Forest Park Community Guide 2021

The Annual Forest Park

2021

COMMUNITY GUIDE

WELCOMING VISITORS TO FOREST PARK AND PROVIDING ANSWERS TO RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES. WELCOME TO FOREST PARK.

WWW.FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

|

WWW.EXPLOREFORESTPARK.COM

Meet the team, pictured left to right: Denise Warren, Susie Goldschmidt , Norma Mora, Rosemary Conway, Maggie Kenny, My Hanh La, Kim Adames.

Not pictured: Mary Beth McIntosh

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park River Forest community for more than 20 years and in 2020 has committed over $90,000 to organizations in Oak Park and River Forest. Our team looks forward to continuing our commitment to customers and businesses in the Oak Park and River Forest community.

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

Š2021 Byline Bank. Member FDIC.

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2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 1

Contents

Publisher Dan Haley

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Business Manager Joyce Minich Contributing Editor Maria Maxham

FROM THE CHAMBER ............................. 6 NEW RESIDENTS GUIDE ......................... 8

Contributing Writers Tom Holmes, John Rice, & Jill Wagner Staff Photograher Alex Rogals Design & Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Debbie Becker & Javier Govea

CHAMBER MEMBERS ........................... 11 HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE: 708-366-0600 FAX: 708-524-0447

ForestParkReview.com © 2021 Growing Community Media, NFP

Display Advertising Sales Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Inside Sales Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

2 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

DISCOVER LOTERIA! ....................... 20,21 CHURCHES ........................................... 29 COMMUNITY INFO ............................... 37 FOOD & DRINK .................................... 40 GOVERNMENT ...................................... 49 PARKS & RECREATION ......................... 55 SCHOOLS ............................................. 59 FIND A LITTLE LIBRARY ................... 62,63 HISTORICAL MAP ................................. 64

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JOIN THE FARMINGTON TEAM Since the 1930s, our families have been dedicated to Chicago’s meat industry. And for more than 49 years, we’ve been proud to call Forest Park our home at Franklin and Circle Streets. Just as it was when our company was founded so many years ago, we remain committed to doing what is best for our employees, our customers, and our community.

MORE THAN 49 YEARS IN FOREST PARK Farmington Foods specializes in delicious, center-of-the-plate meat and poultry products for retailers and foodservice operators alike. Look for our Big Shoulders Smokehouse products in grocery stores across the country!

WE'RE HIRING NOW! If you’re interested in joining our team, please call Farmington Foods human resources today!

(708) 771-3600 Ext# 2069

Visit our websites at FarmingtonFoods.com and BigShouldersBBQ.com 7419 West Franklin Street, Forest Park, IL 60130 Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 3

Sustaining Members

LOUIE’S GRILL

Forest Park Plaza

– BUSINESS LEVEL CHAMBER MEMBERS – ABC Automotive Electronics – Accents by Fred – Blink Fitness – Burke Beverage Centuries & Sleuths – Elements Massage – Energy Tees – Escape Factor – Everett Wealth Solutions Famous Liquors – Fatduck Tavern & Grill – Forest Park Eye Care, Dr. Garreffa – Jimmy’s Place Kagan & Gaines Music Co. – Kingsview Asset Management – Kribi Coffee Air Roasters Little Teeth Big Smiles Children’s Dentistry – Macdaddy Salon – McDonald’s Forest Park Mark Hosty, Realtor/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina – Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures – O’Sullivan’s Public House Oak Park Handyhuman, Inc. – Republic Services – Schauer’s Hardware Small Batch Barbecue – Spotless Carwash – The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor The Gillian Baker Team, Realtors/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Yearbook Studios

– THANK YOU TO OUR SUSTAINING MEMBERS – 4 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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We are Riveredge.

We are compassion.

Trauma-informed care. Patient-centered treatment.

Specialized, comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults. Call 708-209-4181 for a no-cost assessment, 24/7.

riveredgehospital.com With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of this hospital.

Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 183900

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2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 5

Message from the Chamber

W

e are pleased to present the 2021 Forest Park Community Guide. Published annually by the Forest Park Review in partnership with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, this guide contains a wealth of information on just about everything you need to know about Forest Park.

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce... rce

• Is a voice for business with Village government

• Gives members one-on-one support • Connects you with other business owners • Provides visibility for your business • Promotes your business • Refers Chamber members first • Connects you with the right resources • Keeps members up-to-date on important news & all things local • Is an information resource for Forest Park • Hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade • Hosts Wine Walk & Shop • Hosts the Casket Races • Hosts the Holiday Walk • Is a Pride Award sponsor • Is an All School Picnic sponsor • Sponsors the Holiday decorations on Madison • Keeps the public informed about local events & member promotions • A Wise Investment www.exploreforestpark.com

...Is a diverse & collaborative membership working together to make Forest Park the best place for all people & all businesses thrive 6 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Located just ten miles west of downtown Chicago, Forest Park is a vibrant, active, diverse community with an urban vibe, small-town charm and rich history. The cooperative spirit and civic pride shared between residents, business owners and local government gives Forest Park a genuine, time-honored sense of community.

Madison Street’s urban mix of independently owned shops, eateries and service businesses offer something for everyone.

You’ll see neighbors greeting one another on the street and friendly shopkeepers who pride themselves on personalized customer service, making your visit to Forest Park a delightful experience. From clothing and accessories, an escape room that’s a top favorite, and an art gallery with an eclectic mix of artwork from local artists, to an old-fashioned family owned hardware store, a bowling alley with a nostalgic feel and the largest ice sculpting operation in the Midwest, you’ll find just about anything you need in Forest Park. Local eateries throughout town offer a variety of dining options. From a chophouse with the best French onion soup, authentic Creole and Mexican, and classic American and Italian, to slow cooked premium barbecue, a ‘slice of Venice’ with old-world charm, and ‘Chicago’s Best’ mac and cheese there is something to satisfy every taste bud.

Unique events, recreational opportunities and a generous choice of housing options make Forest Park a great place to live, work, shop, dine and play. The Aquatic Center is top notch,

LAURIE KOKENES DIRECTOR

and the park district along with the local library and community center, have programs, classes and events for young and old alike. Community events like the ‘best in the west’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Holiday Walk with live window displays, Rib Fest and Wine Walk & Shop provide fun for all ages.

An abundance of history will interest even the most serious history buff. The Haymarket Martyr’s Monument, ‘Radical’s Row,’ Michael Todd’s grave and Showmen’s Rest mark just a few of the historically significant gravesites in Forest Park’s many cemeteries. Bloomer Girls baseball, the 16” Softball Hall of Fame, a number of famous movie shoots like Harry & Tonto, The Package and The Babe add to Forest Park’s intriguing history.

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

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

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ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

new residents to our small, wooded ASSISTED LIVING campus.

• SHELTERED CARE Now safely moving Nowresidents safely moving new to our small, wooded campus. new residents to our Now safely moving small, wooded campus. new residents to our small, wooded campus.

• MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

A safe & smart choice.

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

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

Choosing a community you Ourtrust community has an can has never been impeccable record of safety more difficult. during thehas COVID-19 crisis can trust never been Choosing a community Our an you and community we will stophas at nothing more difficult. can trustsure has impeccable record ofbeen safety to make itnever continues. more difficult. during the COVID-19 Our community has crisis an and we willbe stop at nothing We would honored your impeccable record ofanfor safety Our community has to maketo sure it continues. family beCOVID-19 part of ours. during the crisis impeccable record of safety and we the will stop at nothing during crisis We would beCOVID-19 honored for your to make sure it continues. and wetowill stopof atours. nothing family be part to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your CONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT family to be of ours.

We would bepart honored for your 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 family to be part of ours.

(708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org CONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

Limited availability!

CONTACT US FOR AN OUTDOOR VISIT CONTACT US FOR AN North OUTDOOR VISIT 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, Riverside, IL 60546 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

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Limited availability!

Limited availability!

Limited availability!

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 7

New Residents

SUbmitted photo

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

Important Forest Park Phone Numbers Forest Park Police and Fire departments: emergency: 911 Fire non-emergency: 708-366-1234 Police non-emergency: 708-366-2425

Forest Park Elementary School District 91: 708-366-5700 Forest Park Public Library: 708-366-7171 Howard Mohr Community Center: 708-771-7737 Proviso Township High School District 209: 708-338-5900 Proviso East High School: 708-344-7000 Proviso Math and Science Academy: 708-338-4100 Village of Forest Park: 708-366-2323 Park District of Forest Park and Forest Park Aquatic Center: 708-366-7500 or 708-488-0664 for the pool during the summer

School Registration Students should be registered at the public schools prior to the first day of class, preferably during the dates

8 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

assigned each year for each of the neighborhood schools. Proof of residency — including tax bills, mortgage statements or leases, as well as a driver’s license, insurance papers or utility bills — is required. All new registrants must provide birth certificates. For complete information, call the District 91 administrative office at 708-366-5700.

Forest Park from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Resident only permits are available for parking in municipal lots There are several lots throughout the village and spots are first-come, first-served. Permits may be obtained through village hall.

For more information call 708-366-2323. Residents with overnight guests must call in plates to 708-366-7272 to avoid being ticketed.

Library Cards

Forest Park Post Office

Forest Park Public Library cards are available at no charge to residents with proof of address. Call 708366-7171.

Newspapers Forest Park Review (weekly) 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 708-366-0600 forestparkreview.com

Parking Permits On-street parking is prohibited in the village of

417 Desplaines Ave. 708-366-5790

State and Local Phone Numbers Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau 800-386-5438 (Toll Free, Fraud Protection in Chicago) Better Business Bureau 312-832-0500 Chicago Bulk Mail Center 708-583-4362 Cook County Clerk’s Office 708-865-6010 Forestparkreview.com

312-603-7790 Cook County Department of Public Health 708-836-8600 Cook County Sheriff’s Police 708-865-4700 Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records (Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates) 312-603-7790 Illinois 2-1-1 Free and confidential way to find out about important health and human services programs in your community. Call 2-1-1 for information about health care, help paying rent and utility bills, transportation services, job training, mental health and counseling.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Child

Abuse Hotline: 800-252-2873

Medical Fraud and Abuse: 800-252-8903

Illinois Department of Employment Security: 800-244-5631

Rush Oak Park Hospital: 708-383-9300

Illinois Department of Day Labor Hotline: 877-314-7052 Illinois Department of Human Services: 800-843-6154 Illinois Department of Revenue: 800-732-8866 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: 847-294-4000 Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood: 708-216-9000 MacNeal Memorial Hospital Berwyn: 708-783-9100

Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222 Proviso Township Assessor’s Office: 708-449-4300 Sarah’s Inn (domestic abuse): 708-386-4225 Senior Citizens Consumer Complaints: 800-243-5377 Renters’ Rights Hotline: 773-292-4988 U.S. Post Office: 800-275-8777 U.S. Post Office Inspection Service: 877-876-2455 West Suburban Health Care Oak Park: 708-383-6200

Utilities The following utility companies serve Forest Park: ComEd: (800) 334-7661 Comcast: (800) 934-6489 Nicor: (888) 642-6748 AT&T: (800) 244-4444

Vehicle Stickers Vehicle stickers are required on all cars and must be purchased and displayed by April 1 each year. Drivers must present their title or state identification. There is a discount for senior citizens.

The fee for a passenger car is $35 or $10 for seniors. A late fee is imposed after April 1.

Voter Registration Residents may register to vote at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave., during regular business hours or at https://ova.elections.il.gov/

7324 w. madison street forest park, il 60130

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kribicoffee.com 708 689 8896

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 9

Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. Retirement Questions?

Schedule a complimentary Pre-Discover Session and receive a signed copy of our book.

As seen on

As heard on

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Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. offers fee only fiduciary financial planning and asset management inside a 4-Step Process. Together, we help you create your personal wealth solution.

407 Marengo – Forest Park – IL 60130 EverettWealthSolutions.com

708-771-7777

EWS is a registered investment advisor offering Private Asset Management through Abraham & Co., Inc. a registered investment advisor. EWS is owned and operated by Chris Everett, President, Financial Planner, Speaker and Author.

10 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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Chamber members Accountants/Tax Services Dan Bjornson CPA 7518 Madison St., Suite A 708-488-1800 danbjornsoncpa.com

Animal Shelter Animal Care League 1011 Garfield Oak Park 708-848-8155 animalcareleague.org

Appliances/TVs Grand Appliance 7440 Madison St. 708-771-4763 grandapplianceandtv.com

Arts/Art Classes/ Entertainment creativita 7512 Madison Street 312-848-4364 creativitaco.com

Arts Alliance Forest Park Arts Alliance forestparkartsalliance.org

Art Consignment The Wright House 929-525-1717 thewrighthouse.net

Art Gallery Sarah O Gallery 7502-1/2 Madison Street 630-452-2951 artbysarahoneill.wordpress.com

Artisan Clubs & Classes Urban Pioneer Society 7503 Madison St. theurbanpioneergroup.com 630-926-4139

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Daniel Gasse, plays the cello in his backyard where he has lessons set up for students on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, in Forest Park

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Attorney Attorney Kristen Marie Lyons Law Offices of Kristen M. Kozolowski 773-610-4175 attorneykristen@gmail.com

Automotive Electronics ABC Automotive & Electronics 7213 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-488-9600 abcautoelectronics.com

Auto Repair/Body Shop/ Towing Nob’s Towing 35 S. Harlem Ave. 708-488-8300 Our Planet Automotive 7222 Madison Street (rear) 708-383-0053 ourplanetautomotive.com

Auto Sales/Service Currie Motors 8401 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2600 curriechevy.com Hawk Chrysler Dodge Jeep 7911 Roosevelt Rd. 708-366-1001 hawkcdj.com

Banks Byline Bank 1001 Lake Street Oak Park 708-930-1663 bylinebank.com Forest Park Bank 7348 Madison St. 7331 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-222-2800 forestparkbank.com

Book Publisher The Cadence Group 708-689-0908 thecadencegrp.com

Bookstore Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore 7419 Madison St. 708-771-7243 centuriesandsleuths.com

Boutiques/Shoes/ Accessories Jayne Boutique 7500 Madison St. 708-488-2190 shopjayne.com Team Blonde Boutique Eco Spa & Salon 7442 Madison St. 708-771-5590 teamblonde.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 11

Chamber members Bowling Alley

Circle Lanes 7244 Circle Ave. 708-366-2810 circlebowlinglanes.com

Business Development/ Consulting Sarah Seelye Strategies 312-519-6939 sarahseelyestrategies.com What Now Advisors 773-507-5999 whatnowadvisors.com

Business Organizations Berwyn Development Corp.

3322 S. Oak Park Ave. Berwyn 708-788-8100 berwyn.net

Business Technologies/ Systems Sarah Seelye Strategies 312-519-6939 sarahseelyestrategies.com

Car Wash Crystal Car Wash 901 S. Harlem Ave. 708-879-1349 crystalcarwashforestpark.com

Spotless Car Wash

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

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

CBD Oils & Products CBD Body High 7451 Madison St. 708-435-4945 cbdbodyhigh.com

Chocolates/French Cremes

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

Churches St. John Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave. 708-366-3226 stjohnforestpark.org

Cleaning Services/ Restoration Mary’s Cleaning Pros 708-383-2770 ServPro of Oak Park River Forest 708-483-8636 servprooakparkriverforest.com

Coffee Shop - Air Roasted Kribi Coffee Air Roasters 7324 Madison St. 708-689-8896 kribicoffee.com

Community/Senior Center Howard Mohr Community Center 7640 Jackson Blvd.

708-771-7737 forestpark.net

Contractors/Craftsmen Forest Park Stucco, Inc. 708-366-3686 forestparkstucco.com McShane Hibbitts 513 Elgin Ave. 708-771-0864 mcshanehibbitts@gmail.com

Cookies/Sweet Treats/Ice Cream The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor 7347 Madison St. 708-366-7970 browncowicecream.com

12 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Twisted Cookie 7401 Madison St. 708-689-8029 twistedcookie.com

Counseling Services Fire Escape Counseling Services Rev. Dr. Charles E. Cairo, CAC, CCJS 7645 Jackson Blvd.

312-719-6936 fireescapecounseling.com

Custom Tables/Flooring/ Furnishings from Reclaimed Materials Urban Pioneer Builders 7503 Madison St. 847-833-6564 theurbanpioneergroup.com

Dance Instruction/Studios Maiden Street School of Irish Dance 773-354-4837 maidenstreetdancers.com

Dentists/Orthodontists Little Teeth Big Smiles Children’s Dentistry Dr. Jerry Udelson, DDS 1125 S. Harlem Ave. 708-386-5437 kidsdentistforestpark.com

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

Disposal Services Republic Services 5050 W. Lake St. Melrose Park 708-345-7050 republicservices.com

Roy Strom Refuse Removal Service 1201 Greenwood Ave. Maywood 708-344-5000 roystrom.com

Distributors/Manufacturers/ Industrial Burke Beverage 4900 S. Vernon McCook 708-688-2000 burkebev.com Chicago Suburban Lumber 7459 Franklin St. 708-771-8181 chicagosuburbanlumber.com Farmington Foods 7419 Franklin St. 708-771-3600 farmingtonfoods.com Weinstein Wholesale Meats 7501 Industrial Dr. 866-226-5196 weinsteinmeats.com

Diversity Commission Forest Park Diversity Commission 517 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-2323

DJ/Karaoke/Sound & Lighting Astro Coleman Entertainment 773-828-0170 hiastro@yahoo.com

Escape Room Escape Factor 7228 Madison St. 708-943-7227 escapefactorchicago.com

Financial Planners Bentron Financial Group 6601 W. North Ave., Ste. 2 Oak Park 708-386-3100 bentron.com

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Chamber members Everett Wealth Solutions 407 Marengo Ave. 708-771-7777 everettwealthsolutions.com

Kingsview Asset Management Joel Foster 111 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago 630-442-1790 kingsviewam.com Waddell & Reed Eric Van Ness 1111 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook 630-861-5042 evanness.wrfa.com

Fire & Water Damage/ Restoration ServPro of Oak Park River Forest 708-483-8636 servprooakparkriverforest.com

Fitness/Gym Blink Fitness North Riverside 7509 Cermak Road Riverside 708-443-1001 blinkfitness.com

Fragrance/Home Decor Scentsy Independent Consultant 708-717-7054 mylegacy4.scentsy.us

Funeral Homes Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 Madison St. 708-366-2200 zimmermanharnett.com

Garden Centers Empowering Gardens 7730 Madison St. 708-689-8332 empoweringgardensinc.com McAdam Landscape Professionals 2001 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-2299 mcadamlandscape.com Forestparkreview.com

Government/Municipality

Village of Forest Park 517 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-2323 www.forestpark.net

Graphic Design/ Interior Design Yearbook Studios 408 Thomas Ave. 708-366-1920 yearbookstudios.com

Grocers Living Fresh Market 7520 Roosevelt Rd. 708-209-1226 livingfreshmarket.com

Hair Salon/Nails/ Spa Services Fantastic Sam’s 7235 Madison St. 708-771-4650 fantasticsams.com J and J Nails & Spa 406 Thomas Ave. 708-820-2808 jandj-nailspa.com Macdaddy 7506 Madison St. 708-771-0400 macdaddyforestpark.com Team Blonde Boutique Eco Spa & Salon 7442 Madison St. 708-771-5590 teamblonde.com

Handyman Services The Oak Park Handyhuman, Inc. 708-303-8615 theoakparkhandyhumaninc.com

Hardware Schauer’s Hardware 7449 Madison St. 708-366-1100 schauershardware.com

Setting new standards of service since 1950.

Products We now sell: Bio-Diesel • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel Heating Oil • Motor Oil

Services

• 24-hr. emergency fueling services • Programmed fueling services • Direct fleet/equipment fueling • Temporary above ground, job-site tanks • Direct fueling of construction equipment on job • Emergency generator fueling

Michael H. Mohr

7340 W. Harrison Street • Forest Park, IL 60130

800-315-9510 708-366-2900

or

Fax: 708-366-1007

www.mohroil.com e-mail: sales@mohroil.com 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 13

Chamber members

Paul McGraw, left, of Forest Park, and Danny Caraeol, of Bartlett, have drinks outside on the sidewalk on Friday, May 29, 2020, outside of Jimmy’s Place on Madison Street in downtown Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photogapher

Healthcare/Pediatrics Power of Play (POP) Pediatrics 7421 Madison St. 708-435-4130 pop-pediatric.com

Heating Oil/Fuel Mohr Oil Company 7340 W. Harrison St. 708-366-2900 mohroil.com

Historical Society Historical Society of Forest Park P.O. Box 311 708-232-3747 forestparkhistory.org

Hospitals Riveredge Hospital 8311 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7000 riveredgehospital.com

Ice Cream Parlor The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor 7347 Madison St. 708-366-7970 browncowicecream.com

Ice Sculptures/Dry Ice Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures 7623 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-366-3333 nadeauice.com

Insurance Forest Insurance 7310 Madison St. Forest Park 708-383-9000 forestinsured.com McBride Insurance Agency 7421 Madison St. 708-366-0001 mcbrideinsurance.com

Interior Design/Graphic Design Yearbook Studios 408 Thomas Ave. 708-366-1920 yearbookstudios.com

Jewelry/Gifts Accents By Fred 7519 Madison 708-366-9850 accentsbyfred.com

14 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Juice Bar Naturally Pure Wellness Bar 7504 Madison Street 708-689-0078 naturallypurewellnessbar.com

Kitchen & Bath Tile Corna Kitchen Bath & Tile 2134 N. Harlem Ave. Elmwood Park 708-453-0036 cornakitchenbathandtile.com

Landscaping/Garden McAdam Landscape Professionals 2001 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-2299 mcadamlandscape.com

Labor Union Forest Park Firefighters Local 2753 P.O. Box 561 708-366-1234

Liquor Stores Famous Liquors 7714 Madison St. 708-366-2500 famousliquors.com

Lounges/Taverns Blueberry Hill 427 Desplaines Avenue 708-366-8333 lotsofcrazystuff.com Duffy’s Tavern Forest Park 7513 Madison Street 708-366-3887 facebook.com/duffystavernfopo Shortstop of Forest Park 7425 Madison Street 708-366-1992 lotsofcrazystuff.com McGaffer’s 7737 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-435-4132 mcgaffers.com Slainte Irish Pub 7505 Madison St. 708-366-4977 slainteirishpubforestpark.com

Marketing/Communications D.M. Burton 708-834-3238 dmburton.co What Now Advisors 773-507-5999 whatnowadvisors.com

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Chamber members Massage Therapy

CBD Body High 7451 Madison St. 708-435-4945 cbdbodyhigh.com Element’s Massage 7239 Madison St. 708-406-6474 elementsmassage.com/forestpark Inductor of Healing Wellness Center 7435 Madison St. 708-613-5255 inductorofhealing.com

Military Surplus Military & Police Supply 7351 Madison St. 708-366-9711 militaryandpolicesupply.net

Model Development

Model Esteem 7451 Madison Street 708-318-4803 modelesteem.com

Musical Instruments/Music Instruction/Sales & Repair/ Sheet Music A.L.M.A. Arts Language Music Alliance 708-769-4853 alma-cf.org Kagan & Gaines Music Co., Inc. 7655 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-2152 kaganandgaines.com The Gasse School Of Music 7641 W. Polk St. 708-488-8117 gassesm.com

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Audience for Michael Raleigh’s Talk

Newspapers/Publications

Paint Store

Forest Park Review 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-366-0600 forestparkreview.com

Paulson’s Paint 7400 Madison St. 708-366-4288 paulsonspaint.com

Park District/Aquatic Center

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

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

Non-Profit

Party Venue Rental

Global Citizen USA 800-619-5258 globalcitizenusa.org

Painting Parties/Art Classes creativita 7512 Madison Street 312-848-4364 creativitaco.com

Urban Pioneer Society 7503 Madison St. 630-926-4139 theurbanpioneergroup.com

Personal Services/Fashion D.M. Burton 708-834-3238 dmburton.co

Rental Tools & Equipment for Work & Play!

Visit us at:

www.aarentalcenter.net

CELEBRATING • Listed in Chicago Tribune 2007 as One of Chicago’s Ten Best Bookstores.

Over 30 Years • Winner of the Mystery Writers of America 2011 of Independent RAVEN Award.

Bookselling • Only suburban bookstore in UrbanMatters 2018 “Best of Chicago” independent bookstores.* • Events with Popular Local, National and Internationally Known History and Mystery Authors.

• History & Mystery Discussion Groups along with Meetings of the G.K. Chesterton Society, the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime Literary Associations.

• Purchase E-books through our Website.

• We follow State of Illinois Covid Guidelines for our Author signings, discussion groups and other programming.

Forest Park Author Talks About His New Book Cleopatra

An Evening with Chicago Author Michael Raleigh

Women’s History Author Karen Abbott Talks about her current book The Ghosts of Eden Park.

30 N. 9th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160 (708) 343-8110

or our 2nd Location:

Ben’s Rental & Sales

6119 East Ave, Hodgkins, IL 60525

(708) 352-7368

Tools & Equipment HOMEOWNER & CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT • PLUMBING EQUIPMENT LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT • TRAILERS & TOWING • AND MUCH MORE!

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2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 15

Chamber members Personal Training

Core Strength Personal Training 7223 Madison St. 224-659-4550 cspersonaltraining.com

Pet Grooming & Boarding Pet Emporium 7638 Madison Street 708-366-0430 petemporiumcare.com

Physicians/Family/Foot Care/Eye Care Forest Foot Care Lori Lipkin, DPM 7503 Madison St. 708-366-3770 Forest Park Eye Care Anthony Garreffa, OD 7417 Madison St. 708-366-2020 Roots Health DPC Dr. Natasha Diaz, MD 7314 Madison Street 708-613-7916 rootshealthdpc.com

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

Property Inspections Property Guidance Inspection 773-469-3390 propertyguidance.net

Printing/Duplicating/ Converting Forest Printing Co. 7214 Madison St. 708-366-5100 forestprinting.net

Public Library Forest Park Public Library 7555 Jackson Blvd.

708-366-7171 fppl.org

Real Estate/Property Management

AvenueOne 7415 Madison St. 773-622-4663 av1realty.com Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago 101 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-848-5550 berkshirehathawayhs.com Mark Hosty Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago 101 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-514-5624 David King & Associates 1011 Lake St., Suite 313 Oak Park 708-445-0505 dkacre.com The Gillian-Baker Team Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Chicago 101 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-848-5550 theGBteam.com Your Home Group at Baird & Warner 309-369-1616 bairdwarner.com/agent/219503anthony-erangey/

Rental Center AA Rental Center 30 N. 9th Ave. Melrose Park 708-343-8110 aarentalcenter.net

Restaurants/Pubs/ Sports Bars Cactus Grill 315 S Harlem Ave 708-689-8595 caffe DeLuca 7427 Madison St. 708-366-9200 caffedeluca.com

16 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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

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Chirrion Mexican Grill 7510 Madison Street 708-689-8123 chirrion.com

Small Batch Barbecue 7411 Madison St. 708-689-8075 smallbatchq.com

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

Starship Restaurant & Catering 7618 Madison St. 708-771-3016 starshiprestaurant.com

Golden Steer Steakhouse 7635 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7798 goldensteersteakhouse.com Jimmy’s Place 7411 Madison St. 708-771-7476 jimmysplaceforestpark.com Louie’s Grill 7422 Madison St. 708-488-8889 Madison Park Kitchen 7525 Madison St. 708-689-8607 mp-kitchen.com McDonald’s 420 Des Plaines Ave. 708-488-0146 mcdonalds.com Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina 7404 Madison St. 708-689-0850 mexicanrepublickitchen.com O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 Madison St. 708-366-6667 osullivanspublichouse.net Panda Café 7600 Madison Street 708-366-5918 Scratch Kitchen & Lounge 7445 Madison St. 708-689-8427 www.scratchfp.com

Slainte Irish Pub 7505 Madison St. 708-366-4977 slainteirishpubforestpark.com

Retirement Communities The Altenheim 7824 Madison St. 708-366-2206 thealtenheim.com Belmont Village 1035 Madison St. Oak Park 708-848-7200 belmontvillage.com

Schools/Academies/ Education A.L.M.A. Arts Language Music Alliance 708-769-4853 alma-cf.org Forest Park Public Schools, District 91 424 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-5700 forestparkschools.org Montessori Language Academy 314 Circle Ave. 708-771-5030

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Screen Printing/ Promotional Specialties Energy Tees 1401 Circle Avenue #1N 708-771-0000 energytees.com

Shanahan’s 7353 Madison St. 708-366-0775 Forestparkreview.com

McAdam co-founder Rob McAdam is proud to serve as President of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce. Since 1979, one of our core values has been giving back to the community.

As soon as is safely possible, we look forward to resuming as host of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.

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513 Elgin Avenue Forest Park, IL 60130 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 17

Chamber members

Owner Art Sundry shows off a photo of his grandmother, Constance DeLuca. Caffe DeLuca is named after her and serves her homestyle meatballs with rigatoni in their family meal.

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Service Clubs/ Organizations Fraternal Order of Eagles #1344 446 Hannah Ave. 708-366-1321 Harlem Maennerchor Men’s & Women’s Chorus 7703 Polk St. 708-366-1991 Kiwanis Club of Forest Park P.O. Box 514 708-209-1200 kiwanis.org

Social Service/Senior Service Agencies Celebrating Seniors Coalition 418 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park 708-383-8060 celebratingseniors.net

Housing Forward 1851 S. 9th Ave. Maywood 708-338-1724 housingforward.org

Shopping Mall Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-697-5462 billwinston.org/fpp

Swimming/Water Safety CAST Water Safety Foundation 7628 Madison Street 708-435-4256 castwatersafety.org

Tea Merchants Todd & Holland Tea Merchants 7311 Madison St. 708-488-1136 todd-holland.com

18 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Transportation Services Fish Transportation Group 708-689-0536 fishtrans.net

Warehouse Club Costco 2500 S. Harlem Ave. North Riverside 708-853-1017

Web Development/SEO D.M. Burton 708-834-3238 dmburton.co

Wellness/Juice Bar Naturally Pure Wellness Bar 7504 Madison St. 708-689-0078 naturallypurewellnessbar.com

Yoga Studios & then there was well 201 N. Harlem Avenue Oak Park 224-304-0765 Yoga Loft Studios Forest Park 7234 Madison Street 312-560-8668 yogaloftstudios.com

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Design ‘journey’ highlighted in fashion show

M

odels of all shapes and sizes, wearing masks and highend fashion, strode out from Taj B Couture onto Madison Street on July 31. But the models and styles will go far beyond Forest Park; the fashion show was recorded and will be part of London Fashion Week in September.

Titled “Journey,” the show featured a collection created by Latrina Brown, owner of Taj B Couture at 7516 Madison St. Brown said the styles and creations represent her journey since opening the shop in November, a combination of silver linings and timing that parallel the subsequent and quick changes worldwide due to COVID-19.

It’s not the first time Brown’s designs have been represented in London Fashion Week. In February 2019 she participated in the renowned show and was invited back again to take part this year. Then what seemed like the worst thing ever happened at the airport on her way to London when she realized she’d lost her passport.

“I cried all night,” said Brown. Two days later, when she should have Forestparkreview.com

Pariticpants walk the runway modeling the clothing line on Friday, July 31, 2020, during the first Journee 2021 Collection fashion show at Taj B Couture on Madison Street in downtown Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

been in London, she saw the space on Madison Street that would become her boutique. “London was a bust,” said Brown. “But maybe it happened for a reason. It led us here.”

Here is her space on Madison Street, where Brown’s ambition is to have Taj B recognized as a brand.

Her focus has been on custom work.

Someone desiring a hand-made, fully customized gown for, say, a gala could choose from fabrics and styles, be measured, and have a dress made exactly for her body. Brown makes men’s wear too.

But COVID-19 is changing the way she does business, at least for now.

As a designer of custom high-end clothing, she’s seen a decrease in people ordering clothing for fancy events, which simply aren’t being held anymore. And customers, at least initially, were reluctant to be part of the physical contact required when being measured and fitted for a personalized piece of clothing.

“It’s taken away the personal touch,” Brown said.

So, like many other small business

owners, she is pivoting, figuring out how to change what she offers to keep up with the rapidly changing business and social landscape, closing the shop for a few weeks to create ready-to-wear clothing that customers, from sizes 6 and up, can purchase off the rack.

“I want the clothes to be cute and exciting,” she said. “We don’t know how long [COVID-19] will last, so why not feel good, even if you’re staying home?”

The COVID-19 pandemic nearly forced Brown to close her boutique.

In fact, early on she announced she’d be shutting her doors for good.

“It seemed like we were faced with too many challenges,” she said. “We’d just opened in November, and then we were forced to close temporarily.”

She went so far as to talk to the landlord, who graciously said she could get out of the lease. But when she saw someone else looking at the space, something clicked inside.

“I can’t give up,” Brown realized at that moment. “We’re not stopping now.”

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 23

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J

oshua Longbrake makes beautiful liveedge furniture out of his garage in Forest Park.

He’s been honing his craft for years, but only this year made the move to creating art out of wood.

He’s a rugged, bearded craftsman whose newsletters include poetry and observations about life, not to mention the laughout-loud writing on his website at longbrakesupply. co.

Longbrake sells custom wood, metal and leather products that he makes in his garage in Forest Park, where he’s lived for four years with his wife, Kirby, and two young sons.

For interiors, he creates dining room tables from slabs of wood. End tables.

Desks. For outside, his artistry ranges from dining tables to play equipment.

His is love is to create pieces “that can be manipulated” and that Forestparkreview.com

reinforce relationships through their use.

“I like signs of life in furniture and I say, especially on big slab tables, you can sand them down for the rest of your life and remove marks, but I tend to leave all marks our kids make because all the little marks tell a small story.

I love a good worn table.”

Longbrake’s path to woodworking wasn’t straight. The path he was on, actually, led to him first becoming pastor of a church he started, a plan he walked away from when he realized that what he was meant to do was create.

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Furniture, poetry and finding purpose

Joshua Longbrake, sits for a photo at his work desk on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, inside his garage and workshop at his home in Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

said. But soon, he wanted something different, so he switched to what he calls “a really progressive seminary.”

He realized that creating art, though he wasn’t exactly sure what kind yet, was what he needed to do.

By that time, he’d already started a church, and he was going to be the pastor.

“It was a hard decision to walk away from that,” he said. “But one that thankfully my spouse was very affirming of and I decided to make a career shift into art making. I didn’t know what that meant.”

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in a religious family, he attended a Christian school, where his father was the principal and his mother a teacher.

The seeds had been planted, already, though.

About five years ago, in Arizona where he lived with his wife for about a year and a half, he’d started doing some woodworking at home.

“I went to a very conservative and fairly dogmatic Christian seminary school,” he

Back in Chicago, he got a job at a bronze foundry, and he loved the shop environment and creating

every day. He stayed there for about a year and a half until the pandemic hit.

And then he jumped to a new job, but he continued making his own pieces on the side, creating sculptures and furniture.

He got to a point, he said, where he realized he could start his own business.

“I had a lot of affirmation from my family and the community around me saying, ‘Yeah, this is really what you should do.’ And so I’m making the jump to full time on my own.”

Longbrake says he never takes for granted the gift of pursuing art as a career nor does he forget the meaning behind the wood itself.

“There’s something poetic about trees and the materials they provide. It all feels like a gift. And so I feel like it’s my responsibility to somehow steward that gift as best as I’m able and be responsible with the material,” said Longbrake.

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 25

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New superintendent of parks not new to park district Ryan Russ, the new superintendent of Parks, stands for a photo on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, outside of Roos Recreation Center on Harrison Street in Forest Park

I

n August 2020, Ryan Russ, the friendly face of the Park District of Forest Park, was officially promoted to superintendent of parks, a position unoccupied for nearly a year after Larry Buckley retired in September 2019.

Buckley served in the position for 30 years, and since his retirement, longtime park district employee Russ served as interim superintendent.

Russ was born and raised in town and spent summers as a child playing at the park, then working at the park seasonally before taking on a full-time job in the district. Now, his own kids play and participate in programs at the same park he enjoyed as a child, the Forestparkreview.com

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

place he now oversees as superintendent.

“It’s come full circle for me to grow up in a place and have so many memories and then to be able to provide a place for other people to have those memories, including my own kids,” said Russ.

But while Russ said he’s “immensely proud” of his promotion, in some ways the job title is immaterial.

“It doesn’t matter what the name of the position is for me,” Russ said. “I love to be at that park. If you called me the trash man because I’m out there picking up trash, I’m fine with that, because I’m beautifying the town.”

Buckley was inspirational to Russ in that regard, always

making sure the park was a showcase in Forest Park, setting high standards Russ plans to continue.

As superintendent of parks, Russ said he’ll be overseeing the facilities and grounds and related maintenance, from ensuring annual inspections are done to making sure the grass is green.

“Everything that you see, that’s part of the superintendent’s job,” Russ said. “That’s what I love about it, that our work, as a maintenance team, is always on display.” Beautifying the park, said Russ, carries over into the town.

Buckley, who passed away in Oct. 2019, wasn’t there for Russ’ promotion, and that was difficult.

“The last few years, where I’ve known that I wanted to fill his position, I’ve always thought of that transition as him passing me the torch, literally, and saying, ‘you’re the next guy.’ I just had that vision, that that’s how it would go down. And when he died, I was devastated by it,” Russ said.

But Russ said he wants to carry on Buckley’s legacy.

“Every square inch of that park has him all over it, and I want to have that same effect,” Russ said.

Park district Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli said she has great faith in Russ’ skills and future at the park.

“I look forward to the great things he’s going to accomplish,” Iovinelli said.

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 27

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Churches

A pedestrian takes a moment to kneel down and pray outside on Sunday, April 12, 2020, at St. Bernardine Catholic Church on Harrison Street in Forest Park

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Churches 1st United Church of Christ of Forest Park 1000 Elgin Ave. 708-771-8456 firstunitedchurchofchrist.com Pastor: D. Michael Kucera Forest Park Baptist Church 133 N. Harlem Ave. 708-366-5091 forestparkbaptist.com

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Living Word Christian Center Office: 7306 W. Madison St. Services: 7600 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-697-5000 livingwd.org Pastor: Dr. Bill Winston Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Christ 500 Hannah Ave. 708-689-8312 mtmoriahchurchil.org Pastor: Maurice L. Streeter

St. Bernardine Catholic Church 7246 W. Harrison St. 708-366-0839 stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

St. Paul Thai Church 7416 Dixon St. 630-863-8634 Pastor: Pongsak Limthongviratn Bilingual Thai-English services.

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 Circle Ave. 708-366-3226 stjohnforestpark.org Pastor: Leonard Payton

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 29

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D91 teacher donates kidney to colleague’s son

O

n Aug. 20, Billy Brown, son of District 91 teacher Julie Brown, received a new kidney.

The donor? Dina Farrington, another teacher in the district.

because he was going to be having to start dialysis, and my husband Ed said, ‘Why don’t you put Billy’s story on Facebook?’” said Brown.

“As soon as she found out about it, and without any hesitation, she just went for it,” said Julie Brown, whose 19-year-old son Billy is improving every day from his surgery.

A number of people had already come District 91 teacher Dina Farrington (right) donated a kidney forward willing to to Billy Brown (left), pictured with his mother Julie Brown, who donate a kidney, also teaches in the district. including herself, her Photo by Alex Rogals husband, and her other children, but none were she’d known Brown for years, “So I posted Billy’s story on candidates. Other relatives she hadn’t been aware of Facebook,” said Brown. volunteered, but for various what was going on with Billy.

When Farrington saw the reasons, including age, health Immediately, she reached post, she asked, “Wait. Is this conditions, and wrong blood our Julie Brown?” Although type, weren’t viable matches. continued on page 35

Farrington learned about Billy’s condition on Facebook after Brown posted the story.

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KIDNEY continued from page 33 out to the transplant coordinator. What started next was a slew of medical tests to see if Farrington was a match and met all the health criteria necessary to donate.

“I didn’t even know my blood type,” said Farrington.

“I texted my mom to find out.

As soon as I discovered I had the right blood type, that’s when my journey began with testing to make sure Billy and I were compatible.”

She had already received the support of her husband and children, who are 20, 19 and 14 years old, and the only slight pause she had was going under for the surgery.

“I can’t even say it was a hesitation,” she said. And when she was finally cleared for the donation, she never looked back.

As it turned out, the surgery date was the day of her grandfather’s birthday. He died at the age of 92 and would have been 99 this year. But the coinciding date “confirmed that this was the right decision and gave me peace knowing everything would be fine,” Farrington said.

The surgery was successful, and Billy, not even two weeks post-surgery during an interview with the Forest Park Review, said he could already tell the difference.

Since he was five, Billy has suffered from membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), a disease affecting the glomeruli, or filters, of the kidneys, visiting doctors and hospitals regularly. In December 2018, his kidneys Forestparkreview.com

started failing. Again, a year later, they got worse.

Incredibly, four days after surgery, Farrington was in class, teaching remotely, for the first day of school on Aug. 24.

Billy, who attended Fenwick High School and is an Eagle Scout, took a gap year from Benedictine University because of his health. He enjoys fantasy football and can’t wait to start playing basketball. He said he really wants to play intramural sports in college. Ultimate Frisbee, he said, sounds fun.

“Before the transplant, I couldn’t play sports without getting too tired. If I was playing basketball, I’d be dead tired by the time I ran to the basket. I had no stamina.

Zero. So now I’ll be able to play sports,” Billy said.

Brown, who’s taught in D91 for a total of 18 years, with a break to raise her kids, attended local schools herself, including Betsy Ross, Field Stevenson, and Proviso East.

Her parents, she said, lived in Forest Park for 55 years. She works as a preschool assistant at Garfield. Her family now lives in Berwyn.

Farrington’s been with the district for 17 years total, also with a break to raise her three children. She teaches Kindergarten at Garfield School.

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For more information please contact Shettima at 708 318 4803 Model Esteem | 7451 W. Madison Street | Forest Park, IL 60130

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 35

Looking back from 2021

Our Eighty-ninth Season Find out about our virtual and live events at SymphonyOPRF.org

Stormy Monday, located at the corner of Randolph Street and Desplaines Avenue, was a very popular hangout in the 1970’s. It was a Forest Park lounge that catered to “singles,” and was so well attended that it had more than one violation from the village for being overcrowded. Now a favorite spot for take out, Old School Tavern.

JAY FRIEDMAN,

Music Director and Conductor

MAURICE BOYER, Associate Conductor

708 218 2648 • thesymphonyoprf@gmail.com

Please visit CelebratingSeniors.net for updates on how we will be Celebrating Seniors in 2021!

Over the century it has been successful at Randolph Lounge, Moose Hall, Wigwam, Mesa Tap, Count’s Villa, Jim’s Sports Bar, Randolph St Depot and Hermann’s Steakhouse.

Celebrating Seniors is

dedicated to honoring, recognizing and serving seniors in Forest Park, River Forest and Oak Park, Illinois. The organization’s four main objectives: • To facilitate cooperation between the business community, government agencies and non-profit

www.celebratingseniors.net 36 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

organizations for the benefit of the senior population.

• To promote senior groups and organizations that serve persons 60 and older.

• To raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors.

• To provide financial support to seniors in need.

410 S. Oak Park Ave. | Oak Park IL 60302 708-383-8060 | info@celebratingseniors.net Forestparkreview.com

Community Info

Etta Worthington, middle, talks with attendees about the different plants in the garden on Saturday, July 11, 2020, during the Forest Park Historical Society Garden Walk throughout Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Community Info Howard Mohr Community Center

7640 Jackson Blvd.

708-771-7737 Office Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays Director: Karen Dylewski The Howard R. Mohr Community Center, named in honor of the late state senator and Forest Park mayor, serves as a hub of both entertainment and social services. From supervising children before and after school to sponsoring weekly senior citizen trips to checking up on the elderly, disabled and shut-ins, the community center meets many needs.

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Children’s Clubhouse

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

Food Pantry

The Community Education Food Pantry is available to residents in need of emergency food due to temporary unemployment or other financial need.

Donations of canned or boxed, non-perishable food items are accepted yearround. Each Thanksgiving, food baskets are delivered to Forest Park families who are in need. Food and gift baskets are also distributed at Christmas.

Pace Bus Passes

Pace bus passes are available to adults at the rate of 10 for $9.50. In addition, reduced fare rates for the passes are available to seniors and students.

Rules of the Road Review Class

Offered periodically, the purpose of the course is to help citizens pass the Illinois drivers license renewal examination. Call for dates and times.

Senior Activities and Trips The center offers a number of activities and services for seniors including Wed. trips to a variety of venues (theater, sports, games of chance, special exhibits.)

Informational and personal safety seminars are also scheduled throughout the year.

Senior and Disabled

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

Call at least 24 hours in advance for an appointment.

Senior Bingo and Lunch

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

Senior Citizens Club Meets Tues. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Community Center. Offers social activities for seniors,

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 37

ing

e

ion

Community Info including arts and crafts, card and board games, visiting with old friends and making new ones. Business meetings are held the first Tues. of the month, Sept.-June. The club welcomes members from surrounding communities.

Transportation is available to Forest Park residents by appointment.

Senior Taxicab Discount

Senior Income Tax Preparation

Offered periodically at the center, this service issues state IDs, renews driver licenses needing eye and/or written tests only, for individuals who are within a year of expiration.

Also changes information such as new addresses. Issues license plate renewal stickers (must have renewal form.)

Road testing is not available.

Current fees apply. The program is open to anyone younger than 75. Those older than 75 must go to a secretary of state facility.

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

The right care can help seniors enjoy life Senior Movie A first-run movie is presented in the comfort of a familiar environment, at the center once a month, usually the second Thurs. and provide reassurance to loved ones.

Popcorn is provided. There is Companionship Companionship&&Light LightHousekeeping Housekeeping Daily DailyHealth HealthReminders Reminders no charge. Call for date and Assist Assistwith withPersonal PersonalCare Care&&Hygiene Hygiene Assist Assistwith withErrands Errands&&Transportation Transportation time.

• Daily Health Reminders • Companionship Meal MealPlanning Planning &&Preparation Preparation Ambulation Ambulation &&Dressing DressingAssistance Assistance Senior Newsletter & Light Housekeeping Transitional TransitionalCare CareAfter AfterHospitalization Hospitalization Safety Safety Supervision Supervision Assistance • Assist with Errands &&Assistance Comes out the first Tues. & Transportation • Assist with Personal Care of even-numbered months & Hygiene • Ambulation & Dressing announcing weekly trips and Right Rightatat•Home Home OakPark Park& Chicago Chicago Assistance Meal Oak Planning events. Copies are available Preparation 708.445.6000 708.445.6000 at the center, village hall and • Safety Supervision www.rahoakparkchicago.net www.rahoakparkchicago.net the library. & Assistance • Transitional Care After Senior Shopping Trips Hospitalization Mon. Living Fresh & Tony’s Daily Health Reminders Finer Foods, Wed. River Forest Jewel, Thurs. Ed’s Assist with & Transportation TheErrands Right Care, Right at Home® Way & Broadview Aldi, Fri. Right at Home Assistance Oak Park Chicago Ambulation & Dressing Walmart. Call the center for schedules or to make an SafetyCompanionship Supervision & Assistance appointment. & Light Housekeeping Daily Health Reminders

Senior citizen taxicab coupon books can be purchased at the center at the cost of $7.50 for $10 worth of coupons.

The coupons are used in lieu of cash when paying cab fare and never expire.

State of Illinois Mobile Drivers Service

Summer Clubhouse

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

708.445.6000

Assist with Errands & Transportation www.rahoakparkchicago.net

Assist with Personal Care & Hygiene Meal Planning & Preparation

Ambulation & Dressing Assistance

Transitional Care After Hospitalization

Safety Supervision & Assistance

Right at Home Oak Park Chicago

708.445.6000 www.rahoakparkchicago.net

38 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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And so will we.

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We are stronger together.

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2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 39

A Rollercoaster of flavor

It sure feels like we’ve been on a roller coaster over the past year, but thankfully the broad array of flavor in Forest Park provides some downright delicious variety on this unpredictable ride. While any well-crafted dish embraces a delicate balance between tastes, we went in search of local bites that celebrate seven flavor components--sweet, bitter, sour, salty, umami, cool, and hot.

Check out the dishes that exemplify the roller coaster of flavor in Forest Park.

Salty: For more than 40 years, Starship Restaurant, 7818 Madison St., has boasted an outof-this-world theme, but the beloved sandwich shop is run by a couple a seriously down-toEarth folks. Co-owners Paul McKenna and Food Writer Henry Laskowski are the salt-of the Earth duo responsible for whipping up one of the best Italian subs in the area. The Lanasa is a celebration of all the best inherently salty meats including salami, mortadella and capicola.

MELISSA ELSMO

Sweet: Silverland Bakery, 439 Des Plaines Ave., has been churning out a vast array of all-natural brownies and bakery bars since 1983. With more than 20 varieties to select from Silverland has a dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. You cannot go wrong with their top selling, hyper-rich, double chocolate brownies, but don’t overlook the ruby-hued raspberry crumble bar—it packs a perfect sweet-tart punch.

Bitter: Time to spill the tea. Bitterness can be a beautiful thing—especially the nuanced flavor profiles found in the array of green teas available at Todd and Holland Tea Merchants, at 7311 Madison St. No matter if you select popular the Moroccan Mint, the grassy Saemidori Sencha, or the surprisingly sweet Bamboo Leaves, following the shop’s thoughtful brewing instructions allows a drinker to experience the bliss of bitterness.

Sour: In proper doses acidity, or sourness, is essential to balancing out just about any well composed meal.

Look no further than the Duck Fat Burger from Fatduck Tavern and Grill, at 7218 Madison St., to make the most of this sour sensibility. Topped with a comforting combination of imported brie cheese and applewood smoked bacon, it’s the house-pickled onions that bring this popular burger together.

The pile of piquant pink onions slice through the richness in every bite bringing zest and complexity to classic bar food.

Explore more flavor at ForestParkReview.com 40 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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in Forest Park

Umami:

What the heck is umami anyway? An elusive flavor to pin down, umami comes from naturally occurring free glutamates in many foods including aged cheeses and pork. The resulting flavor is often referred to as meaty, brothy or unctuous and Chef Gaetano Di Benedetto is Forest Park’s master of umami. Visit Chef Gaetano’s Artisan Foods, at 7636 Madison St., to pick up some wild boar ragu and aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Served over housemade giant rigatoni, the dish is an umami explosion.

Cool: Cold in temperature and cool in overall vibe, any shake on the menu at Twisted Cookie, at 7401 Madison St., makes the most of all things chilly. The whimsical birthday cake shake comes garnished with colorful sprinkles and fluffy whipped cream, but the thick, ice-cold ice cream shake boasts distinctive cake qualities. One sip and you want to blow out the candles just to keep things cool!

Hot: Ready the fire extinguisher. Look to the chef’s specials at Panda Café, 7600 Madison St., to discover a hot and spicy dish from the Sichuan Province in China. Mo Po Tofu, is a cornerstone dish in the region where hot and spicy food reigns supreme.

Served over rice, pork and shrimp flavor delicate tofu suspended in a slick, red and spicy sauce. Sure, customers can control the heat level in the dish, but Ma Po Tofu is thoughtful in its heat and balanced by tangy fermented bean paste, too.

Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 41

Food & Drink

Essential worker Rebekah Gaskill wears a face mask while taking an order from Cory Billingsley, of Forest Park, on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the walk-up window outside of Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor on Madison Street in downtown Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Food & Drink Angelo O’Leary’s 7522 Madison St. 708-689-0864 angeloolearys.com Beacon Pub 101 Circle Ave. 708-366-7066 Panda Cafe 7600 Madison St. 708-366-5918 pandacafefp.com Blueberry Hill 427 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-8333 lotsofcrazystuff.com Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor 7347 Madison St. 708-366-7970 Browncowicecream.com

Bua Hana 7330 Madison St. 708-488-0480 Cactus Grill 315 S. Harlem 708-689-8595 cactusgrill.business.site

Chirrion Mexican Grill 7510 Madison St. 708-689-8123 chirrion.com Circle Inn of Forest Park 7300 Circle Ave. 708-771-2123

caffe DeLuca 7427 Madison St. 708-366-9200 caffedeluca.com

Circle Lanes 7244 Circle Ave. 708-366-2810 circlebowlinglanes.com

Carole’s Next Best Thing 7307 Roosevelt Rd. 708-689-0942

Doc Ryan’s 7432 Madison St. 708-366-2823 docryans.com

Charlie’s Restaurant 7427 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-1969 charliesrestaurantfp.wixsite.com Chef Gaetano’s Artisan Foods 7636 Madison St. 708-366-4010 gaetanosforestpark.com

42 | 2019-2020 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Dominos 7658 Madison St. 708-366-6000 Duffy’s Tavern 7513 Madison St. 366-3887

Dunkin’ Donuts 7200 Circle Ave. 708-366-0810 7660 Madison St. 708-488-9488 dunkindonuts.com Exit Strategy Brewing Co. 7700 W. Madison St. 708-689-8771 exitstrategybrewing.com Fatduck Tavern and Grill 7218 Madison St. 708-488-1493 fatduckgrill.com Forest Park Tap Room 7321 Madison St. 708-435-4096 Golden Steer Steakhouse 7635 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-7798 goldensteersteakhouse.com

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Food & Drink Goldyburgers 7316 Circle Ave. 708-366-0750 Happy Chef 1215 S. Harlem Ave. 708-488-8181 happychefforestpark.com Harvest 365 Restaurant & Grill 7610 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-488-0415 harvest365grill.com/ Jimmy John’s 350 Circle Ave. 708-488-9070 online.jimmyjohns.com Jimmy’s Place 7411 W. Madison St. 708-771-7476 jimmysplaceforestpark.com The Junction Diner 7401 Madison St. 708-771-5276 thejunctiondiner.com Kay’s Bakery 7332 W. Madison St. 708-366-3669 Kribi Coffee 7324 Madison St. 708-689-8896 kribicoffee.com La Maison de Bonbon 7353 Madison St. 708-366-0777 lamaisondebonbon.com Louie’s Grill 7422 Madison St. 708-488-8889 Macho’s Grill 7300 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-689-0963 Madison Park Kitchen 7525 Madison St. 708-689-8607 mp-kitchen.com McDonald’s 420 Des Plaines Ave. 708-488-0146

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McGaffers Saloon 7737 Roosevelt Rd. 708-435-4132 mcgaffers.com Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina 7404 Madison St. 708-689-0850 mexicanrepublickitchen.com/ Mugsy’s 7640 Madison St. 708-366-4445 The Lantern Haus 7414 Madison St. 366-3008 Lathrop House Cafe 26 Lathrop Ave. 708-689-8249 scratchfp.com O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 Madison St. 708-366-6667 osullivanspublichouse.net Old School Tavern and Grill 201 Des Plaines Ave. 708-771-3663 oldschooltag.com Papa John’s Pizza 7744 Madison St. 708-488-9999 Parky’s Hot Dogs 329 Harlem Ave. 708-366-3090 Petra Falafel 7314 Madison St. 708-657-4002 orderpetrafalafel.com/ Pioneer Tap & Liquors 7445 Randolph St. 708-771-4909 pioneer-tap-liquors.edan.io Pit Zone BBQ 7247 W. Roosevelt Rd. 773-543-9528 Portillo’s 7740 Roosevelt Rd. 708-383-7557 portillos.com 2019-2020 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 43

Baird & Warner Oak Park

WE’RE BY YOUR SIDE BAIRD & WARNER OAK PARK RIVER FOREST 708.697.5900 oakpark.bairdwarner.com 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302

44 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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Food & Drink Power Play Cafe 7235 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-657-4530 Scratch Kitchen 7445 Madison St. 708-689-8427 scratchfp.com

Small Batch Barbeque 7441 Madison St. 708-689-8075 smallbatchq.com Smokin M’s BBQ 7507 Roosevelt Rd. 488-0123 smokinms.com

Shanahan’s 7353 Madison St. 708-366-0775 shanahanscreole.com

Starbucks Coffee 7231 Madison St. 708-488-1046

Shortstop Lounge 7425 Madison St. 708-366-1992 shortstop-lounge.edan.io

Starship Restaurant and Catering 7618 Madison St. 708-771-3016 starshiprestaurant.com

Silverland Bakery

439 Des Plaines Ave. 708-488-0800 silverlandbakery.com Slainte Irish Pub 7505 Madison St. 708-366-4977 slainteirishpubforestpark.com

Submarine Tender 200 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-4690 submarine-tender.business.site Subway 1300 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-0873

Wingstop 1215 Harlem Ave. 708-689-8060

7328 W. Madison 708-488-9486 subway.com Tacabron 7330 Harrison St. 708-435-4343 eattacabron.com Taco Bell 7510 Roosevelt Rd. 708-771-8870 tacobell.com

Yum Thai 7748 Madison St. 708-366-8892 yumthaiforestpark.com

Taco Tu 7321 W. Madison St. 708-689-8431 ordertacostu.com Thai Time 7634 Madison St. 708-771-6955 orderthaitimerestaurant.com/ Twisted Cookie 7401 Madison St. 708-689-8029 twistedcookie.com/

Shanahan’s

La Maison de Bonbon

SHANAHAN’S SPECIALTIES...

Shrimp Creole – Jambalaya - Po’ Boys Chicken & Andouille & Crab & Crawfish Gumbo • 708-366-0775

OUR HANDMADE SPECIALTIES...

French Cremes – Toffee Peanut Butter Cups – Pecan Turtles • 708-366-0777

7353 Madison Street • Forest Park

7353 Madison Street • Forest Park

Louisiana Creole Kitchen • – A Taste of New Orleans –

shanahanscreole.com

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Handmade Gourmet Chocolate • – Fine Chocolates Since 1921 -

lamaisondebonbon.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 45

Generations of Excellence since 1958 708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest 7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040 Donna Barnhisel

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Thank You! Andy Gagliardo Broker Owner

Tom Poulos Broker Owner

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Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

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Whether looking to purchase or for a free valuation of your property call us today!

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Accents by Fred Fred Bryant & Ann Hanson Designers

Unique handcrafted Jewelry & Greeting cards - Jewelry repair - Watch battery replacement One-of-a-Kind gifts

7519 W. Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130 708-366-9850

Lymphatic Drainage or Clinical Massage for Before/After surgery, liposuction treatments.

accentsbyfred38@gmail.com www.accentsbyfred.biz

Call 708-613-5255 or email info@ inductorofhealing.com for your inquiries.

& St. Catherine of Siena Center

AMERICANA JAZZ WORLD ARTS THEATRE SPEAKERS 7900 West Division Street • River Forest, Illinois 60305 • Box Office: (708) 488-5000 • events.dom.edu Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 47

Discover

Forest Park Plaza!

RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE | MINUTES FROM I-290

FOR LEASING INQUIRIES – 630-693-0655 OR DAN@HIFFMAN.COM

7600 W Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, Illinois

48 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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Government

Mayor Rory Hoskins, right, gets ready to swear in Phil Chiappetta on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, during the new fire chief swear-in at the Forest Park Fire Station.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

State Government Illinois House Speaker/ State Representative 7th District Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch (D) 10055 W. Roosevelt Rd., Suite E Westchester, IL 60154 708- 450-1000 Springfield Office: 249-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8120

State Representative 8th District La Shawn K. Ford (D) 5051 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60651 773-750-0866 Springfield Office: 239-E Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-5962 State Senator 4th District Kimberly A. Lightford (D) www.ilga.gov/senate Forestparkreview.com

Senate Majority Leader 4415 Harrison St., Suite 550 Hillside, IL 60162 708-632-4500 Springfield Office: 329A Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 217-782-8505

Village of Forest Park Village Hall 517 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-2323 forestpark.net Hours: Monday—Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Closed Weekends Village Council The village is incorporated under the commission form of government with the mayor and commissioners elected every four years. Forest Park has five commissioners, four of which are elected at large. The fifth commissioner

is the mayor who has the dual role of both mayor and commissioner.

■ Mayor Rory E. Hoskins

and the Commissioner for the Department of Public Affairs.

■ Department of

Accounts and Finance

■ Commissioner

Daniel Novak

■ Department of Public

Health and Safety

■ Commissioner

Joseph Byrnes

■ Department of Streets and

Public Improvements

■ Commissioner Ryan Nero ■ Department of Public

Property

■ Commissioner

fourth Mon. each month in the council chambers on the lower level of village hall.

A portion of each meeting is reserved for citizens’ comments.

Administrators, Department Heads ■ Village administrator: Timothy E. Gillian ■ Village clerk: Vanessa Moritz ■ Police chief: Tom Aftanas ■ Fire chief: Phil Chiappetta ■ Health and Safety, Building and Code Enforcement director: Steve Glinke ■ Public works director: John Doss ■ Community Center director: Karen Dylewski ■ Health inspector: Restaurant inspections are handled through Cook County

Jessica Voogd

The village council meets at 7 p.m. the second and 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 49

Government Boards, Committees, and Commissions: ■ Diversity Commission ■ Environmental Control

Commission Ethics Commission Fire and Police Board Fire Pension Board Library Board Plan Commission Recreation Board Traffic and Safety Commission ■ Zoning Board of Appeals ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Important Village Numbers Fire and police emergencies:

Administrator’s office: 708-615-6201 Clerk’s office: 708-366-2323 All-night parking: 708-366-7272 Animal control: 615-6276 Fire inspection: 708-366-1234 Fire Prevention and Public Education Speakers Bureau: 708-366-1234 Forestry: 708-366-4876 Health department: 708-615-6276 Street and alley maintenance: 708-366-4876 Water meter hookup and repair: 708-366-2323

911

For non-emergency calls Fire: 708-366-1234 Police: 708-366-2425 Mayor’s office: 708-615-6200

Deputy chief Ken Gross answers questions about racial profiling on Thursday, July, 9, 2020, during a village town hall meeting regarding the police department’s Use Of Force policies outside of Village Hall in Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

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• • • • •

Plumbing Services Heating Services Drain Cleaning Water Heaters Air-Conditioning

Insured and Bonded • Residential and Commercial Services

708-795-0700

www.sullivans-plumbing.com Forestparkreview.com

What State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch can do for you!

Our office can assist you in navigating a wide variety of state services including, but not limited to: Processing professional license applications with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation Referrals for job assistance programs Referrals on college scholarships and financial aid information Assisting veterans with state programs and resources

Rep. Welch frequently offers state seminars and programs to create awareness of resources and opportunities for constituents, including:

• • • • • • • •

Job Resource Fairs Electronics Recycling and Shred Days Property Tax Appeal Seminars Senior Technology Fairs Internship Programs for Students Citizen Advisory Committees Mobile Office Hours Town Hall Meetings

Helping qualified applicants receive care through the Department of Human Services Helping qualified applicants access unemployment benefits Mortgage relief assistance from the Attorney General and the Illinois Housing Development Authority

Emanuel Chris Welch State Representative 7th District

Constituent Service Office • 10055 Roosevelt Road • Westchester, IL 60154 708-450-1000 • emanuelchriswelch.com For more information, please contact Rep. Welch’s full-time constituent service office at 708-450-1000 or email repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 51

Big City Access...

Small Town Charm

Commissioner Ryan Nero

Commissioner Dan Novak

Mayor Rory Hoskins

Commissioner Joe Byrnes

Commissioner Jessica Voogd

517 Desplaines Avenue • Forest Park, IL 60130 • 708-366-2323 • Fax 708-488-0361

Need a helping of

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe 52 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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Changes in leadership for Forest Park Fire Department

T

he Forest Park Fire Department (FPFD), with Phil Chiappetta as the new chief since Sept. 30, has seen changes to its top five leadership positions in 2020.

In September, Chiappetta, who has been a part of the FPFD since 1997, was sworn in as the new chief, replacing Bob McDermott, whose retirement was effective on that same date.

Chiappetta started in Forest Park as a contract paramedic in 1997 and was hired as the first firefighter/paramedic in Forest Park in 2001 after the department adopted a new policy that all firefighters hired by the village must also be trained paramedics. He

was promoted to lieutenant in 2010. Prior to becoming chief, Chiappetta served as deputy chief of the FPFD since 2016.

The retirements of McDermott and two lieutenants, Tom “TJ” Janopoulos and Russ Nelson, meant the loss of the collective knowledge and experience of three long-serving members of the department.

“My goal for the department is to make sure we continue to respond to calls like we always do,” Chiappetta said.

“We’re losing a combined 90 years of experience through retirements, and we’ll have people in new roles, including chief, deputy chief, and lieutenants.”

But with over two decades of experience in Forest Park himself, and with the training and mentorship he’s received over the years, Chiappetta’s more than ready to fill the role and lead the department.

“Bob [McDermott] included me in everything so I could see how stuff worked,” said Chiappetta.

The year brought additional and unexpected challenges with the COVID19 pandemic, but Chiappetta was involved in decisionmaking and meetings. Village Administrator Tim Gillian said Chiappetta’s involvement in leadership during the pandemic paved the way not only for a smooth transition but for ongoing success in his

photo by Jill Wagner

new role.

“Phil was at every single department head meeting we had when we dealt with the very beginning stages of the COVID crisis, and like Bobby [McDermott] was a valuable member of that team,” Gillian said.

On Dec. 30, Tim Conrad was sworn in as Forest Park’s deputy fire chief, filling Chiappetta’s shoes as second in command. Conrad has been with the FPFD since 1991 and became a lieutenant in 2016.

The FPFD’s three lieutenants are Mark Maylath and Bobby “B.J. Reid, who were sworn in in October, and Mike Kinder, sworn in on Dec. 30.

Phil Gould 773-469-3390 phil@propertyguidance.net

Property Guidance Inspection LLC

IL Inspector: 450.003759 IL Radon: RNI2012212 ASHI Certified Inspector Inspector By Review

www.propertyguidance.net Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 53

•Day Camps •Weekly Programming •Tots and Youth Classes •Senior Classes and Events •Dance •16” Softball

•Breakfast with Santa •Campin’ Out •Candy Cane Lane Market •Easter Egg Hunt •House Decorating Contests •No Glove Nationals

•2 Drop Slides •2 Flume Slides •Concession Stand •Diving Board •Lap Lanes •Sprayground

Open Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day!

Membership Information

•Fitness Center •Fitness Programs •Open Gym •Sports Leagues •Sports Programs •Walking Track

7329 Harrison St. 708-866-7667

7501 W. Harrison St. • Forest Park, IL 60130 708-366-7500 • www.pdofp.org 54 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

Forestparkreview.com

Parks

Kids use scooters to play around inside the skatepark on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at the Park District of Forest Park skatepark on Harrison Street.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Parks Park District of Forest Park Administrative Office

7501 W. Harrison St. 708-366-7500 pdofp.org Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday: Closed The park district offers a variety of recreational programs throughout the year for all ages at The Park and in conjunction with local schools. Each resident receives a Seasonal brochure and the Forest Park Review with a list of activities, classes and special events. Early registration is recommended to prevent cancellations. The Park includes 17 acres with Forestparkreview.com

six lighted tennis courts, three baseball/softball fields, a multipurpose synthetic turf soccer/football/lacrosse field, an in-line skating rink, bocce ball courts, two batting cages, a skate park, a playground, a pavilion and a distancemarked walking path.

Board of Commissioners ■ Roy J. Sansone, President

■ Cathleen McDermott, Vice

President

Commissioners:

■ Matt Walsh ■ John Doss ■ Eric Entler ■ Park Staff

■ Jackie Iovinelli, FOIA Officer

& Executive Director

■ Jeff Murphy, Business

Manager

■ Ryan Russ, (Interim)

Superintendent of the Parks

■ Rachell Entler, Recreation

Supervisor ■ Andrew Doss, Faculty & Athletic Supervisor ■ Danette Krajewski, Recreation Supervisor ■ Adam Cumbee, Communications & Marketing Manager ■ Shannon Woods, Administrative Assistant

Forest Park Aquatic Center 708-366-7500 Features two flume slides, two drop slides, two diving boards, an interactive play structure, lap lanes, a zerodepth shallow end and a spray ground. It is surrounded by landscaped sun decks, has a nearby concession stand and sand play area.

Pool Passes on Sale Don’t get stuck waiting in long lines to get in the pool.

Get your pass early. Individual and family passes available.

Skate Park 708-366-7500 (Park District) The skate park is unsupervised, though the park district recommends the use of helmets, elbow pads and knee pads. No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed, and skaters cannot bring their own ramps or other skating obstacles. Bicycles are not allowed.

Hours: Open until dusk, weather permitting.

West Suburban Special Recreation Association The Park District of Forest Park, through the West Suburban Special Recreation

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 55

Parks

Association (WSSRA), offers more than 60 programs for local residents with disabilities. All ages and all ability levels are served in these therapeutic recreational activities. Many programs are similar to traditional park district classes, such as the association’s swim lessons, fitness classes and day camp. At these programs, a recreation specialist will adjust how skills are taught, how much personal assistance will be given and if any equipment accommodation is needed.

Behavior management plans

and other tools are used.

Some programs require one-on-one staffing for a participant to be successful.

Others are designed so that the competition is at a fair level, as in Special Olympics.

For detailed information about WSSRA programs and equipment accommodations, call 847-455-2100 or stop by the park district to pick up a brochure.

Wyatt Van Slyke, 2, of Forest Park, plays on the swings with his family on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Veterans Park on Harrison Street in Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

visit the 16” Softball hall of fame !

• Special tours: 708-366-7500 • Learn more at 16inchsoftballhof.com

Check Out the History, Legends and Stories

BUY A BRICK! BE PART OF SOFTBALL HISTORY IN FOREST PARK 4˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK ENGRAVING INFORMATION • Your brick can have either three or six lines, with 13 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation).

• Please print clearly.

• Only one letter or form of puncutation per box.

• Space one block between words.

• Any letters placed outside the allotted spaces will be deleted.

• Messages on bricks will be centered in capital letters.

• To order additional bricks, print information on a separate piece of paper, or duplicate this form.

A duplicate copy of the brick will be shipped to you.

The Chicago 16˝ Softball Hall of Fame reserves the right to refuse to engrave any messages or material that it determines to be inappropriate, such as telephone numbers, political messages and suggestive wording. If you need additional information, contact Art Lurie at 847-831-9500 or email: playballart@aol.com

Please reserve my personalized brick(s) Number ______ @ $250 each Total $_____

Please reserve my personalized brick(s) Number ______ @ $500 each Total $_____

Enclosed is a check or money order payable to The Chicago 16˝ Softball Hall of Fame.

Please bill my credit card: VISA Mastercard

Inductee Park will display plaques of Hall of Fame inductees/teams.

Card # ______________________________ Exp. ____/____ Signature ________________________________________ 4˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK GRAPHIC

PURCHASER’S INFORMATION Name ________________________________ 8˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK GRAPHIC

Address _______________________________ City __________________________________ State _______________ Zip_______________ Date __________________________________

MAIL ORDERS

Daytime Phone _________________________

Chicago 16 Inch Softball HOF 7501 Harrison St. Forest Park, IL 60130

www.16inchsoftballhof.com

8˝ × 8˝ × 2˝ BRICK

Email _________________________________

Inductee Park is located at Harrison and Des Plaines in Forest Park.

56 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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New pool, swim program on Madison Street aim to save lives

ISR certified swim instructor Claire Meza, right, guides Scotty Huber, 4, while swimming on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at the CAST Swim School on Madison Street in Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

“I

only looked away for a second.” These are words nobody wants to say, but unfortunately the sentiment is all too common when a child drowns.

“Toddlers can drown in under a minute,” said Liz Huber, who founded the nonprofit CAST Water Safety Foundation and has opened an indoor, inground pool at 7628 Madison St. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, and second leading cause of death for kids aged 1 to 14. And even children who survive near-drowning may suffer severe consequences, like brain damage.

Huber’s nonprofit focuses on water safety education using the Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) method, which Forestparkreview.com

teaches infants and young children the skills to float, swim and self-rescue.

“Water is the most dangerous surface in life for children that age,” Huber said. “Before water games and singing, kids must know how to survive.”

Huber said that all swimming programs have the right intention: to teach kids to swim and keep them safe.

But too much focus on games and not enough on the actual mechanics doesn’t provide kids with the skills they need, skills they’re capable of mastering at a much younger age.

With traditional lessons, the swimming component “clicks” around the age of five, Huber said. “But one-year-olds are capable of swimming.”

CAST begins lessons for children as young as six

months old. From that age until a child is a strong walker, lessons focus on teaching the babies how to roll onto their back from a face down or vertical position in the water.

Once children are walking well up until the age of six, they learn how to swim face down to safety, flipping onto their back when needed to float.

Lessons are 10 minutes long, five days a week, for a period of six weeks.

Although the program is designed for children up to the age of six, Huber said they make exceptions for older kids too.

“Not One More Child Drowns” is the mission of ISR, the method used at CAST. ISR was founded in 1966 and has worked for decades to pro-

vide survival and swimming lessons for infants and young children. A part of ISR’s philosophy is that drowning prevention involves many layers, including fences, pool alarms, and supervision.

But at the very heart of drowning prevention, says ISR, is the child. No prevention plan is perfect. Children can climb fences. Alarms might malfunction. A supervisor might take a phone call or step away. And that leaves the child unprotected, unless she has the necessary skills to save herself in the water.

All the instructors at CAST are ISR trained and certified, and supported by a full-time team of nurses, who work with families of kids with any special needs to make their pool experience as safe as possible.

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 57

OAK PARK | FOREST PARK | UIC TAYLOR STREET

M&M Property Management is a full service property management formed in 1986. "Raising the standard" has continued to be part o Painting & Remodeling foundation of our business.

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"Raising the standard" to be part of the and Condominiumformed Associations. presently manage over 1,110 units management services. foundation of our business.

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over 25 yearsOur providing quality housing and management services. primary focus is the management of multi-unit apartment primaryOur focus is the management of multi-unit apartment rental properties

M&M Property Management Inc. has been a part of the local community for PREP. INCLUDING: POWER WASHING, TARPING, rental properties and condominium associations. and Condominium Weservices. presently manage over SCRAPING, CAULK PUTTY & PRIMER ($800 OVER)providing overAND 25 years quality housing Associations. and management

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M&M Property Management Inc. has been a part of the local community for HOME PAINTING, WOOD RE-FINISHING & PLASTERING over 25 years providing quality housing and management services.

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TURN YOUR ATTIC OR BASEMENT INTO NEW LIVING SPACE EXPERT DRYWALL & PLASTERING INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES • ALL WORK GUARANTEED • EPA Certified to work on houses that contain lead paint • Home Insulation Specialist PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

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

Looking back from 2021 Celebrating Forest Park’s Present and Future with a Lens on the Past

Receive all the regular membership benefits as well as a special gift when you become a Premium or Premium Plus recurring member.

Join at www.ForestParkHistory.org

58 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

John Prine, Proviso East class of 1964, is shown here in his senior year picture. He may have been a two time Grammy winning songwriter and guitarist, and the singing mailman to others, but in Forest Park he was the musician who would play for the kindergarteners at Betsy Ross when John’s niece, Ms. Ann Prine taught there.

Forestparkreview.com

Schools

Families choose between the different options of treats on Friday, Aug. 22, 2020, during a back to school ice cream social outside of the Roos Recreation Center on Harrison Street in Forest Park.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Schools DISTRICT 91 Forest Park Elementary Schools 424 Des Plaines Ave. 708-366-5700 fpsd91.org Dr. Louis Cavallo, Superintendent For information about PTA/ PTO organizations, please contact individual schools.

Betsy Ross Elementary School 1315 Marengo Ave. 708-366-7498 betsyross.forestparkschools.org Grades K-2 Tinisa Huff, principal

Field-Stevenson Elementary School 925 Beloit Ave. Forestparkreview.com

708-366-5703 fieldstevenson.forestparkschools. org Grades 3-5 Tiffany Brunson, principal

Forest Park Middle School

925 Beloit Ave. 708-366-5742 fpms.forestparkschools.org Grades 6-8 Tiffany Brunson, principal

Garfield Elementary School

543 Hannah Ave. 708-366-6945 garfield.forestparkschools.org Grades PreK-2 Mary J. Stauder, principal

Grant-White Elementary School 147 Circle Ave. 708-366-5704 grantwhite.forestparkschools.org Grades 3-5

Mary J. Stauder, acting principal

DISTRICT 209 Proviso Township High Schools

8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-338-5900 www.pths209.org Dr. James L. Henderson, superintendent

Proviso East High School

807 S. 1st Ave. Maywood, IL 60153 708-344-7000 pths209.org/east Dr. Patrick Hardy, principal

Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy 8601 W. Roosevelt Rd. 708-338-4100 pths209.org/pmsa Mr. William C. Breisch, principal

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

Private Schools Giving Tree 7510 W. Randolph St. 708-209-1555 Offers programs for ages 6 weeks to 6 years of age.

Focus is to promote and support each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development by providing an engaging and encouraging environment for early care and early development. Full day program 7am to 6pm.

Reduced Emergency Hours 8am to 5pm.

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 59

Schools

Kangaroo Korner

900 Beloit Ave. 708-366-4452 Suzanne Logan, owner/director Open 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Offers programs for children ages 2-9, as well as state-certified preschool for age 3 plus and daycare for children from 15 months. Emphasis on developmentally appropriate curriculum and hands-on learning.

Montessori Language Academy

Looking back from 2021

314 Circle Ave. 708-771-5030 mla.school Yoko Avramov, director Offers year-round bilingual Japanese and English classes for children age 3-6; as well as an after school program for elementary-aged children; 4-6 p.m. Children learn speaking, reading, writing and math skills in both Japanese and English through hands-on

activities and projects, music and art as well as Japanese culture.

Oak Park Montessori 16 Lathrop Ave 708-435-4309 oakparkmontessori.com

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Triton Community College

2000 5th Ave. River Grove, IL (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130 triton.edu Choose from more than 100 degree and certificate programs. Students can transfer credits to a four-year college, or transition directly into a rewarding career. Programs include culinary arts, automotive technology, nursing and many more. Classes are taught at our River Grove campus, satellite locations and online.

The Forest Park Amusement Park operated from circa 1905 to 1923, approximately, where the Eisenhower Expressway and Des Plaines Ave is located today.

Landscaped neatly with trees and hedges, visitors had many options to amuse the day (or night) away.

There were exciting rides like the Leap the Dip, Grand Canyon and the provocative Giant Safety Coaster. It also had a carousel, a dance / theater stage (that even Charlie Chaplin performed at), a natatorium, roller rink, gambling opportunities, a Fun House, a Hall of Mirrors and plenty of carnival games.

60 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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ONLINE and IN PERSON Options Private Lessons for Language, Music and Academic Tutoring In Person option for 2021 Multi-Age K-5th Grade “Homeschool in School“ program

The Language and Music School At International Mansion 509 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 info@internationalmansion.com • (708) 524-5252 • InternationalMansion.com Forestparkreview.com

2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 61

62 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE 62 | 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE

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2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 63 2021 FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GUIDE | 63

Lathrop Ave

Superior St

Rockford Ave

Dr

Harlem Ct

N Kenilworth Ave

S Kenilworth Ave

es Av e

Home Ave

Wisconsin Ave

Par k

S Grove Ave

Clinton Ave

S Marion St

S Maple Ave

S Grove Ave

Carpenter Ave

S Grove Ave

S Kenilworth Ave

S Kenilworth Ave

Clinton Ave

Home Ave

Roosevelt Rd Kenilworth Ave

Wisconsin Ave

Grove Ave

Plain Des

iver

Wenonah Ave

es R

15th St

Maple Ave

in Pla

Jewish Cemetery

S Kenilworth Ave

Wenonah Ave

Wisconsin Ave

Elgin Ave

Marengo Ave

Des

13th St

14th St

Clinton Ave

Wenonah Ave

S Maple Ave

Oak Park

Forest Park Village Center Betsy Ross School

Van Buren St

Garfield St

Fillmore St

Thomas Ave

Des Plaines Av e

Forest Ave

Auvergne Pl

Forest Ave

Des Plaines Ave

N Marion Ct

S Harlem Ave

Hannah Ave

Beloit Ave

Lathrop Ave

Riveredge Hospital

Yuba St

Jackson Blvd

Lexington St

Forest Park Middle School Harvard St

Taylor St

Monroe St

Harrison St

Field Stevenson School

Troost Ave

Forest Home Cemetery

Dunlop Ave

1st Ave

Forest Park

Polk St

Oak Park Hospital e St Monro

Elgin Ave

Marengo Ave

York St

Pleasant Pl

Adams St

Lehmer St

Ferdinand Ave

Waldheim Cemetery

Pleasant St Pleasant St

Garfield School

Forest Park Park District

290

Elgin Ave

Circle Ave

Community Center

Hannah Ave

Jackson Blvd

Library

Lathrop Ave

Van Buren St

Village Hall

Wilcox St

Thomas Ave

Van Buren St

Adams St

North Blvd

Randolph St

Marengo Ave

Monroe St

Dixon St

Pleasant St

Warren St

Beloit Ave

Ferdinand Ave

Concordia Cemetery

Pleasant St

Washington St

Burkhardt Ct

Madison St

Erie St Ontario St

Westgate St North Blvd

Bergman Ct

Washington St

Vine St

Elgin Ave

Brown Ave

Forest Ave

Lincoln Ct Rockford Ct

Elizabeth Ct

Ontario St

Grant White School

Randolph St

Proviso East High School

N

Garden St

Marengo Ave

Keystone Ave

Gale Ave

Thatcher Ave

Park Ave

Linden St

Ave Franklin St

Belvidere Ave

Franklin Ave

Forest Ave

Bro wn

Erie St

Holly Ct

Hawthorne Ave

Vine St

Foster G Mcgaw Loyola University Hospital

Clinton Pl

Thatcher Ave

Central Ave

Linden St

Proviso Math and Science Academy

Holly Ct

Lake St

Central Av e

Ontario Ct

Quick Ave

Bonnie Brae Pl

River Forest

Clinton Pl

William St

Ashland Ave

Edgewood Pl

r ks D r Oa Rive

N Marion St

Oak Ave

Oak St

Oak Ave

N Maple Ave

Forest Ave

Anna St

Berwyn

16th St

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Forestparkreview.com

Discover the Tradition of

55+ Senior Apartment Living in your Community “135 Years Young”

The Altenheim 7824 West Madison Street, Forest Park, IL

708-366-2206

www.thealtenheim.com