Forest Park Review 010423

Park district restructures pool rates; requires online accounts

Board approves universal daily admission, lowers pass pr ices, does away with family passes

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Forest Park Aquatic Center will again start admitting non-residents who don’t have seasonal passes when it reopens this summer, ending the ban that was put in place on June 16, 2022.

The ban was implemented after “several hundred’ teens responded to a Snapchat party invitation and stormed the pool on the evening of June 15. This was supposed to be a stop-g ap measure because the park district had no way to keep track of non-residents, who weren’ t required to re gister with the park district or show IDs. But starting this year, all residents and nonresidents will need to have online accounts, which addresses the issue.

Under the system approved during the Dec. 15, 2022 meeting of the park district Board of Commissioners,

John Rice: This New Year, it ’s

Jacques Shalo, Kribi Coffee

Savory and sweet: 10 standouts from 2022

By MELISSA ELSMO Forest Park Eats Editor

2022 was a downright delicious year inside our Forest Park Eats communities

-- I enjoyed a massive number of delicious things in our little foodie alcove. We welcomed newcomers like Habrae and said farewell to Small Batch Barbecue. We watched food-focused events, like Ribfest, draw crowds once again and witnessed restaurants redefining themselves in the face of post-pandemic nor ms. As hard as it was, I picked 10 of my very favorite local sips and nibbles from the past year Enjoy this delicious look back at some of 2022’s best bites!

1. Quesabir ria from Macho’s Grill, Forest Park: This dish originated in Tijuana, Mexico and combines bir ria-style braised beef and melted cheese in soft tor tillas The of fering has been gaining in popularity thanks to social media. This trio of messy tacos, available at Macho’s, 7300 Roosevelt Rd., are served with a side of consommé for dipping. Roll up your sleeves and dig in

2. Chicken Satay from Yum Thai, Forest Park: Sitting down for a long chat with Yum Thai owner, Vicky Nowlan was a rare treat. She moved Yum Thai, 7330 Madison St., from its for mer home earlier this year, but her road to get to this point was long and winding. Thankfully she continues to serve up her family recipes in the new space. We are huge fans of her big hear t, welcoming personality, and first-rate chicken satay.

3. Meatballs and Ricotta from Fiore, Forest Park: You can order Fiore’s meatballs and ricotta in the restaurant or grab the items from the fridges inside of Mercato di Fiore, 7407 Madison St., to assemble at home. Served with bread and marinara sauce this hear ty appetizer is full of flavor and makes any day a little co zier. Enjoy them as a precursor to a house-made pasta dish or ar tisan-style pizza — the wild mushroom pie is our fav!

4. Polish Smorg asbord at Sawa’s Old Warsaw, Broadview: Since 1973, hung ry folks clamoring for cabbage rolls, kielbasa and pierogi have been following the glittering lights to Sawa’s Old Warsaw, 9200 W. Cer mak Rd. in Broadview. We revisited the Proviso Township classic for broasted

chicken and dill meatballs, but also tried a Polish taco because it was the second Tuesday evening of the month.

5. “Pork wings” and cucumbers at Scratch Kitchen and Lounge, Forest Park: Patrick O’Brien, owner of Scratch Restaurant Group fought hard to reopen Scratch Kitchen and Lounge, 7445 Madison St. Embracing the philosophy that a restaurant should be known for doing a few things well, O’Brien refocused his Madison Street restaurant on smash burgers, but on our first visit we tried their Korean “pork wings” with spicy cucumbers They were a delicious sur prise and would make a delightful appetizer before enjoying a burg er and a beer

6. Salt and Pe pper Wings from Happy Chef, Forest Park: This strip mall Chinese spot, 1215 S. Harlem Ave., flies low under the radar, but they are making some of the

most reliable counter service fare in the area. Sure, you’d expect them to make a mean eggroll and lovely Lo Mein — spoiler aler t they do, but their wings are an unexpected stand out. Expect them to be shatteringly crisp with notes of star anise. They come six to an order and can be served mild to extra spicy.

7. Prawn Crackers from Habrae: Forest Park: Known for serving Thai sweets made from 400-year-old recipes, Habrae, 7230 Madison St., built up their arsenal of savory menu of ferings in 2022. These intensely flavored shrimp chips set the tone for any meal at this relative newcomer and were also served at a 209 Scholarship fundraiser held earlier this year — they are texturally intriguing and loaded with powerful shrimp flavor

8. Retro Cocktails at the Golden Steer, Forest Park: Coming out of a pandemic made the retro dining vibes at Golden Steer, 7635 W. Roosevelt Rd., even more ap-

pealing than usual. Taking a little time in the bar only served to extend the fun of dining in public after a long hiatus We choose to go with classic sidecars and martinis as a pre-steak dinner treat.

9. Double Smash Burger from Circle Tavern, Elmwood Park: A double smash burger from Circle Tavern, Elmwood Park: Served tavern style, this unassuming burger ticks all the boxes when it comes to g riddled indulgence Don’t underestimate this of fering – Circle Tavern, 18 Conti Pkwy, burgers are among the best around.

10. Rib sampling at Forest Park Rib Fest, Forest Park Picnic Grove: The annual Forest Park Ribfest draws crowds and the 2022 event had an extra-special post pandemic energ y. With more than a do zen competitors, sampling the two-bone portions was an all-day af fair. Thankfully the smokey grove was filled with friendly and familiar faces, live enter tainment and loads of napkins!

Billy Elton: Celebrating The Music

Of Billy Joel & Elton John

Saturday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m., Madison Street Theater

BIG WEEK January 4-11

Toronzo Cannon

Illinois Libraries Present: ‘Inciting Joy:’ A Conversation With Ross Gay

ay, Ex-b s h packag Bluesday T e, $15 o

Jan. 10, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s Ex-bus driver Toronzo Cannon is as close as you can get to a superstar in the blues world. Not only is he a commanding singer and a powerhouse guitarist, but he’s also an insightful songwriter. You’re e package here. J ust back from a tour abroad Tuesday and hosted by DJ Tom Mark

$10 in advance, $15 day of show, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7-8 p.m., vir tually through Illinois Libraries Present d-winning poet Ross y discusses his most recent tion of essays, Inciting his event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among 200+ public libraries – including ark Public Library – o ering high- quality events for par ticipating member libraries of all sizes and budgets. Register now at bit.ly/Rossgay.

Crash Team Racing Competition

Jan. 9, rest Park

Public Librar y eady to do battle in Team via Nintendo. Recommended for kids ages 11-13. 7555 Jackson Blvd.,

Draw Your Favorite Video Game Charac ter

Led by Reid Spears on the piano and lead vocals, this oc tet celebrates the catalogs of two of the most in uential singer-pianists of the 70s and 80s, Billy Joel and Elton John. With diverse in uences that covered a lot of ground, plus a ton of well-known hit records. $20 in advance, $25 at the door, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park

Latinx Author Book Cafe: ‘Illegally Yours: A Memoir ’

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6-7 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

On the second Tuesday of each month, works written by Latinx authors will be discussed. In Januar y, we’ll discuss Illegally Yours: A Memoir, a funny and poignant memoir about how as a teenager, TV writer Rafael Agustin accidentally discovered he was undocumented and how that revelation turned ever ything he thought he knew about himself and his family upside down. Register now at oppl.org/calendar

The Monday Enrichment

Series Presents: Our Great Lakes & Clean Water

Monday, Jan. 9, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Association

Joel Brammeier, of the Alliance For The Great Lakes, will provide an over view of the Lakes and the risks they face from pollution, climate change and other invasions Free, but a voluntar y $15 from non-members is appreciated, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park

Saturday, Jan. 7, 3-4 p.m., Forest Park Public Librar y We will be watching videos on how to draw some of our favorite video game characters. Designed for ages 11-13. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park

Listing your event

Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday Jour nal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Forest Park ’s multilingual, multicultural man

It’s not just Greek to him

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Of all the people living in Forest Pa Noppawat “Vis” Kumpeeroskul is probably the only resident fluent in Thai, English, Koine Greek and biblical Hebrew. He studied Ger man.

Bor n in Chonburi, Thailand in 1987, came to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis eight years ago with the goal of ear ning PhD in biblical studies with a focus on bibli cal Greek and Hebrew.

After living intensely in the world of c sical languages at Concordia, he decided immerse himself for one year in the life St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church, in a kind of residency, to become more acquainted with the practical side of working in a church

His jour ney in linguistics be gan w he was a student in a Catholic elementary school in Chonburi where most classes were taught in Thai, but where one class day was devoted to lear ning English.

“The way they taught English there, recalled, “was to focus on grammar and cabulary. We had to memorize five new vocabulary words every day.”

Though most of us would consider that enter prise tedious and boring, Vis said, “I loved it. I was good at it, and it provided a foundation for lear ning languages as I continued my education.”

In high school, he had a sense that God was calling him to do something tha t might be called ministry, but he wasn’t mature enough to study at a seminary, so he went to a nearby university where he ear ned a de gree in civil engineering.

God’s calling, however, persisted as did his growing awareness of his aptitude for, and love of, lear ning languages, so after receiving a bachelor’s de gree, he be gan his studies at the Bangkok Institute of Theolog y where he focused on the two original biblical languages, and then a professor urged him to do graduate study at Concordia, which has a reputation for its work in biblical languages.

In addition to his interest and aptitude, Vis has a concer n. There are so many translations of the Bible on the market that they be quite dif ferent in how they phrase certain passages. Vis’ goal is to get fluent enough with the two ancient languages used in the Bible so that he can go back to

the sources and see what the scriptures meant in their original context before being translated into Thai

Another problem is certain idioms in one language that are dif ficult to translate to another. That’s why Thai church translations, either from Thai to English or vice versa, are often lengthy because idioms and concepts have to be explained

Extra challenging for Vis was that in his classes at Concordia all the work with the two languages would be translated into English. Here was a young man from Chonburi translating an ancient language into his second language and then trying to understand that translation in his own heart language, which is Thai.

Vis also understands that every language grows out of the particular culture in which it is rooted. What Christians refer to

as the New Testament is written in Greek and is already a translation from the Aramaic Jesus spoke, and the Hebrew in the Old Testament comes out of a time and culture quite dif ferent from the world in which the New Testament writers lived.

es Vis not only a linguist but archaeologist and anthropologist. he studied Greek and Hebrew, understood from experience how lanys has a cultural context.

e is more communal than culture which is more individuThailand compromise is a way because maintaining group unity is tant than needing to assert your “We” is more important than

Americans use the word “free,” think of individual rights, but use that word, they think of as being free because they are country which has never been a European power. Thais are they belong to their own coun-

es life even more complicated is that Vis thinks about lanculture not just on a secular leved a lot about the Kingdom of ich has its own culture. When asked which culture is better, Thai he said both cultures have to the culture of the Kingdom of ich he reads in the original Greek used by the New Testament writers. He remembers the time a member of his Thai church saw him in the church kitchen washing dishes after the meal served after every Sunday service. When that person asked him why he was doing menial work when he was an “ajahn” with a doctor’s de gree, he replied, “I think Jesus Christ is the best example In the Bible stories he is humble In the Kingdom of God the position of ajahn is meaningless.”

OB ITU AR Y

Thomas McHugh, 60

Former Oak Park and Forest Park resident

Thomas G. McHugh, of Brookfield, 60, a for mer longtime resident of Oak rk and Forest Park, died Dec 23, 2022. Bor n on pt. 10, 1962, he was the brother of Mary (late Greg) Schneider, Jo Ann (Pat) Considine, Patricia (Mark) Dob-

ner, Peter (Liz), Patrick (Ella) and Nora (late Steve) Sobol, and the uncle of many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob & Tess McHugh, and his siblings, Robert (June) and Timothy McHugh.

Family and friends will be received at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester, on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2022 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m. Inter ment is private

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) are appreciated.

Provided

Vis Kumpeeroskul, Forest Park resident who grew up in ailand, is uent in four languages.

POOL PASSES

the size of a family Iovinelli said staf f recommended doing away with them because it puts the staf f in the awkward position of having to decide what is and isn’t a family when “it’s hard to define what a family looks like.”

residents and non-residents will pay $15 per visit. The park district is also reducing pass rates for residents and non-residents alike, while getting rid of family passes alto gether. Park district executive director Jackie Iovinelli told the commissioners that the family passes were ripe for abuse. The new daily rate re presents an increase for residents and non-residents alike. During the last pool season, residents paid $9 a person while non-residents paid $13 a person. Resident seniors paid $4, while non-resident seniors paid $8.

During the last pool season, seasonal pool pass rates were $97 per individual for residents and $164 for non-residents People aged 60 and over got a discount –$61 for residents and $91 for non-residents Next year, residents will pay $65 per person and non-residents will pay $130. The senior rates will drop slightly to $60 for residents and $90 for non-residents.

The Aquatic Center has long had family passes that went up in cost de pending on

“We did find that were people taking advantage of the process,” she added.

The commissioners ag reed that simply taking the family issue of f the table was the best option.

Iovinelli said staf f wanted to bring the pass structure closer to the Park District of Oak Park pools She told the Review in a follow-up interview that the alignment made sense since they are the only two park districts with public pools in the area.

The Park District of Oak Park already charges the same daily rate for everyone$10 - and their non-resident annual pass is $90.

Limiting non-resident admissions to passholders hur t the park district financially since non-residents account for 75% of people who use the pool overall. Among the pass users, the split is about even. But Iovinelli told commissioners that “we were faced with a challenge we couldn’t handle.”

As the Review re por ted at the time, trouble star ted when the pool reached capacity at about 7:05 p.m. on June 15 and

the entrance was closed. In response, the crowd charged through the front gate and jumped the fence on the east side of the center, going through the splash pad construction site. A few hundred more gathered at the entrance and refused to leave The Forest Park Police De par tment ended up calling neighboring de partments and the Cook County Sherif f for help, and it took another 90 minutes for them to clear the area.

Iovinelli said the teens who were in the pool when the gates closed refused to leave and threatened life guards with bodily har m.

In the wake of the incident, the park district suspended non-resident admissions indefinitely, “until we feel there is not a threat to our staf f or patrons.” Iovinelli explained at the time that they wanted a better way to track how many people are in

the pool. Residents and non-resident passholders were already in the system, and residents had to show their IDs to get the resident rate, she said – but there was no way to keep track of non-residents

Iovinelli told the commissioners that the new rates will be a significant ste p forward

“We want to protect the taxpayer facilities and that’s how we thought would be the best option,” she said. “it’s a fair rate, it’s reasonable rate.

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

East takes 3rd place in West holiday tourney

Whitney Young won the championship

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Proviso East boys’ varsity basketball team came in third place in the 61st Annual Proviso West Boys Holiday Basketball Invitational, held Dec. 26 through Dec. 29 at Proviso West’s main gymnasium in Hillside.

The Pirates beat St. Rita 66-61 in over time on Dec. 29 to capture the third-place prize. The victory came after a 78-50 loss to Kenwood on Dec 28. A win over Kenwood would have put the Pirates in the tour nament championship Kenwood would eventually lose a close g ame to Whitney Young in the championship 58-55. The clash between the two teams was a rematch of last year’s championship g ame, which Young lost. Young has won the West Holiday

tour nament six times. The last time they won it all was in 2016, tour nament of ficials said.

The host team, Proviso West, lost in the tour nament’s opening round 63-67 to Lincoln Park on Dec 26 before defeating Bowman 75-50 on Dec. 27.

Whitney Young’s Daniel Johnson won Tour nament MVP Johnson led Young’s of fense with 16 points in the championship game.

Two Proviso Township athletes were included in the Second Team All-Tour nament Team: Rajan Rober ts of Proviso West and Bryce Coleman of Proviso East.

For a summary of the championship g ame and other tour nament highlights, visit: www pwholidaytour nament.com/news.aspx

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

SHANEL ROMAIN /Sta Photographer

Village neighbors won’t help pay for CTA water tower removal

Transit agency to move ahead with teardown as Harlem Yard project stalls

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Chicago Transit Authority has made the removal of the unused water tower in its Harlem Yard a priority. But while both CTA and the village of Forest Park floated the possibility of River Forest and Oak Park sharing some of the costs, Oak Park and River Forest won’t be taking part in cost-sharing.

Located at the northeast corner of Forest Park, 1 S. Harlem Ave., the Harlem Avenue railyard is used to store and service the CTA trains at the west end of the Green Line River Forest is located immediately north of the train embankment, and Oak Park is east of the yard, on the other side of Harlem Avenue. Complaints about the rusted water tower from all sides go back to the early 2000s, but while CTA indicated it intends to

remove it, there has been little progress.

The transit agency previously wanted to remove the tower as part of the larger renovation of the Harlem yard, which hasn’t seen significant modifications since it was completed in 1967. But in the Nov. 17, 2022 letter to Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, and River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci, CTA President Dorval Carter indicated that the water tower will be removed separately, potentially speeding up the project. He also said the CTA would be willing to work with all three villages to share the costs.

But Adduci said that, while River Forest supports the removal of the tower, they see no reason to contribute financially, since the tower isn’t on their land. She emphasized that her village would support Forest Park in other ways, such as writing the letter of support in grant applications. And while Scaman was less categorical in the rejection, she also said Oak Park shouldn’t be expected to chip in financially.

The Harlem railyard was built in 19631967, after CTA raised the suburban portion of what is now the Green Line onto the current embankment. The water tower was initially used to supply water to fire suppression sprinklers and railcar-washing equipment. But, as the decades wore on, the tower rusted and fell into disuse. Over the past two decades, Forest Park and River Forest businesses and residents have increasingly complained about the increasingly rusty eyesore.

The CTA is currently working on a plan to rebuild the entire Harlem yard. In his letter to the village heads, Carter said the project isn’t ready to proceed because the CTA needs to secure funding. As with other infrastructure projects, it is expected to be largely funded through a combination of state and federal sources. But Carter said he saw no reason to hold up the water tower demolition while the yard project is in limbo.

“I directed my Infrastructure Department to prioritize the removal of the water tower, independent of the Harlem yard renewal project,” he wrote. “As a result, we are currently advancing a separate project for this purpose.”

Carter thanked the three officials “for offering to work with CTA to share in the removal costs,” and “we look forward and welcome a partnership with you and your municipalities.”

During the Nov. 28 Forest Park Village Council meeting, Hoskins described the letter as a “positive development,” especially in light of the development that has taken place along nearby Desplaines Avenue

In his Dec. 8 presentation to Forest Park School District 91, Forest Park Village Administrator Moses Amidei said the CTA doesn’t currently have the money allocated for this purpose, so all three communities may be asked to pitch in. He added that the money from the Brown Street Station Tax Increment Financing District may be used for this purpose if the Illinois General Assembly extends the TIF, which is scheduled to expire by the end of this year.

Adduci said she welcomed Carter’s letter, but that River Forest won’t be contributing anything financially.

“Obviously the tower is on Forest Park land, and the tower belongs to the CTA, so River Forest has absolutely nothing to do with the tower itself, other than, in our mind, it is unsightly,” she said. “If Mayor Hoskins wanted to get a grant from the state or somebody else, we would support his efforts [with a letter of support].”

Scaman said any decision on the issue would be up to the Oak Park Village Board, but she didn’t believe “that it should be the village of Oak Park’s responsibility.” She echoed Adduci’s comments about supporting the removal in other ways.

“I do support Mayor Hoskins in the need to be removed and would further support him in advocating for funds from a responsible party or potential grant funds for its removal,” she said. “I appreciate Mayor Hoskins’ work in seeking its removal.”

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

Catalytic converter stolen while owner was shopping

A 58-year-old Forest Park woman was shopping at the Forest Park Bed Bath & Beyond location, 215 S. Harlem Ave., the afternoon of Dec. 28, only to discover that, someone stole her white 2015 Toyota Prius’ catalytic converter while she was inside. The victim said she arrived at the store at around 3:30 p.m. and parked her car in the store’s parking lot. She said another customer alerted her of the theft. The victim went outside to confirm it.

According to the store’s security footage, a grey Infiniti Sedan pulled into the parking lot at 4:05 p.m. It pulled up right next to the victim’s car. A man exited the Infiniti, removed the Prius’ catalytic converter, and got back into the Infiniti. The suspect’s car was last seen heading north on Harlem Avenue.

While the security footage captured enough detail to suggest that the suspect’s car had an Illinois license plate, it couldn’t capture the license plate number in detail.

Stolen phone

A man who do zed of f while charging a phone at a McDonalds at 420 Desplaines Ave. woke up to find his phone missing. The victim said he went into the restaurant on Dec. 30 at around noon. He said he fell asleep while charging the phone. At one point, he woke up to see a woman try to charge her own phone using this same outlet.

When the victim woke up at around 1:02 p.m., the phone was gone. The victim said that he attempted to call the phone number using a friend’s phone, but no one picked up.

The responding police officer tried to call the phone as well, to no avail. The officer tried to retrieve the store’s security footage, but because the manager was unavailable, he couldn’t do it at the time of the re port. A canvass of the area didn’t net any results.

While the victim was originally interested in pressing charges, he ultimately decided that he just wanted the phone back.

Motor vehicle thefts

The last day of 2022 saw two attempts to steal Hyundai’s – but only one was successful.

A blue 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen from in front of a home at the 1000 block of Circle Avenue. The victim parked the car at around 12:30 a.m. and discovered the theft at 10:35 a.m. He said he still had his car keys. Police investigation found broken glass along the curb where the Santa Fe was parked.

Later that day, the owner of a silver 2021 Hyundai Sonata parked her car in the parking lot of her apar tment building on the 1000 block of Lathrop Avenue. About an hour later, the victim’s neighbor spotted an unknown man getting out of Sonata from the front driver’s side seat and get into a small, gray four-door sedan. The sedan then drove of f, heading east on Harvard Avenue.

A police examination found that one of the windows was broken but didn’t elaborate. They also found a paper with dried red stains left near the driver’s side tire The Sonata’s steering column wasn’t damaged.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Dec. 26-31, 2022, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Igor Studenkov

Gratitude fuels our progress

As 2022 closed out, all of us at Growing Community Media, the nonprofit parent of the Forest Park Review, are enor mously grateful to our communities for the support we have received this year.

We well sur passed the original fundraising goal of $150,000 for our end of year Make a Match campaign. That re presents hundreds of individuals who have donated anywhere from a few dollars to many thousands. Each of you has fueled our deter mination to continue building our nonprofit newsroom, which now includes five flags across the Greater West Side — from Garfield Park to Oak Park, from Maywood and Proviso to Forest Park and Riverside

Thanks also to the thousands who subscribe to our vital print editions and the thousands more who read us digitally. A special thanks always to our hundreds of advertisers who continue to invest in us and in their businesses by connecting with our readers.

We have big plans for 2023, impor tant and contested elections to cover ahead of the April vote. While as a nonprofit we may no longer endorse candidates under IRS re gulations, we will over perfor m in providing all of our readers with extensive coverage of the candidates and the issues in every race. Planning for that coverage — digital and print, and a retur n to live candidate forums — is already underway.

Also, we are actively hiring for full-time re porting positions. If you, or someone you know, wants to be par t of this newsroom, now is the time to reach out.

Finally, always, gratitude for reco gnizing that strong community jour nalism is the essential glue that builds neighborhoods. While we are building a new model to fund our work and adapting how we tell stories on many platfor ms, the core ef fort of explaining, demanding accountability, and connecting is the same as it has been since we launched our first paper, Wednesday Jour nal, 42 years back.

OPINION

As Pastor Walter Mitty tried to wake up from a deep sleep the day after Christmas, for a few seconds he didn’t know where he was

He knew for sure that he wasn’t in his own bedroom in Poplar Park, but as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, the smell of brewing coffee and the sound of Bing Crosby singing “I’ ll be Home for Christmas” began to connect the dots in his consciousness.

He wasn’t at home, but then again he was. He was in the basement apar tment his sister-in-law Susan had set up for him during the year he had taken a leave from Poplar Park Community Church to help her care for his brother Her man during his year-long, losing battle with cancer

I’ ll be home for Christmas

HOLMES

Mitty traveled back 50 years in sentimental time to that two-bedroom frame house in Manitowoc where he, Herman, and their mom and dad had celebrated Christmas in virtually the same way every year until he went off to college

In his freshman English class, they read Thomas Wolfe’s You Can’t Go Home Again. The novel came to his mind because, lying there in Susan’s basement, he remembered coming home for Christmas vacation and thinking that Wolfe was right, or at least partly right. Just one semester out of his “bubble” had changed him and now, over three decades later, the town itself had changed

I’ ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams

Still, he found himself drifting back in his fantasies to those predictable years when everything stayed the same even though it didn’t. The world around him was changing, but in that house on South 24th St. he was safe and secure

Hanging on the wall of his office he had a print of Norman Rockwell’s painting called “Freedom from Want,” in which a grandma is serving a turkey to an extended three-generation family sitting around a big dining room table.

He felt a bit of that sentimental coziness as he lingered under the covers listening to the Christmas music Susan had asked Siri to play, and he began to wonder how his two nephews, Brian and Matt, were feeling about the holiday.

Susan had tried to keep the family traditions alive during the holidays, to somehow recreate that feeling of being home again, but Uncle Walt knew it wasn’t the

same and so did his nephews.

Matt and Brian gave Uncle Walt a hard time about sleeping late because he was getting old when he finally trundled down the stairs and into the kitchen. Just like old times

After that first cup of coffee, Uncle Walt was finally fully awake. Susan sat down at the table with her “three men” and the conversation meandered into stories about the “good old days.”

“Do you remember that time Dad brought home a turkey they had given him at work” Brian said, “and decided since it was his turkey, he was going to cook it?”

“Yeah,” said Matt, “but he forgot to set the timer, got involved in a football game on TV and realized that the turkey was, let’s say, well done when we all began to smell smoke coming from the oven.”

“A lot of healing has happened in the last three years,” Mitty said to himself

After the laughter subsided, Susan added, “I still miss him. I wish he were here.” And the looks on the faces of her “three men” revealed that they felt the same.

Just then Siri was playing another Bing Crosby Christmas hit. “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” he crooned, “just like the ones I used to know.”

“Well we did a get a white Christmas this year,” thought Mitty, “but it’s not entirely like the ones we used to know. Not a blue Christmas for sure. Somewhere in between, I guess.”

When Bing finished the song, Susan noted that it was written by Irving Berlin who was Jewish. “I heard on the news that his 3-week-old son had died on Christmas Day in 1928 and the sadness he felt, even years later, was perhaps what gives the song its melancholy, wistful feel.”

“The funny/sad thing about the song is that Crosby sang it on the radio for the first time in 1941 a few weeks after Pearl Harbor had been bombed. It sold 50 million copies over the years, and many of those sales were made while millions of American young men were away from home fighting — and often dying.”

“I’ ll be home for Christmas,” said Brian with a sigh, “if only in my dreams.”

Mitty marveled at his nephew’s comment. “He’s grown up,” said Uncle Walt to himself. “I don’t remember seeing any Nor man Rockwell pictures hanging on his wall.

“I bet Mary wished she could be home,” Mitty imagined, “to share her newborn with her parents instead of spending Christmas in a barn.”

I’ll be home for Christmas?

This New Year, it’s personal

It’s time to get serious with our New Year’s resolutions for 2023.

■ We’re going to buy a new car with enough sensors and cameras to take the guesswork out of changing lanes. But we’ ll sure miss the adrenaline rush we get every time we merge.

■ I’m going to spend another year talking about lear ning to play pickleball while avoiding any form of exercise

■ If anyone dares to use the ter m “homeless” in my presence, I’ ll pounce on them with the more politically cor rect “unhoused.”

■ We will make sure to consume our daily recommended quantity of bacon.

■ If we’re ever going to save the planet, we have to stop buying single-use water bottles. Besides, we can no longer car ry a case of water

■ We’re also going green by using handkerchiefs instead of tissues. Sociolo gists deter mined the decline of civilization be g an when we stopped car rying handkerchiefs or wearing one on display with our suits

■ I will continue to volunteer at Triton Colle ge tutoring ESL students to improve

their English. There’s no better way to shar pen your English skills than teaching it to others.

■ My wife and I will save cash and calories by splitting restaurant entrees — for the rest of our lives. We’ ll also experiment with the “Happy Hour” diet to see if we can survive on chicken wings and mo zzarella sticks.

■ I’ ll continue to take walks without musical accompaniment. I also will not make phone calls. I have to stay aler t to avoid pedestrians who are staring down at their screens.

■ I’m looking forward to hearing more from my friends at “Potential Spam.”

■ We’re never going to finish watching the second season of Ted Lasso because we couldn’t get past the e pisode that focused solely on Coach Beard.

■ I will brush up on my geog raphy and no longer write that Dubai is in Saudi Arabia. By the way, Dubai is now the number one tourist destination on the planet. What happened to Wisconsin Dells?

■ We’ ll continue watching our grandsons, but the days of getting down on the floor with them are numbered.

■ I’m trying to remain neutral in our upcoming local elections, but it’s tough to resist a fundraiser at Circle Lanes.

■ The Altenheim Advisory Committee hasn’t asked me for input, but if we build a pond, animals and people will come

■ We’re conver ting our spare bedroom into an Airbnb. Guests are encouraged to supply their own air mattress. The single bathroom is available most mor nings by 11.

■ Solitaire Scrabble may sound desperate but it’s more fun than solitaire Yahtzee. I also enjoy playing solitaire basketball.

■ We will continue to scroll through movie channels without watching any of them. Brings back fond memories of not finding anything to rent at the video store.

■ I’m going to become a member at the Roos Recreation Center. Unlike more expensive health clubs, not showing up will only cost me $10 per month.

■ We will explore exotic lands and encounter strange new cultures by driving south of I-80.

■ We will avoid toxic people who only care about themselves and don’t want to hear detailed accounts about our health problems

■ We will continue to be grateful for the giving spirit of Forest Park

REVIEW

Repor ter Igor Studenkov

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Michael Romain

Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins

Contributing Repor ters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Li a

Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice

Big Week Editor James Porter

Staff Photographers Alex Rogals, Shanel Romain

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey

S ales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo

S ales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

When recycling became ‘everybody’s business’

The Jan. 12, 1972 issue of the Review featured the Glass Mobile as its lead story, with the headline: Ecolo gy - Everybody’s Business The handsome mobile unit, clearly labeled with the presorted glass colors — green, brown and clear — was sponsored by the Forest Park Environmental Committee. The glass collection would take place in the St. Ber nardine’s parking lot. Newspapers were also collected — tied in bundles — and de posited in “the Village Garage — the back of Peaslee’s Hardware.”

Jill Wagner

Board of Directors

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066

EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE ForestParkReview.com

Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160)

In- county subscriptions: $34 per year $55 for two years, $69 for three years Out- of-county subscriptions: $42 per year

Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP

A L OOK BA CK IN TIME

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

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

DEFINITION

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

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

software and other forms of systems and data.

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

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

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

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

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

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

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

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND

Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver

License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT

OFFICER

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

FINANCE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Finance Coordinator. The ideal candidate will perform a wide variety of responsible and complex administrative, secretarial and clerical duties for the Finance department; and will provide information and assistance to the public regarding department to which assigned. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Community Health Advisor. The professional in this position is responsible for a variety of tasks including; promoting a safe health care environment; including health education, outreach and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications December 19, 2022.

Shipping Manager

FULL-TIME POLICE RECORDS CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Civilian Information Management Records Clerk reporting to the Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills, computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, and adherence to all police department policies and procedures. Responsibilities and duties include subpoena fulfilment, evidence room duties, data entries, general office functions, report creation, and other duties as needed our assigned. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

Trade Consultant – Chicago, IL: Research & consult on product imports from China, incl procedures, tariffs & taxes, & product research; conduct due diligence on potential trading partners in China; review & negotiate terms for trade contracts w/ companies in China; assess legal & fin’l risks pertaining to trade deals & advise re: alternative solutions; & liaise w/ outside counsel in both U.S. & China for contract prep’n & closing, import/export compliance, & registering int’l trademarks. Must have a bachelor’s deg in business or legal studies & be fluent in Chinese. Salary: $70,000/yr. Mail resume to: Talard Thai Inc.; ATTN: HR; 5353 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS)

COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, County Division.

In re Nicholas J. Russo and Isui Dawn Russo, Petitioner and JeanCarlo Munoz-Ordaz, Respondent, Case No. 2022COAD000505.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Adoption and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 20, 2023, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Adoption entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal

December 21, 28, 2022, January 4, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009963 on December 16, 2022. Under the Assumed Business Name of SLOAN COFFEE ROASTING with the business located at: 261 HERRICK RD, RIVERSIDE, IL 60546. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MATT SLOAN 261 HERRICK RD RIVERSIDE, IL 60546, USA.

Published in RB Landmark

December 21, 28, 2022, January 4, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission January 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from Jeremy Camancho for a special use permit to operate a warehouse for vehicles associated with a transportation company at 8939 Ogden Avenue.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark January 4, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 18, 2023 for the following:

Village of Oak Park 2023 Irrigation Maintenance Bid Number: 23-107

Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Information is also available from the Forestry Superintendent, Grant Jones, gjones@oak-park. us and the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/bid

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified.

No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal January 4, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.-

LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736

14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 9, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000

The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse, attached one car garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-04687IL_613739 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 42-1079

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12736 I3208765

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-14, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-14 Plaintiff, -v.-

ELIZABETH SMITH, LARRY E. SMITH Defendants 2018 CH 03138 646 LYMAN AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 27, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 19, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 646 LYMAN AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-114-0150000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-00602 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 03138

TJSC#: 42-4547

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 03138 I3209538

Happy Holidays!

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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

e Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. is newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY

FIND