are just a few of many three-word phrases projected on the side of a Forest Park building by artist and woodworker Joshua Longbrake. For a few hours on certain evenings, Longbrake broadcasts a new phrase on a wall near the Forest Park Public Library.

Initially, Longbrake designed the project, called Three Words, to be happened upon by passersby.

“I always loved seeing things where they See THREE WORDS on page 6

See FOOD AID on page 7

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 THIS ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

A look back in time: News from Harlem PAGE 12

Tom Holmes: D91’s Second Step Curriculum PAGE 11

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

Pair arrested for theft of brass mausoleum doors in Forest Park Two Westchester residents also face charges in cemetery thefts in Hillside, elsewhere

By LILLIAN ALI Reporting Intern

Working with police departments in Westchester, LaGrange, Hillside and Justice, Forest Park police on July 18 arrested a man and woman from Westchester on charges they had stolen the brass doors off a mausoleum in a Forest Park cemetery. The pair also face charges of thefts from cemeteries in other nearby communities.

John Kozeluh, 49, and Lana Grey, 38, were located and taken into custody by Forest Park police. Kozeluh was charged with two counts of violating the Cemetery Protection Act, two counts of theft, and two counts of criminal damage to property. Grey was charged with one count of violating the Cemetery Protection Act. On July 6, Forest Park police received a report that mausoleum doors had been stolen from a cemetery within the Village of Forest Park, with similar incidents in other cemeteries in the village and across nearby municipalities.

The heavy, brass doors to mausoleums can weigh hundreds of pounds and be worth thousands of dollars, prompting thieves to attempt to steal and sell them for scrap metal. In June, thieves used power tools to steal doors off their hinges in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Depending on its quality and condition, scrap brass can sell for between $1 and $4 per pound. Last year, a Chicago alderman shut down an illegal scrapyard operation discovered in an abandoned restaurant in the Chatham neighborhood.

In Illinois, willfully and knowingly removing a memorial, monument or marker commemorating the deceased is a Class 2 felony, which carries a prison sentence of 3 to 7 years and fines of up to $25,000.

Unfortunately, Illinois is no stranger to cemetery theft. Last fall, multiple bronze vases were stolen from a cemetery in Wheeling Township. Security footage also showed an individual tampering with grave markers. Last month, copper and brass fixtures were stripped and stolen from dozens of graves at a cemetery in Peoria.

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

Art in the alleys: pop up galleries draw hundreds

12th annual arts event showcases the work of local artists in garage galleries

By JACKIE PISANO Staff Reporter

To most people, garages are simply places for parking cars, storing tools and working on weekend projects, and alleys are merely grungy passageways for trash collection and utility lines.

But on the fourth Saturday in August over the past 12 years, Forest Park flips the script, transforming dozens of garages and blocks of alleyways from dull and unsightly

community-accessible showcase and bringing neighbors together to explore a variety of artwork right up anyone’s alley.

Sponsored by the Forest Park Arts Alliance, Garage Galleries helps partner artists with residents who open their garages free of charge in exchange for the chance to sell their work and promote their small businesses.

This year’s Garage Galleries on Saturday, Aug. 22 was arguably the largest in event history. Featuring approximately 111 juried local artists across 44 galleries, hundreds of people strolled Forest Park alleys and sidewalks chatting with friends and discovering vibrant artwork, one garage at a time.

Lin Beribak, a Forest Park resident and vice president of the Arts Alliance, said that Garage Galleries reinforces the village’s reputation as a creative, quirky and

SYDNEY LOVAN

Artist and homeowner Chuck Michalak displays his paintings and hand-painted floor. who aren’t ‘artsy’ to become an integral part of the arts community by hosting artists in their garages, and offers local artists an opportunity to showcase their art in their own garages — many of which double as their studios.”

Beribak says the event’s winding route through Forest Park offers a unique chance to both bring longtime neighbors together and help newer residents discover new

friends.

“Garage Galleries invites visitors to learn more about our town, see the housing stock available and experience the restaurants, watering holes and other recreational opportunities,” she said.

Craft and art offerings featured at Garage Galleries spread across the spectrum, from paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and woodwork to mafia-based com-

SYDNEY LOVAN

Art, art everywhere and not a car to see. urban thoroughfares into a bustling, community-driven art walk.

Since its inception, Garage Galleries has blossomed into a fan-favorite local celebration of art, transforming ordinary garages into pop-up galleries, offering area artists a

supportive community coming together to celebrate the joy of art.

“Garage Galleries is one of the few art walks organized by artists for artists, eliminating middlemen promoters and keeping most price points in the very affordable range,” she said. “It involves local residents

SYDNEY LOVAN

Right up their alley

Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026 ics, amigurumi (small crocheted or knitted stuffed dolls) and insect taxidermy.

This past Saturday marked the 10th year as a vendor for Forest Park painter Chuck Michalek, who showcased both his own paintings and the ceramic works of a neighbor artist inside his garage on the 500 block of Ferdinand Avenue.

Michalek, a longtime painter who suffered a stroke over a decade ago, displayed elaborate oil and acrylic paintings on canvas that he now creates through the flexibility of painting using his non-dominant left hand.

“It’s fun to meet neighbors, and you’re getting some feedback and reactions, which is nice,” he said. “It’s a fun time all the way around. There’s a lot of cool people walking around and you get to know new people.”

Fellow Forest Parker and longtime vendor Bridget Lane teamed up with Michalek inside his garage this year, selling hand-made Raku pottery teapots, tea infusers, dimple mugs and other functional pieces.

“Some people do yoga for relaxation — I do pottery,” she said. “It’s very meditative.

Garage Galleries is wonderful because it’s really focused on the artists. It’s so much fun to talk about my art, and I meet a lot of potters as well as people interested in pot-

SYDNEY LOVAN

Cartoonist Bret Juliano discusses his comics, Dust Bunny Mafia tery.”

New to the vendor scene this year was Oak Park resident and textile artist Teri Nalbone.

A long-time quilter, Nalbone’s offerings featured pieces from a collection from her pivot to smaller-scale quilted art pieces featuring nature, animals and landscapes made

with intricate stitches and dyed fabrics.

“When I first moved here from Pennsylvania two years ago, Garage Galleries was one of the first things that I did to see what the arts were like in this area,” she said. “I walked through it and it was so great. Everybody is so happy and so friendly — it’s a crowd that appreciates art, so it’s nice to have people come in and truly take a look at things and take in the details.”

One regular patron who was enthusiastic about joining in on the fun this year was Forest Park resident Nancy Greco. This year, her purchases included a bookmark made with pressed flowers and handmade greeting cards.

“I think Garage Galleries is wonderful,” she said. “It’s free, you see things you otherwise wouldn’t get to see, and you get to meet your neighbors and see lots of artists from the area. I like being able to buy small things that I can give as gifts and supporting shopping locally.”

New to the scene this year was Linda Gallagher of Berwyn, who was happy to finally visit after hearing about Garage Galleries in years past.

“I think it’s a great event,” she said.

“There’s a lot here — people are truly professional artists and I’ve seen some amazing work.”

SHRED IT Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon (NOTE: If the trucks fill-up sooner—we finish sooner!)

Forest Park Bank, the locally owned and managed community bank, is pleased to continue the tradition of sponsoring the Annual FREE Sensitive Document Shredding Event in the Municipal Parking Lot located south of the Drive-Up Facility. The Bank has, again, engaged a professional shredding service to shred your documents with an industrial shredder.

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You may bring up to two 12” X 12” X 18” boxes of documents to be shred at no charge.

Three-ring notebooks and binders with large metal rings cannot be shredded. Staples are allowed.

If you have questions about this event, please contact the bank at 708.222.2800 .

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F O R E S T PA R K B A N K . C O M

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708.222.2800

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

THREE WORDS Phraseology from page 1 aren’t supposed to be.” Longbrake said. “I just like the idea of someone taking their dog for a walk and... pausing and wondering ‘what’s going on here?’”

The words can be almost anything, though Longbrake said he has no interest in being negative or “throwing punches.”

He said he wants viewers to reflect on the words personally, rather than consider who put them there. “My hope always is to start an internal conversation with someone who views any kind of work I do,” he said. “If I want to incite anything, I want to incite wonder.”

The conversation a piece of art inspires between the artwork and the viewer is why Longbrake has always been drawn to art, he added.

At the beginning of the project, Longbrake, who loves reading poetry and writing, would come up with the phrases, keeping a note of them on his phone.

Eventually, he started seeing potential phrases around him, like the words “Standard (slightly wet)” on the checkout screen at Portillo’s, which Longbrake said would make for a good projection.

“Because I’m thinking in these threeword phrases, I start seeing them where they’ve been all along,” he said.

So why three words? Longbrake actually started with a two-word phrase, “Thank you.” He wanted to find a length of phrase that, while not too short, also was not always a complete sentence. After talking with Steve Juras, a friend and fellow artist, Longbrake landed on the three-world sweet spot.

“It felt more open and poetic without being forceful,” Longbrake said.

At Juras’ suggestion, Longbrake opened the project to other residents of Forest Park last week, allowing them to submit their own three-word phrases for projection. Since then, Longbrake has gotten dozens of submissions, which include

LILLIAN ALI

Again and Again

Spanish-language phrases and the unique submission of “mom mom mom.”

Longbrake has lived in Forest Park for about 10 years, though he has also lived in Seattle, Arizona and Chicago. He said the “overwhelmingly positive” response the project has received from other Forest

Park residents has “energized” him.

“People have been delighted that there’s art out here on our street and in our neighborhood. It’s made me feel good as an artist, but also as a person in our neighborhood,” Longbrake said.

Longbrake plans to continue with the

S W E N L A C O L FRESH&

Need a helping of

projections every Monday night through Oct. 26. People can submit phrases on the project’s website.

When asked what three words he would use to describe the project right now, Longbrake gave two phrases: “Standard (slightly wet)” and “I’m so tickled.”

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

FOOD AID

Fighting food insecurity from page 1 food, drinks, backyard games and raffles.

The goal was to raise money and awareness for neighborhood organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity.

Robert’s Westside hosted the Food Aid Festival, now in its fifth year, a combination weekend music festival and block party. Proceeds were earmarked to benefit six local food nonprofits: A House in Austin, Austin Eats Initiative, Best of Proviso Township, Beyond Hunger, the Community Fridge Project and Westchester Food Pantry.

The event was free to attend, with a suggested $20 donation.

Donnie Biggins, owner of the live music venue and bar, said Food Aid Festival brings people together for the good cause of raising awareness about food insecurity.

“Wealth inequality is at an all time high in America right now,” he said. “Not everyone can afford a high-ticket priced concert to support our efforts, so we have created the Food Aid Block Party. We allow for people to attend, get educated and enjoy

themselves while donating what they can to the cause.”

Though donations are still coming in, Biggins estimated about $10,000 was raised through this weekend’s event.

Launched in the summer of 2022, Food Aid Festival blossomed from Biggins’ friendship with community activist Anthony Clark and WBEZ Radio senior event producer Eddie Medrano and was created with the intention of uniting different skills to make a positive impact in the community.

“One of many direct results of wealth inequality is food insecurity,” Biggins said.

“Currently, about 1 in 4 households are considered food insecure, and 1 in 4 Cook County children are at risk of hunger. Food Aid Festival was created to educate our community about the organizations doing the work to fight this silent epidemic in our community.”

Each year, Biggins reaches out to bands, singers and DJs he has strong working relationships with to put together a diverse music lineup for the festival. Alongside food, cocktails and patio games, this year’s event featured the sounds of folk/acoustic music, blues and alternative rock.

River Forest resident Fabiola Harnisch and Oak Park resident Bill Silver, both volunteers with Oak Park-based hunger relief nonprofit Beyond Hunger, were happy

SYDNEY LOVAN

Attendees of the Food Aid Block Party enjoy a fine day for fundraising.

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SYDNEY LOVAN

From left to right: Billy Dunlap, Lauren Giorango, and Robert’s Westside owner Donnie Biggins. to see the excitement from fest attendees eager to help their neighbors facing hardship.

“We’re in communities where people are aware of food insecurity,” Harnisch said.

“People are very receptive to us, and we’re in a great space for awareness. Everybody is welcome with open arms, and I feel they leave us perhaps with a little more dignity because they walk away knowing there’s a place here to help nourish them.”

Since 1978, Beyond Hunger has helped provide hunger-relief programming and services across Cook County, including portions of Chicago and the near-west suburbs. Earlier this year, the group purchased a new location on North Avenue in Oak Park to serve as both a headquarters and modern, accessible pantry for neighbors to access food and services. The new location is set to open in early 2027.

Silver said that while some may perceive Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park as financially secure communities, Beyond Hunger recognizes the fact that people from all walks of life — and at any time in life — can and do face hardships in accessing quality food.

“In our communities, there are many people who do struggle,” he said. “What separates Beyond Hunger is that unlike food pantries where people get a pre-packaged amount of food, with us, people are allowed to select their own food geared to-

ward their needs.”

Karen McMillin, an Oak Park resident and board member with the Community Fridge Project, was grateful her organization was a beneficiary of the Food Aid Festival.

Community Fridge Project, which maintains six public, outdoor community fridges, is accessible 24/7 and is 100 percent volunteer run, with over 90 volunteers.

“We all know that food insecurity is here and growing, and we’re seeing increasing traffic at all of our locations,” McMillin said. “The more we get out there, people will start to hear about us, recognize us and remember our logo. When they’re driving down the road, they’ll remember we have fridges and pantries in many convenient locations across the area — whether they want to drop off food or need food.”

Pleased with the event’s turnout, Biggins noted he only anticipates more enthusiasm and greater attendance at the fest for years to come.

“We had a steady flow of participation from many different folks here in Forest Park, Oak Park, Maywood and River Forest,” he said. “I hope to continue building the Block Party every single year, and I hope more people will become active in supporting our many community fridges, volunteering at our food pantries and educating their families to combat food insecurity.”

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

A firefighting first for River Forest

24-year-old Julia Massey becomes the first female firefighter in River Forest

By JACKIE PISANO Staff Reporter

One hundred and forty six years ago, the Village of River Forest was first incorporated as a municipality.

Now, nearly a century and a half later, River Forest has reached a new landmark moment — welcoming its first female firefighter.

At the village’s July 20 board meeting, Julia Massey blazed a new trail in town, officially being sworn in as one of the River Forest Fire Department’s newest faces and the municipality’s first-time, boots-on-the ground female firefighter.

For Chief Tom Gaertner, Massey’s hiring isn’t just a significant moment for the fire department — it’s an opportunity to showcase to River Forest residents the impact that having diversity in the workplace benefits everyone.

“Julia earned this role the same way every candidate does, through rigorous testing and demonstrated skill — and that’s what matters most,” Gaertner said. “At the same time, it’s meaningful that young people in River Forest can now see a broader range of possibilities in this profession. Diversity on our crews makes us better at serving this community, in how we problem solve on-scene and how we connect with the residents we protect. Julia will build her own reputation the way every firefighter/paramedic here does — through her performance on calls.

That’s what will define her career.”

Massey, a 24-year-old Elmwood Park native, is the first in her family to work in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services.

She says her interest in working in the field blossomed after working in an emergency room and waiting to transition out of hospital care roles.

“I always wanted to work in the medical field growing up, which led me to a variety of jobs to gain different experience,” she said. “Once I got my EMT license, I quickly figured out that I wanted to become a firefighter and paramedic.”

Following her graduation last month from the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Paramedic Program, Massey is currently preparing for her first day on the job in River Forest through rigorous daily training at

PROVIDED

Elmwood Park native Julia Massey (center) was hired last month by the Village of River Forest Fire Department. the Romeoville Fire Academy.

According to Gaertner, Massey was among 15 applicants vying for two department vacancies this year. Like all prospective firefighters, she underwent a meticulous standard testing process, which included a written exam, in-person interviews, background check, psychological exam and polygraph.

After all exam areas were scored, Gaertner says a ranking list was then compiled, from the best total scoring candidates down to the lowest. He says Massey scored at the very top of the list, thus being called back first for hiring.

Currently, the River Forest Fire Department has 23 firefighters on staff.

Since being hired, Massey says she is ea-

ger to begin her firefighting career in River Forest and at the same time, hopefully inspire young girls in the neighborhood to explore careers in public service.

“I am most looking forward to learning from the people around me, putting newly developed skills into practice and for the opportunity to serve the River Forest community,” she said. “I would say that female representation is important in all fields of work because it reinforces the idea to younger girls that they are capable of anything they set their minds to.”

Gaertner agrees, adding that while Massey was hired for her strengths regardless of gender, he hopes her onboarding with the department can demonstrate to the entire village that for people who are

“willing to do the work,” success in the field of firefighting and public service can be something people of all backgrounds can aspire to have.

“I hope [Massey’s hiring] demonstrates that the River Forest Fire Department is committed to hiring the best possible people to serve this community — full stop,” he said. “Julia met every standard our profession requires, and her success shows that the path to this career is open to anyone willing to do the work. Beyond that, I hope it shows our residents that the department reflects the community we protect, and that when a young person in this village sees a fire truck go by, they can picture themselves in that seat one day, regardless of who they are.”

Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

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The price is always right with Bread Drop Bakery, a project not a business Dave Deutsch has customers ‘pay what you feel’

By SYDNEY LOVAN Reporting Intern

The comforting smell as it heats up, a staple for breakfast, a shared loaf during a holiday or just a warm piece at the end of a long day. These are all of the things that drive Dave Deutsch’s belief that “bread is a basic.”

Deutsch began Bread Drop Bakery just a couple of months ago from his hobby that grew too large for his own four walls.

“Instagram definitely was serving me up the midlife crisis reels of sourdough, and my daughter was home from spring break, and I mentioned to her that I was thinking about trying it, and so she encouraged me, and we made a starter together over that week, which became our friend Gabriel,” Deutsch said.

Sharing his bread is his favorite part of the process, so he began giving loaves to friends and family. He then started a limited drop system for people to “reserve” a loaf and get it delivered directly to their door. He calls it more of a project than a business with a unique model asking customers to “pay what you feel” even if that means nothing at all.

Oak Park is home to over a dozen bakeries specializing in a variety of treats, but Deutsch offers a unique take on a traditional storefront.

“I don’t think I’m a bakery by any means of the sense, I think that it’s the vernacular that people have gotten used to associating with baked goods,” Deutsch said.

Deutsch does every part of the process himself starting at 4:30 a.m. to get most of the process done before he clocks in for his full-time job. He posts the notices that

PROVIDED BY DAVE DEUTSCH

Dave Deutsch, founder of Bread Drop Bakery, with loaves of bread he made.

PROVIDED BY DAVE DEUTSCH

Bread made by Dave Deutsch for Bread Drop Bakery.

bread is available, drives around Oak Park to deliver it and handles the follow-up with customers.

With his limited manpower, he is still able to do three to four drops a week selling about four to six loaves each time. The customer is able to try the bread and determine what they think it is worth before paying. Deutsch said the drops have been successful so far, selling fast and receiving more support than he thought he would get initially.

“I don’t want to push the payment because it could be that they don’t have the money right now or maybe it didn’t hit, that’s okay too,” said Deutsch. “This is

the type of community where this thing works.”

As it is early-on in the creation process, Deutsch said he is still working out how to continue this project while prioritizing a positive experience for customers and his own career.

“I think my bread and butter will be my job,” said Deutsch. “I do have ambitions to do these bigger and have people pick up from me, but I just have to figure out the missing piece of that.”

Bread drops are announced on Instagram and Facebook, and customers can reserve their loaf on the website.

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Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

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OL’ LOCAL NEWS AND JUST PLAIN

OPINION

L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R

Extend visiting hours at Forest Home Cemetery I am reaching out as a community member and the spouse of an individual recently laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park. Forest Home Cemetery is not only a place of remembrance for countless families but also an important part of Forest Park’s history and heritage.

Recently, the cemetery implemented a 4 p.m. gate closure policy that has significantly limited access for families. For those who work traditional business hours, have children in school or other daily responsibilities, weekday visits have become nearly impossible. As someone who is still grieving the loss of a loved one, I know firsthand how important these visits can be for healing, reflection, and maintaining a connection with those we have lost.

A community petition has been started requesting that Forest Home Cemetery consider extending visiting hours until dusk during daylight months.

We respectfully ask whether you would be willing to: ■ Share the petition with your members and supporters.

■ Consider issuing a brief public statement supporting reasonable access for families.

■ Assist in facilitating dialogue or mediation between the community and cemetery management regarding potential solutions.

■ Exploring alternative solutions, such as secure keycard or gate-code access for verified plot owners.

Our goal is not confrontation but collaboration. We hope to work together toward a solution that respects both the operational needs of the cemetery and the needs of families seeking time for remembrance and reflection.

The petition can be viewed and signed at https://c.org/snQXbr7qrb Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to Forest Park. Any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated by the many families affected by these restrictions.

Jennifer Figueroa Forest Park

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Social emotional learning in D91

was glad when I learned that a program called the Second Step Curriculum is being used in our District 91 schools. First let me describe how Second Step works and then I’ll tell you why I like it.

Joan Duffell, one of Second Step’s creators, served from 2007 till 2019 as the executive director of the Committee for Children.

“We realized,” she says, “that we needed to understand why people hurt other people.

When we reviewed the literature, we found that violent and aggressive offenders consistently lack a core set of social and emotional skills: empathy, impulse control, emotional management.”

According to the Second Step website, “The program builds the vital competencies students need to thrive, strengthening behavior, belonging, and engagement.

Independent research involving more than 19,000 elementary students shows Second Step delivers consistent, realworld gains in climate, belonging, and behavior.”

All K-8 grades are given four age-appropriate units, each with weekly scripted lessons and downloadable handouts to support student engagement. Every unit contains five 15- to 30-minute, teacher-led lessons available in English and Spanish, with the final lesson serving as a performance task where students demonstrate their learning. The four units are: Growth Mindset & Goal-Setting This unit’s content helps create classrooms that are connected and encouraging by helping students set and achieve collective and personal goals and learn from challenges and mistakes.

Emotion Management Students learn how to build their emotion vocabularies, practice identify-

TOM HOLMES

Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

ing their own and others’ emotions, and recognize the importance of labeling and processing their emotions.

Empathy & Kindness Students learn how to recognize kindness and act kindly toward others and how to develop empathy by learning strategies to take others’ perspectives.

This unit’s content helps students understand others’ points of view.

Problem-Solving Students learn how to process strong emotions, describe a problem, identify the wants and needs of others, think of and explore the outcomes of potential solutions, and pick the best solution.

Why is Second Step a good thing?

1) Social emotional learning The church where I used to be the pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran, is located right across the alley from what used to be Grant White School.

For several years during the 1990s I would go to the kindergarten and first grade classes once a month and sing songs I had made up about feelings.

Until one day the principal told me that the children had to spend more time on subjects like reading and math (cognitive learning), so I should not come by anymore.

Here is why I got fired from my volunteer “job” and why I feel good about Second Step.

In 1983 a report was published called A Nation at Risk. Standardized test and SAT scores were falling. The U.S. was dropping behind competitors such as Japan; 23 million Americans were functionally illiterate.

“The document set off panic.” (Hechinger Report) In the scramble to compensate, social/ emotional learning was deprioritized.

The pendulum began to swing back toward social/emotional learning at D91 in the new millennium with the introduction of programs like Character Counts and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

2) A counter to privatized morality Professor Dean Thomson explained

privatized morality this way: “Martin Luther King Jr. could confidently declare that segregation was wrong because it violated a moral order built into the universe. His authority and moral power stemmed from a shared understanding [in our country] that certain truths — like the inherent dignity of all human beings — were not merely personal opinions but objective realities.

“Today, such appeals to a universal moral order seem almost quaint back home in the west. The shift from shared moral frameworks to individualistic, subjective values, the privatization of morality, has left Western societies adrift.”

For example, if I say this is right or this is wrong, someone who disagrees with me can reply, “Well that’s just your opinion.”

Tinisa Huff is the principal of Betsy Ross Elementary School here in Forest Park. One of her tasks is to create a “unum” out of the “pluribus” in her school, a culture in which everyone is heading in the same direction and knows how to get there together.

The Second Step website states that the program teaches skills and competencies, but words like empathy, kindness, and understanding others’ points of view imply that certain values and virtues are assumed, which most residents in this community believe to be self-evident.

Without apology, it seems to me, D91 is unwilling to go along with privatized morality and say “that’s just your opinion” regarding social/emotional learning and is willing to promote values/virtues like empathy and kindness.

Principal Huff said, “At Betsy Ross, we are very intentional about developing the whole child. We know these early years are an important time for children to begin developing strong character, positive values, and the social-emotional skills they will carry with them as they grow.”

Check out Tom’s ongoing substack posts about the fictional life of Pastor Walter Mitty at https://tomholmes10. substack.com

12

Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026

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F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW General Manager Max Reinsdorf Staff Reporters Jessica Mordacq, Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano Contributing Editor Donna Greene Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Tom Holmes Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Designer Susan McKelvey Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 PHONE: (708) 613-3300 EMAIL: dhaley@newswellchicago.org CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com Forest Park Review is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160).

Forest Park Review NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301.

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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Forest Park Review, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL

L O O K

B A C K

I N

T I M E

News from Harlem, August 1897 The Harlem Post was a local weekly newspaper printed in German for the local German population. Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895. The paper’s Aug. 19, 1897 edition included the following news about an excursion of the Harlem Women’s Club: n Saturday, the Harlem Women’s Club, in conjunction with another excursion group, took a trip to the magnificent Pottawatomie Park near St. Charles on the Great Western Railway.

Although the sky looked rather gloomy that morning, the club members — along with their companions and friends — were undeterred; led by their active president, Mrs. Albert Roos, they set out, hoping that the weather gods would ultimately smile upon them. This wish was then granted over the course of the day. Upon arrival in St. Charles — whose romantic setting delighted all the participants — a lively bustle soon broke out among the excursionists. Chas. Miller, as well as Leo and William Haase, had their hands full and seemed to be truly in their element. In the evening, the party returned home in a separate railway carriage, having enjoyed a thoroughly pleasant day.

And Henry Putz advertised Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s shoes at the lowest possible prices, for sale at 56 Desplaines Avenue, Harlem.

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Translated by Uli Leib

H S E R F OCAL L & NEWS

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

Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026 13 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3360 | BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of Maywood Public Library District for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year (FY27).

Notice is hereby given to the Public that, pursuant to Section 30-85 of the Illinois Public Library District Act of 1991 (75 ILCS 16/30-85), on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the hour of 6:15 P.M., the Maywood Public Library District will hold a public hearing on the annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the Maywood Public Library District, Cook County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, at 121 S. 5th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153.

Members of the Public will be allowed to comment and give testimony on the proposed Ordinance at the Public Hearing. The annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance may be considered by the Board of Trustees of the Maywood Public Library District at the meeting to be held immediately after the meeting.

Notice is further given that the tentative budget on file with the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Maywood Public Library District, at the Library office, located at 121 S. 5th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, and will be available for at least thirty (30) days, and may be reviewed or inspected upon request prior to said hearing by the Public.

The Library Board of Trustees Maywood Public Library District Published in Forest Park Review August 24, 2026

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2021-2 Plaintiff, -v.EMILY K. ROBERTS Defendants 2025 CH 08489 1225 S. 16TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 26, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 29, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1225 S. 16TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-20-0100000

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $112,738.00.

Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation.

No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 25-296737.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 25-296737 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2025 CH 08489 TJSC#: 46-1561 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2025 CH 08489 I3292928 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION MidFirst Bank Plaintiff, -v.Marcus J. Young; The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Unknown Owners and Non-Record Claimants; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Defendants.

2025CH02564 233 Granville Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 4/23/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 10/5/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 233 Granville Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-225017-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $200,138.97 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 233 Granville Avenue into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www. auction.com prior to placing a bid.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: MDK Legal (312) 651-6700 please refer to file number 25-003906.

Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 25-003906 Case Number: 2025CH02564 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3293068

without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 25-306334.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 25-306334 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2025CH07087 TJSC#: 46-611 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2025CH07087 I3292420

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee for American Home Mortgage Investment Trust 2005-1 Plaintiff, -v.Philip Fitzpatrick; Defendants.

2025CH09506 332 MARSHALL AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 6/26/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 9/28/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on September 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 332 MARSHALL AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-302032-0000 The real estate is improved with a Residential Property. The judgment amount was $125,962.75 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 332 MARSHALL AVENUE into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds.

No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC (630) 794-5300 please refer to file number 14-25-05885. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 -

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.SARITA SMITH CHILDS A/K/A SARITA S CHILDS, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. Defendants 2025CH07087 7228 A WASHINGTON FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 11, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 7, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7228 A WASHINGTON, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-12-436-037 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $160,289.24.

Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 14-25-05885 Case Number: 2025CH09506 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3293033 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff vs.

ELYSIA INES MENDEZ; JOSE PALOMINO; STATE OF ILLINOIS, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; GOODLEAP, LLC; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 25 CH 11133 CALENDAR NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on September 29, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-15-117-005-0000.

Commonly known as 1415 S. 19th Ave., Maywood, IL 60153.

The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a common interest community unit, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection(g-1) of Section 189.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds.

The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Halliday, Watkins and Mann, P.C., 376 East 400 South, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. (801) 3552886. IL21225 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3292764

14 Forest Park Review, August 26, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

Let the sun shine in...

Your right to know...In print • Online

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3360 | BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.TORREY T. RODDY SR., ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 2016CH13500 1906 S 7TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 3, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 15, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1906 S 7TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-309017-0000 The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-

1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-11387 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2016CH13500 TJSC#: 46-1791 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2016CH13500 I3292335

Property Index No. 15-15-429001-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $90,080.05 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 2101 SOUTH 12TH AVENUE into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds.

No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP (312) 346-9088 please refer to file number 24-19674IL. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 24-19674IL Case Number: 2025CH00198 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3292189

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, -v.LAURA GRAYS; CHARLES P GOLBERT, PUBLIC GUARDIAN OF COOK COUNTY, AS GUARDIAN OF THE ESTATE OF LAURA GRAYS; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD; CHICAGO VOLUNTEER LEGAL SERVICES; THE MONAHAN LAW GROUP, LLC, Defendants.

2025CH00198 2101 SOUTH 12TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 6/11/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 9/14/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on September 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 2101 SOUTH 12TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, -v.ELIZABETH M. ABAS A/K/A ELIZABETH ABAS, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants.

25 CH 10495 2110 BOEGER AVE., WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 6/18/2026, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 9/21/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on September 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 2110 BOEGER AVE., WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-20-317026-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $118,071.12 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 2110 BOEGER AVE. into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end.

All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel LLC. (312) 357-1125 please refer to file number 25-02386. Auction. com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872225-4985 You can also visit www. auction.com. Attorney File No. 25-02386 Case Number: 25 CH

10495 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I3292185

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