Issuu

F O R E S T PA R K

ForestParkReview.com Vol. 109, No. 1

$1.00

REVIEW

A Sp e cial Adve rtis in g Se ction

Special section

New Year January 2026

PAGE 9

JANUARY 7, 2026

@ForestParkReview @FP_Review

Proviso’s first-ever foreign exchange student thankful for community she found

Park pool has sprung a leak

Ivet will be at East for the for the rest of this school year

Park district promises Forest Park Aquatic Center will be fixed by summer

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ

By JESSICA MORDACQ

Contributing Reporter

Staff Reporter

Ivet Brugera Sanchez, 15, always knew she wanted to travel and study abroad away from her hometown of Barcelona, Spain. What she did not know is that desire would land her as Proviso Township High School District 200’s first-ever foreign exchange student. “One day my dad asked me if I wanted to do that [a foreign exchange program] and I said ‘yeah,’ because you only live once,” Ivet said. “So I had to change to do it and it was one of the best things I could ever do.” Sanchez, along with her twin sister, applied to be foreign exchange students through ICES USA, a student exchange and academic program, and after being selected she was placed with a family in Maywood while her sister traveled to Canada for her program. Here in Maywood, Valentine ChavezGonzalez and her wife Angela Cosentino See EXCHANGE STUDENT on page 12

PHOTO PROVIDED

Daria, Michelle, Coach DeVaughn Benion, Ta’Miyah, Ivet and Coach Jackie represent Proviso East’s girls cross country and track team.

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 THIS ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Since the Forest Park Aquatic Center was completely renovated in 1996, the pool is likely experiencing its biggest leak in nearly 30 years. After a couple years of investigating, last spring Park District of Forest Park staff found a leak on the west side of the zero-deck area of the pool. The park board unanimously approved repairing the leak at a Dec. 18 meeting. A contractor will fix the leak as soon as possible, but the pool deck’s concrete may not be repoured until spring. Regardless, the Forest Park Aquatic Center will be open this summer. “The amount of water that we were losing, it’s just not sustainable — environmentally, financially, everything in between,” Jackie Iovinelli, the park district’s executive director, told the Review. At the end of every summer, the park district winterizes the pool and checks if it needs any wear-and-tear repairs. But at the end of the 2022 season, staff noSee POOL LEAK on page 13

Tom Holmes: Are you looking forward to 2026? PAGE 15

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Your local newsroom thanks you! As the new year begins, I wanted to reach out to say thank you. Over the past few weeks, we asked a lot of our readers and supporters. We did so because the moment is real and our need is urgent. Local journalism is facing deep uncertainty, and our newsroom needs help. And when we asked, our community answered. You answered. Because of your generosity, we raised nearly $170,000. That support will go directly toward sustaining the journalism our communities rely on. This note is not about declaring success or pretending the work is done. The future of nonprofit local news remains uncertain, and fundraising will always be part of what it takes to keep going. But this moment made clear that this work is supported by people who care deeply about strong, independent local reporting. That matters more than we can say. Your support reminds us that while the long road ahead is not guaranteed, it is still possible. And that the only way forward is together. Thank you for stepping up when it mattered. Thank you for believing in this work. We could not continue without you. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year. With gratitude, Max Reinsdorf, Interim Executive Director

It’s not too late to Donate!

New Year New Floors!

7040 West North Avenue • 773-889-7500

OPEN: Monday-Thursday 9am – 5:30pm • Friday-Saturday 9am – 5pm Located in the North Ave Business District

Since 1906 Chicagoland’s Oldest Floor Covering Store

Custom Stair Runners & Rugs • Carpet • Hardwood • LVP & LVT

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Robert’s Westside will pay 100% of ticket sales to bands Donnie Biggins says venues take advantage of musicians By SEAN SCHOLZ Contributing Reporter

Donnie Biggins, owner of Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, is doing what major ticketing companies and music venues won’t – give every dollar made from all ticket sales to performing artists. Biggins knows he’s forgoing profit and potential income. And with experience as a concert promoter, musician and bandmate himself, he’s aware of the intense politics in the music industry. It is a com-

pletely conscious decision. But financial concerns were not at the forefront of Biggins’ mind. He was frustrated with a seemingly backwards system in the music business that values artists, whom the industry would not exist without, the least. “Having these relationships that I’ve built … seeing people come through and work with me year after year and listening to what their experience was like working with somebody else, or how they were treated, or what their payout was,”

PROVIDED

From left to right: Billy Dunlap, manager; Nick Jirasek, chef; Donnie Biggins, owner

TODD BANNOR

Donnie Biggins, owner of Robert’s Westside (second from left), and the Shams Band played on the venue’s opening night, Nov. 20, 2023.

Biggins recalled, “And basically, just being, like, ‘f**k that.’ I’m in control of my finances. And this is what I want to do for you. And so I’m going to do that, and I think you deserve it.” And so starting Jan. 1 of this year, Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., will pay 100% of ticket proceeds to the musicians. The money artists see from their music, brand or live shows can pale in comparison to the total amount of money generated. After numerous fees, percentage cuts and with some venues even taking a bite out of money made from merchandise sales, artists realize only a sliver of the revenue their art brings in. For bands, already decreased earnings continue to get diced between multiple group members. Biggins talked about other local venues where owners take a portion of musician tips at free shows to cover production costs. “If an owner tried to take a percentage of tips from a waiter or a bartender, those people would quit on the spot. It’s unethical. So why treat a musician that way?” Bobby’s Eastside, the next-door neighbor of Robert’s Westside, lets restaurantgoers and show attendees drop money into a tip bucket right in front of the stage where artists perform. The door to the right of Robert’s Westside is Bobby’s, a bar and restaurant with frequent live shows –

free of cost. DeeOhGee, a rock ‘n’ roll band based in Nashville, have performed at Robert’s Westside before. Though having played across America and a number of times in Europe, they seek out people like Biggins to connect with. “I think what Donnie’s doing, what some of the venues in Nashville do too – that’s an act of humanity and generosity that isn’t required,” Matthew Paige, band vocalist and guitarist, said. “We play those festivals that are real, not super mega corporate sponsored festivals. We play real venues that are run by real people. We try to keep it as real as we can, you know, and make it make sense.” That shared recognition of humanity and appreciation for live music is part of what’s allowed Robert’s Westside to viably ditch ticket profits. All 2026 concertgoers will know when attending the venue, ticket money is going straight from their wallet into the artist’s pocket. 100 percent of it. Biggins, a longtime musician himself, isn’t losing sleep over giving artists money he thinks they deserve. “There are takers and givers in this world. I’ve been raised to be a giver, and this is proof of action in my own behavior, and how I can back it up and not be hypocritical.”

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Local Venezuelan immigrants react to Maduro’s capture Emotions include happiness, shock, uncertainty, sadness, anxiety By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Saturday morning came early for C.M.. About 1 a.m., friends of hers from college in Venezuela began frantically texting her that something was happening in her home country, which she had departed in October 2024 due to its leader, Nicolas Maduro. She proceeded to the social media platform X and what she saw was astounding. There were helicopters and explosions over that nation’s capital, Caracas. “My initial reaction was, ‘This is AI,’” said C.M., who lives in Oak Park with her parents. Wednesday Journal is choosing not to use her last name for her protection. “I started to watch more videos … This is actually happening. “I assumed the helicopters were from the U.S. I waited, then my friends didn’t give me any updates, so I went to sleep.” When she awoke at 6 a.m., her friends were excitedly sharing the news. “They were laughing that Maduro had been captured,” she said. “They were happy. I was happy. So many years we’ve been waiting.” Then the reality set in – happiness became shock, then uncertainty for C.M. and her parents. “One thing happening is that Maduro (was) captured,” she said. “The government is still there and the people are still

in power. How is that going to backfire for right dangerous. “I was talking to many the people in Venezuela?” of my relatives, and they Juan, another Venezuelan say there’s a lot of tension, immigrant who has frequentworry and fear among the ed the Migrant Ministry of people about the possibility the Catholic Parishes of Oak of a second invasion,” she Park at St. Edmund School, said. “There are police in agreed. the streets, and those who “As soon as we found out, are there can’t talk about we were able to notify our Maduro’s capture because family members, since many they’ll be arrested. That’s were unaware of what had the new law there, because happened at that moment,” they say it’s treason. Juan said. Wednesday Jour“Most businesses are nal is not using his real name closed because they are for his protection. “For us, it afraid, to put it more clearly, was a moment of anxiety and that they will be looted beuncertainty, thinking about all the things that could hapcause there might be an uppen to the many people who rising.” were near the scene of the C.M. said that civilians events. have to be wary of the col“It was a moment of sadlectivos, an informal group JUAN ness, joy and great anxiety, that supports the current just remembering everything regime that attacks people that many Venezuelans have who do not support Maduhad to go through to keep ro’s political party. fighting.” “People are happy this fiAnother Venezuelan immigrant who nally happened, but you can’t go out in the said she was “bewildered” by the events in streets and celebrate,” she said. “It’s like a her home country was Yevette. Wednesday silent celebration.” Journal is also not using her real name for Yevette added that, “people are still imher protection. prisoned for thinking differently from Current conditions on the ground in Maduro’s regime. Many things happened, Venezuela range from precarious to out- but I also have to say that the regime hasn’t

“It was a moment of sadness, joy and great anxiety, just remembering everything that many Venezuelans have had to go through to keep fighting.”

Keep local news Forest Foot Care in Forest Park! Retiring March 1st, Donate today at 2026 ForestParkReview.com Your Hometown Podiatrist for 39 Years Your Hometown Podiatrist for 39 Years

DR. LORI LIPKIN

fallen yet because some of them are still there. As long as they remain in power, Venezuela will not be free.” Juan said there is disappointment among his family members in Venezuela about what happened. “They simply believe it’s all a show orchestrated by the U.S., and they are disappointed because the same corrupt and drug-trafficking elite remains in power,” he said. “We want a transparent government that will end corruption, enact laws that are respected and remove from power those who have done so much to harm Venezuela.” Yevette said the beacon of hope for Venezuelan immigrants locally has been the Migrant Ministry, known among them as Centro San Edmundo. “Thanks to their generosity, many have found a home and unconditional support during these times of need,” she said. “Their commitment and dedication are a true gift to us and to all immigrants.” C.M. not only participates in the Migrant Ministry, she is also a volunteer, working in the area of immigrant support services, filling out asylum applications. Not only did the Migrant Ministry help her father with his own asylum application, it gave him something else. “The courage to tell his story,” she said. “They have helped us build a community here and give us a hand. They have been a huge part of our journey here.”

7503 W. Madison, Forest Park

708/366-3770

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Arts Alliance’s robust 2025

Last year over 2,000 people participated in at least five annual events By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The community painting of the rusty Circle Avenue bridge in 2017 sparked the creation of the Forest Park Arts Alliance that same year. Since then, the organization made up of local creatives has only grown and expanded programming. At the Dec. 15 village council meeting, the Forest Park Arts Alliance gave a presentation covering its 2025 events and goals for this year. “I jokingly say, if you ask people what they’re doing in their basement here, it’s almost always art,” said Bridget Lane, the Arts Alliance’s secretary, who gave the presentation. “I’ve been amazed at the number of artists who live in town.” As the Arts Alliance continues to bring creatives and residents together to enrich lives through art, below are the events the group held last year, and how many people attended.

JILL WAGNER

Attendees at the Arts Alliance’s third annual 48-Hour Film Festival. ■ 48-hour Film Festival

This year was the third annual film festival where participants had just two days to write, film and edit a short movie that was then shown to a crowd of viewers. About 85 people attended this year’s showing, which Lane said, “for a one-day event, is really great.” ■ Garage Galleries This annual event started before the

Arts Alliance, which now organizes the dozens of artists who display their works in local garages. “It just brings out the best in the community,” Lane said. This year was the 11th annual garage galleries event, where over 800 people showed up. “It’s hard to count them, but when I talked to many of the restaurants in town, they said it was one of their best days,” Lane said. “It’s starting to get, not quite the [St. Patrick’s Day] parade level, but that’s our hope, that we can really bring that many people here.” ■ Public art Following the Arts Alliance’s first public art installation with Little Perspectives in April, this summer, the group commissioned 10 artists to paint bistro tables that were placed in Constitution Court and in front of businesses on Madison Street as a part of Sit and Savor. ■ Stoop Sessions Also over the summer, the Arts Alliance put on a handful of stoop session performances. During these shows, local artists perform on Forest Park properties, like a neighborhood front porch or, in August, at the Altenheim. “It was amazing, the kind of crowds we’re getting for those who hadn’t had an opportunity to go to the stoop sessions,” Lane said. She added that about 300 people attended stoop sessions throughout the summer. ■ Invasion of the Scarecrows Every Halloween season, the Arts Alliance partners with the Historical Society of Forest Park on the Invasion of the Scarecrows. The two groups sell scarecrow kits as a fundraiser, and this year, sold 105 kits. ■ Fiber Flash This fall, the Arts Alliance decorated Constitution Court with fiber art for the third year in a row, donating the creations after the annual event. “All of these end up at charity organizations like Sarah’s Inn, the library’s comfort box [which holds toiletries, plus fiber hats and gloves] and the kid’s room in the library,” Lane said. “This is a com-

TODD BANNOR

Visitors look through the windows of Little Perspectives, artwork by Forest Park resident Ian Plaff. munity building exercise that really has caught traction.”

PROVIDED

Students show off their 2025 Fiber Flash contributions. ■ Makers Market

Twice a year, the Arts Alliance hosts a market where makers can sell their wares. The market grew out of the Garage Galleries, but caters to more crafts and homemade pieces of art. ■ Tellers’ Night September through May, on the second Tuesday of the month, the Arts Alliance hosts an evening where local storytellers perform at Robert’s Westside. Every event, about five people share

entertaining real-life accounts. In 2025, the Arts Alliance estimates that about 550 people attended Tellers’ Nights. Though the Arts Alliance doesn’t organize either event, they made trophies for this year’s garden walk and casket races in Forest Park. This year, the Arts Alliance has plans for yet another public art installation in Constitution Court. Lane said, in January, the nonprofit will seek a permit to install garden poles on Madison Street. “Sometimes they are called totems,” Lane said of the garden poles. “You take your life story and you put it on a post of art.” The Art Alliance aims to put 30 posts in Constitution Court and, if they get more, spread them throughout the community. Also in 2026, the Arts Alliance is looking for more volunteers to help organize its committees, work out logistics for installations and events, and come up with new ideas. Lane said the Arts Alliance is also hoping to work more with local businesses to display art in the new year. “Art has the power to bring people together, to spark conversation and to remind us of our shared humanity,” Lane said. “We’re celebrating the creativity that makes this community shine, and we think there’s lots of opportunity for that. We want to weave this art into the fabric of Forest Park.”

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Improvement plans for D91 discussed by school board

4.9 percent levy increase OK’d by school board; absenteeism remains a concern By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

Principals and staff from Forest Park Middle School, Field-Stevenson Intermediate School, Betsy Ross Elementary School and Garfield Elementary School presented school improvement plans to the District 91 Board of Education on Dec. 18. The school board also asked for a 4.9 percent increase in the annual property tax levy. This is the maximum allowed and must be approved by the Cook County Clerk, which in the past has not fully granted tax requests. Speaking of the improvement plans, James Edler, director of learning and innovation for District 91, said: “While each one of these improvement plans are unique and different in their own right, the system and processes

that we are using are consistent across all departments and across all schools.” In November, the Illinois State Board of Education released the 2025 Illinois Report Card and every school in Forest Park School District 91 earned a Commendable designation.

Forest Park Middle School Improving attendance while increasing math growth are top priorities for Forest Park Middle School. In order to achieve these goals, the school is using assessment data, small-group interventions, aligned instruction, student accountability partners, and enrichment support. According to Forest Park Middle School’s recent Illinois Report Card data, math growth is at 64% for the 2025 school year, compared to 74% for school year 2024. “We are using data to see what kind of small groups we need to have to support different students and help them with their academic growth,” said Daniel McElligot, academic coach for D91. Terriyaka Watson, Forest Park Middle School principal, said leadership and staff are being proactive about improving atten-

dance. “We have sent out 54 letters to parents where there are concerns about attendance,” Watson said. “Of those 54 who received letters, we have 17 students who are on our list to have attendance buddies. These buddies are staff members that check in with them on a regular basis to make sure that they come to school and let them know that we are looking for them every day.” Forest Park Middle School is also committed to strengthening Tier 1 instruction, academic and social-emotional supports, and enrichment opportunities for all students.

Field-Stevenson Intermediate At Field Stevenson, the focus is on utilizing their core curricular resources and reducing chronic absenteeism. The goal is to select, deliver, and evaluate scientifically supported academic, behavioral, and social-emotional instruction and supports provided in a school. In order to support teachers, there is also a current emphasis on professional development and academic coaching support. “We have really strong grade-level assisMEMORY CARE

SHELTERED CARE

tants that are working with students in small groups,” said Sara Boucek, a reading specialist at Field-Stevenson. “We also elevated our EL support to make sure that all of our students who are coming in are getting what they need.” In 2025, Field Stevenson received a Commendable designation on the Illinois State Report Card after being deemed Targeted in 2024. “We are very proud to be back,” said Susan Bogdan, principal at Field-Stevenson. “Field not only returned to Commendable status but also demonstrated an upward growth trend, surpassing our school year 2023 overall index score.” Bogdan said the school is currently trying to reduce chronic absenteeism and is encouraging students to get to school on time. “Instruction begins at 8:10 a.m.,” she said. “Even a 15-minute delay impacts learning.”

Betsy Ross Elementary Strengthening reading and math instruction for all students is a shared priority at See D91 BOARD on page 16

SKILLED NURSING

RESPITE CARE

You can relax knowing we care. Receive $500 off sheltered care & memory care every month for 12 months.

Call us at 708-447-5092 to learn more about sheltered care and memory care at Caledonia Senior Living.

CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Way Back Inn plants trees of recovery from addiction Openlands grants greens nonprofit’s Maywood campus By SEAN SCHOLZ Contributing Reporter

On the corner of Oak Street off busy 1st Avenue dawns new life. Years from now, holes in the ground will have turned into budding trees, planted by people reclaiming control of their own lives. Community events and volunteer days will utilize the area as it greens, and a once small act on a fall day will give back and serve as a timestamp. Steps from an always busy Route 171 lies Way Back Inn’s main campus in Maywood. At Way Back Inn, clients seek to overcome addiction with substance use and gambling. The nonprofit invests in their clients through a holistic treatment approach, partnership and community outreach. Their mission is to curate a “comprehensive” and “personalized healing environment.”

Way Back Inn channeled its focus on partnership to assist clients in recovery and beautify its area with the help of Openlands, the Chicago region’s premier conservation organization. Openlands’ TreePlanters Grant allowed Way Back Inn to gather clients and community members for a tree-planting event on Nov. 1. “We wrote the grant, and we were kind of connecting it to individuals in recovery. It’s very cathartic and therapeutic to actually get connected with nature,” said Chris Ward, an outreach coordinator at Way Back Inn. “To be outside, to connect with others, to work together – to accomplish something.” As a break from the hard work done inhouse to overcome addiction, clients at Way Back Inn step outside into green spaces and interact with surroundings. Sun poked through the clouds across the campus area and gave way to a “perfect storm,”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WAY BACK INN

Event attendees plant trees at Way Back Inn’s Maywood Campus. as Way Back Inn executive director Anita be able to do their work.” Pindiur put it. Oddly, parallels can be drawn between “We’ve been involved in some smaller, the work Way Back Inn and Openlands do. other projects, but we never actually heard Despite operating in very different areas, at their core, the missions are of Openlands,” said Pindiur, “It the same. Renewal, care, restowas through President Vicky ration. All concepts that can be Scaman in Oak Park that we applied to both people recoupmet with (former Trustee Suing lives lost to addiction and san Buchanan) and we were revitalizing land lost to bigable to start this relationship.” budget development. Openlands works to support When clients embark on the environment with an artheir journey at Way Back Inn, ray of programs and projects they experience nature in their involving education and handshands. The simple joys Earth on stewardship in which evoffers are rediscovered, or new, eryday people can contribute. green hobbies are introduced. The TreePlanters Grant, one While cultivating their own of Openlands programs, gives recovery, clients cultivate their selected grantees the opportuimmediate surroundings in the nity to plant trees in their own process. neighborhoods. Giving clients The Nov. 1 event provided the ability to feel their environfellowship and vitamin D for a ment, physically and spirituCHRIS WARD single day, but the fruits of that ally, is a point of emphasis for labor will be realized for years Way Back Inn, so the partner– for the area, environment and ship made sense. all in recovery. “They have areas and zones “There’s a lot to say about the beginning selected that need trees and have that space that really needs a little bit more greenery,” of planting a little tree, then watching it the executive director said, “We just fell grow, sort of resembling what it’s like to perfectly into that area, and we were also begin recovery,” said Ward, “because it rewanting, willing and had the volunteers to ally is just a seed that gets planted at first.”

“There’s a lot to say about the beginning of planting a little tree, then watching it grow, sort of resembling what it’s like to begin recovery.”

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Migrant Ministry moving to St. Bernardine School Shift prompted by planned sale of St. Edmund School, home since early 2024

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

The Migrant Ministry of the Catholic Parishes of Oak Park has shifted its base of operations from St. Edmund School to the former school at St. Bernardine Parish in Forest Park. The move was prompted by the planned sale of St. Edmund School, 200 S. Oak Park Ave., because the cost to heat and maintain the building wasn’t feasible, said Celine Woznica, one of the leaders of the Migrant Ministry, an interfaith coalition led by Oak Park’s Catholic parishes. Woznica said the ministry has operated out of St. Edmund School since early 2024, serving approximately 15,000 migrants in its “free stores,” providing clothing, shoes, coats, bedding and toiletries, as well as serving breakfast and offering a children’s playroom. It also offered English as a Second Language classes, social services in partnership with Rincon Family Services, and helped over 300 migrants complete their asylum applications, Woznica said. The ministry also helped migrants fill out work permits. “Over 500 volunteers have donated their time to the Migrant Ministry in what has been an incredible interfaith effort involving many of the various Christian denominations in the Oak Park area, as well as members of both Jewish faith centers and Unity Temple,” she said. “Many volunteers do not follow any faith tradition but consider Migrant Ministry ‘their church.’”

GREGG VOSS

Volunteer sorting donations at the Migrant Ministry. Rev. Carl Morello, the pastor of Ascension and St. Edmund, along with St. Giles and St. Catherine-St. Lucy, which closed last summer, said Migrant Ministry’s move is bittersweet. “It’s sad in this regard,” Morello said. “If I wasn’t in the position where we had to sell the school, the Migrant Ministry would still be there, and I’d like it to be in our backyard. The reality is, we can’t keep

the school, so we’ll be taking the next step and selling it. “We have discovered there is still a need. The group has continued to do what they can to help people, (and) to find another site in the Catholic community is a very positive thing.” Morello added that he is working with the Archdiocese of Chicago to identify potential purchasers of St. Edmund School,

CAL NEWS! AND JUST PLAIN OL’ LO

but “it’s been a slow process.” Woznica said that Migrant Ministry initially considered St. Bernardine School, which closed in 2013, but were told that the archdiocese was using it for offices and storage. That led to a potential home last fall at Boulevard Presbyterian, located at 607 Harvard St. in Oak Park, but then the space at St. Bernardine School became available – six large classrooms had been emptied to accommodate Migrant Ministry. “We could not refuse this offer,” she said. “St. Bernardine’s is less than a block off the Blue Line, so more easily accessible to the migrants. The school offers more than twice the space we were offered at Boulevard Presbyterian. It has a parking lot, making it easier for our volunteers to park right next to the building.” She added that, “We are so grateful to Boulevard Presbyterian for their initial offer of a space and celebrate the interfaith aspect of this ministry. It’s truly been a blessing.” Morello, who graduated eighth grade from St. Bernardine School, said he sees a bit of divine intervention in the fact that the space became open. “All politics aside, these are people in great need,” he said. “The scriptures are all about that. We’re giving flesh to what our Catholic values are. And that’s important. “The other thing that has really happened, this has been a means of drawing people from other denominations and people that have no affiliation, they are helping because that’s what they are called to do. It’s humanitarian.”

Special Advertising Section

NEW YEAR , NEW YOU!

January 7, 2026 9

A Spe c ia l Advertising Sec tion

New Year New You January 2026

10 January 7, 2026

Special Advertising Section

NEW YEAR , NEW YOU!

YOU ARE WORTHY OF FEELING AT HOME IN YOUR BODY.

Worthy Bodywork & Healing 1011 LAKE STREET, SUITE 304, OAK PARK (708) 274-7798 WORTHYBODYWORK.COM

WANT TO LEARN MORE? SCAN BELOW

Supportive healing techniques, focused on the client

hen self-care is the goal, the most important element is you. The techniques provided by a trained therapist are most effective when you, the client, feel informed and at ease.

In a cozy suite in Oak Park, Worthy Bodywork & Healing welcomes all who seek relief from stress and pain. Since Worthy’s opening in 2024, its focus has been on meeting clients’ needs and building treatment plans for measurable results. Ronen Kohn, the owner and sole practitioner, is trained in both Shiatsu and Reiki. Shiatsu is a hands-on bodywork treatment with benefits for a range of physical and emotional troubles. It can also benefit internal systems aiding in digestion, sleep, and more. Pressure can be adjusted to your needs, from featherlight to bone-deep.

Reiki is an energetic practice ideal for cases where even light touch is distressing. It can also be a supportive therapy for anyone who finds comfort in mindful attention from a calm presence. Free parking is available for your visit. Cost-saving packages can be purchased by clients who have had at least one treatment. Packages have no expiration date, allowing you to visit on your schedule. Visit Worthy’s website at worthybodywork.com to make a booking today! “This was my first experience with Shiatsu after years of standard massages at Massage Envy … Ronen was gentle, attentive and instructive. I was surprised how many pain points we found on my body. I felt relaxed and peaceful afterwards…” – Dahlia Ghabour

Finding Joy in Your Movement Journey with Support from Lively Athletics

shop local and discover joy in movement. Mens and Women’s athletic apparel and more! Lively Athletics • 109 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park • 708-358-0605 • livelyathletics.com

he New Year arrives with a quiet invitation: to begin again. It’s a time when goals feel fresh, motivation feels lighter, and possibility seems closer than ever. But the most meaningful resolutions aren’t about becoming someone else—they’re about becoming more fully you. True progress starts with honoring who you are right now. Whether your goal is to move more, try a new activity, or simply feel better in your body, joy should be at the center of the journey. Movement doesn’t have to be rigid or intimidating. It can be playful, curious, and personal. A walk that clears your mind, a workout that challenges you, or a new class that pushes you outside your comfort zone—all of it counts. Trying new things helps us grow, and finding joy in movement helps us stay

consistent. At Lively Athletics, we believe your goals deserve the right support. From high-quality shoes and athletic apparel to refueling essentials and recovery tools, we’re here for every step of your journey—and beyond. No matter your age, activity level, or goals, we offer products for the whole family, because everyone deserves to feel strong, supported, and confident. Shopping locally means more than convenience—it means connection. When you shop at Lively Athletics, you’re not just buying gear; you’re gaining a community that wants to see you succeed. This New Year, set goals that feel good, move in ways that bring you joy, and let us help you achieve what’s next.

Visit us and learn more at livelyathletics.com.

Special Advertising Section

NEW YEAR , NEW YOU!

January 7, 2026 11

Learn for the Joy of It! Music • Languages • Academic Subjects Tailored to YOU, for FUN!

The Language & Music School at International Mansion, Est. 1994 K-12th school and music, languages and academic tutoring for all ages!

Congratulations No Glove Nationals on 53 Years! Congratulations No Glove Nationals on 53 Years! Setting new standards of service since 1950.

Products No Glove Congratulations Nationals on 53 Years! Setting new standards of service since 1950. Oil • Heating • Bio-Diesel • Motor Oil • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel

Services

• Temporary above ground, job-site tanks • 24-hr. emergency fueling services • Direct fueling of construction equipment on job • Programmed fueling services Products Servicesgenerator fueling • Emergency • Direct fleet/equipment fueling Setting new standards of service since 1950. • We now sell Bio-Diesel • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel • Heating Oil • Motor Oil

Products

• 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

Services

• 24-hr. emergency fueling services • We now sell Bio-Diesel • Programmed fueling services • Gasoline • Direct fleet/equipment fueling • Diesel Fuel Products Michael H. •Mohr Services Temporary above ground, • 24-hr. Park, emergency fueling services • We7340 now W. sellHarrison Bio-Diesel Street • Forest IL 60130 • Heating Oil job-site tanks • Programmed fueling services • Gasoline 800-315-9510 OR 708-366-2900 •• Direct fleet/equipment • Motor Oil • Diesel Direct fuelingfueling of construction Fuel • Temporary above ground, Fax: 708-366-1007 equipment on job • Heating Oil job-site tanks www.mohroil.com • e-mail: sales@mohroil.com • Motor Oil •• Direct fueling of construction Emergency generator fueling equipment on job • Emergency generator fueling

savehearing.com

Dr. r. Chow

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

EXCHANGE STUDENT Home away from home from page 1 were looking to open their doors to a student and hopefully recreate the positive experience Chavez-Gonzalez family had experienced when she was younger. Chavez-Gonzalez said her family hosted a student through her sister, a connection that grew into a lifelong friendship. “My sister is still friends with them to this day,” ChavezGonzalez said. “My sister is 35 now. They still send each other Christmas gifts, they still talk on the phone and we thought it would be really cool to give another kid that kind of an experience.” The family applied and selected Ivet’s application from the first round they received. However, the road to get Ivet here proved to be a little more challenging as Proviso had never had a foreign exchange student. “There were no systems or processes in place to welcome a student like Ivet,” Chavez-Gonzalez said. “That took quite a bit of work and pressure, perseverance. … her local coordinator worked with us. We worked as best we could to provide the school the information they needed.” As the clock ticked on the application due date, ChavezGonzalez said they almost told the agency to pass along Ivet’s application to another family because they did not want her to lose out on this opportunity. But the stars aligned and all signatures came together three days before the cutoff date to be able to submit the application in time for review by the state. When the signature from Supt. Krish Mohip came through,

Ivet celebrates her 15th Birthday.

Chavez-Gonzalez said she was “shocked and elated.” Ivet got the news of her placement while she was on her family summer vacation in Norway. “They told me I had a family and I had a week to get ready to leave,” Ivet said. “It was super-fast. I was happy, I was sad because I was leaving everybody. But I am really happy here and that is the important thing.” She acknowledged her early feelings were bittersweet as emotions of leaving her family settled in and Ivet said she was homesick for the first week. “I just left my family and my country but I know that I will see them again,” she said, adding that she just let herself feel all the emotions. “If you’re happy, you’re happy. If you’re sad, you’re sad.” The first day of school at Proviso East was overwhelming, Ivet said. “It was a really bad day, I am not used to such a big school,” she said. “I was super overwhelmed and I called my family to tell them I was crying in the hallway.” But the East community was not going to let Ivet go through this alone. Ivet recalled Principal Rodney Hull sitting with her in his office, working alongside her to change her schedule so she could have classes with friends she met during the summer in cross country and track, with other faculty rallying beside her. One of those individuals was Coach DeVaughn Benion, said Chavez-Gonzalez, who took Ivet under his wing and worked overtime to ensure all documents were in order to get her to the school and on the team. While never having participated in cross country or track, it was important for Ivet and Chavez-Gonzalez that she not only stay active but also be part of a team that would allow her to meet friends and be part of a larger community. “If there are heroes and individuals we are personally so thankful for, it [is] Coach B and Coach Jackie and the girls on this team who have genuinely treated Ivet as a sister,” ChavezGonzalez said. During the November school board, Hull introduced Ivet to the board, sharing her story. “It is good that we can provide this experience for her,” Hull said during the board meeting. The Spanish-speaking community at East helped for a smoother transition for Ivet, giving her the opportunity to communicate with others and grow her confidence while adjusting to school life in the United States. “I really like it, it is a new experience,” she said. “I love the people there. I love my track team and my friends and I also love that there are Spanish speakers so I can always go talk PROVIDED to them and seem a little less far from home.”

PROVIDED

Valentine Chavez-Gonzalez and her wife Angela Cosentino with Ivet in one of their family photos. Along with taking English Honors, Spanish, and learning about American politics, Ivet is staying busy and is looking forward to being at East for the entire school year and also exploring Chicago with trips to Millennium Park, the “cinema,” and adjusting to the cold weather. Family life is also an adjustment and what Chavez-Gonzalez calls a “lesson in teenagers,” while always treating Ivet like their own daughter. “Our family has embraced her just like she has always been here,” she said, adding she has chores just like every other teenager. “Our goal with this experience was to show off Chicago. It was to show off what we love about the city, the town that we are in.” With deep ties to Chicagoland, with Angela growing up in Melrose Park, the family wanted to share those special places with Ivet. “There is great pride for us to be able to take Ivet out and show her all the little things that make Chicago Chicago,” Chavez-Gonzalez said. Taking the leap and “risk” to come to the U.S. as a foreign exchange student is one that Ivet will not regret, urging other kids to take those chances. “Just do it because it is the best thing you could ever do,” Ivet said. “You have the opportunity and it’s okay to be sad and miss your family but they will always be your family. So just come here and enjoy it as much as you can because you could always be happy. I can be happy.”

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Park district takes over H&R Auto property

For now, the district will use the garage to store maintenance equipment By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

H&R Auto is now closed at 805 Hannah Ave. after 30 years of car repairs and towing services at the location. Last December, H&R Auto Owner Larry Moskos sold the Hannah Avenue property to the Park District of Forest Park for $400,000 — though the sale’s contract allowed Moskos to stay open for up to a year. This December, Moskos officially retired. He finished moving out of the garage, the locks were changed and utilities turned over to the park district. “We’re very happy for him,” Jackie Iovinelli, the park district’s executive director, said at the Dec. 18 park board meeting. “He cleaned out. He did a great job. Everything is gone. He removed all the cars that were in the parkway and alongside the building.” For now, the park district plans to use the H&R Auto space to store its maintenance equipment and free up some space in the park district’s garage.

POOL LEAK

Should be fixed by summer from page 1 ticed that water bills were higher than they should have been. The following year, the park district worked with the water department to document the potential loss of water. Before the 2024 swimming season, the park district steam lined the pipes underneath the pool that deliver water to the basin and take it to be filtered. Though expensive, steam lining fixed some cracks in the underground pipes without the park district having to break concrete. “We didn’t see much of a change in 2024, so we began the chase,” Iovinelli said. That year, a leak detection company narrowed down the loss of water to an 8-by-4-foot area. “We’re assuming from what he found,

“We can park the buses inside of the garage to help with the longevity,” Iovinelli said at the park board meeting. “We can work on vehicles. Right now, our mechanic has a hard time getting underneath those buses.” “In the short term, we’re going to use it for our own maintenance,” added Tim Gillian, president of the park board, at the most-recent meeting. “I don’t know if short term is 10 years or 10 minutes, but that’s the only plan for it at this point.” Iovinelli said Moskos left behind a few lifts and other materials that the park district could use. She added that the park district will likely do a few wall repairs and tuck pointing at the Hannah Avenue property. They’re also in contact with the Forest Park Arts Alliance, which will potentially create a mural on the building’s north wall after minor repairs. Next to the H&R Auto property sits a lot of green space on Harrison Street. In 2022, the park district bought the land where the Pines Restaurant, Oak Leaf Lounge and Forest Park Foreign Car Repair once sat

and the amount of water that we were losing, that we have a pretty significant break in our pipes.” Now, the park district is planning to actually repair the leak by cracking open the pool and fixing the pipes underneath. At the park board meeting, Commissioner Betty Alzamora asked where the leaking water was going. Iovinelli answered, “That’s what we’re nervous about.” Iovinelli later told the Review that park district staff have had that concern since 2022. She hopes much of the leaking water is getting absorbed into the ground or flowing into the sewer. Also at the latest park board meeting, commissioners were informed that the pool would get sand filter repairs — a routine replacement every three or four years ago — after the leak is fixed. It will also get repainted, which is also done every three or four years.

JESSICA MORDACQ

The green space that the Park District of Forest Park owns just north of H&R Auto. for $1.25 million. At that time, the park district looked to buy Mosko’s property, but he wasn’t quite ready to sell yet. The park district was also planning on developing its newly purchased land on Harrison Street, but after they tore down the buildings there, they

decided to leave the lot empty. “We’re leaving that space green at this point, which was never the real intention to begin with,” Gillian said at the meeting. “Seeing the way the public has reacted to having that space green made all of us rethink building there.”

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

C R I M E

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Selling crack out of residence ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

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

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

FLOORS

KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN

STUCCO TUCKPOINTING GUTTERS

LAWNCARE BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Lawn Maintenance Fall Leaf Clean-Up Sodding/Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Senior Discount

brucelawns.com

708�243�0571

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

ALEX’S PAINTING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

20+ yrs of experience Professional, reliable and reasonable rates

BEST PRICES • BEST WORK

708-567-4680 708-567-4680

SIMPLY THE BEST

ROOFING

WESTLAKE SERVICES 312-316-2849

HANDYMAN

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

JOE ROOFING

Roofing repair, tuckpointing, gutters and painting--- bonded, insured For free estimate call 773 297�1121

708-296-2060

Follow us on Instagram! Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

On Dec. 25, a man called the police and asked them to do a welfare check on his friend, who stays in an apartment on Jackson Boulevard. The caller said he was at the residence earlier that day and saw a gun and a lot of narcotics, which he believed a man staying with his friend was selling out of the apartment. According to the police report, officers were familiar with the man suspected of selling narcotics, since he was involved in one of their ongoing investigations, and knew that he had a warrant out for his arrest. Police went to the apartment, where they knocked and announced their presence several times, while hearing commotion inside, before the suspect answered. Police said he didn’t fully open the door and became argumentative, so they pushed open the door to take him into custody. Police couldn’t find the caller’s friend at the residence. Later, the friend allowed police to search his residence and trespassed the man who was staying there. The offender later told police that he had made recent narcotic transactions for crack cocaine and was charged with possession of controlled substance, manufacturing or delivering controlled substance, and his in-state warrant.

Possession controlled substance Around 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, police were dispatched to a reckless driver on Harlem Avenue. They found the car at Exxon and reported that the man in the back seat had drug paraphernalia and that the driver appeared nervous and had open wounds correlated to heroin use. The two were asked to get out of the car, and a crack pipe fell on the ground, according to police. Police also found suspect crack cocaine in a Ziploc bag on the driver’s seat and suspect heroin and crack on the driver. The passenger wasn’t in possession of any substances and was released on the scene. At the police department, the driver admitted to buying the heroin and crack cocaine found on him. He was charged with two counts of possessing controlled substances and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia.

Burglary from motor vehicle

@forestparkreview @austinweeklynews

On Dec. 26, a man told police that he parked his car in front of a Marengo Avenue

residence two days earlier. But when he went to work the day after Christmas, one of his windows was shattered. The man reported that about $4,000 worth of power tools were stolen from the vehicle. He said he’d sign complaints if the offender was located. On Jan. 1, a Hannah Avenue resident reported to police that he parked his car in his driveway around 2:30 a.m. and left it unlocked. On his ring camera, he saw someone walking away from his driveway, and a tablet and phone were missing from the car. On the Ring camera, police saw the offender unsuccessfully checking to see if two other cars were unlocked in the 600 alleyway of Thomas Avenue. The man said he’d sign complaints if the offender was located.

Aggravated battery Police were called on Jan. 3 to remove people from Circle Lanes. When they arrived, the offenders had already left, but a woman in a nearby parked car yelled expletives at the cops and gave them the middle finger. When the car drove away, police checked its registration, found it was expired and pulled the car over. The woman who previously yelled at the police continued to do so, while the driver told her repeatedly to calm down. While police were writing a ticket for the driver’s expired registration, the woman got out of the car and tried to walk away. An officer grabbed her arm, and the woman slapped his face. Another officer tried to detain the woman for battery, but she tensed her body and resisted. After police got her in custody, she was taken to the police station, where she gave officers the wrong name and date of birth. She was charged with obstructing identification, four counts of resisting an officer, and aggravated battery of an officer. These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Dec. 20 - Jan. 4 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

O U R

V I E W

Migrant Ministry Safe haven

t is good news that the Migrant Ministry has found a new home at St. Bernardine’s old school in Forest Park. This passion filled project rose up two years ago out of the Catholic parishes of Oak Park. And significantly it has been actively supported by faith communities in Forest Park, River Forest and the West Side (and not to ignore the atheists and agnostics who have joined in this work). So the news last fall that the ministry would need to leave its space at the former St. Edmund School on Oak Park Avenue was a worry. The Archdiocese of Chicago decided the school building needed to be sold as the costs of investing in the building were too steep. This is a good resolution and brings new and vital purpose to St. Bernardine’s School. Six large classrooms have now been cleared for the ministry’s use. We are in a complicated, unnecessarily complicated, moment regarding immigration in America. Here’s a slice of the local reality. Most of the migrants who found their way to Oak Park two years ago are from Venezuela. They fled the corrupt administration of Nicolas Maduro for the promise of America. Now America, under the Trump administration, has invaded Venezuela and brought Maduro to the states for trial. Donald Trump’s motives for this action are highly suspect and what happens now in Venezuela is unknowable. What is clear is that these good people deserve the support and the opportunity they are being offered through the Migrant Ministry. A ministry now in a location that should be open to them for as long as is necessary.

Barcelona to Maywood

t is a curious thing that the Proviso Township High Schools have never hosted a foreign exchange student. Until now. Last fall Ivet Brugera Sanchez, 15, travelled from Barcelona to Maywood and enrolled at Proviso East. She is being hosted this school year by a Maywood family. With some homesick jitters she has made a place for herself thanks to that family, the cross-country team and some Spanish-speaking fellow students. She is enjoying the city and the wide experiences she is having. While it is a small thing, it also feels new and fresh that East has a foreign exchange student. In a district which sometimes feels beaten about the ears it is all positive that this young woman has come across the globe to our school. And from our reporting by Amaris Rodriguez, it sounds like all the paperwork and regs necessary to pull this off got a little harried at the end. Good for everyone who made this happen.

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

OPINION

Are you looking forward to 2026?

ll we have to work with is to observe where things seem to be headed at the present moment. But where we look can make a big difference. I watch PBS Newshour almost every evening. There they cover national and international news, and at the end of the hour I usually feel depressed, angry, afraid or all three at the same time regarding what lies ahead. Five days ago I read a post on the Psychology Today website which pretty much sums up how I react to what is going on in this country and the world. The world, in general, has been continuing its centuries-long struggle … toward better lives for most people and more rights for disadvantaged and oppressed groups. But the last decade or so has felt different, and this year has been truly depressing and frightening, in equal measure. My list of Top 10 horrors includes: ■ The Earth hurtling toward climate catastrophe (hurricanes, floods, wildfires). ■ Dangerous dysfunction in the White House ■ The fact that 77 million human beings voted for the above ■ The longstanding, unelected, presence of dangerous dysfunction in the Kremlin ■ The growth of the far-right across Europe ■ A far-right government in Israel committing war crimes in Gaza ■ Extremist Islamists, including Hamas, continue to incite violent terrorism internationally ■ The strangely exclusive focus of “the left” (my own tribe) on atrocities in Gaza, while ignoring similar abominations in Sudan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Xinjiang (China), Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Nigeria ■ Increased antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry ■ Increased divisiveness and polarization, internationally, fueled by the grotesque, profit-oriented algorithms of unregulated social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and X. But every Wednesday I get the Forest Park Review and read about: ■ 200 people coming to Constitution Court for a No Kings rally revealing that democracy is at work on this local level ■ The park district puts on its annual Fourth of July event ■ Arts Alliance’s robust 2025 in Forest Park — last year, the Forest Park arts group saw over 2,000 people participate in at least five annual events ■ Thousands of people attend Casket Races and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce ■ The Annual Forest Park Juneteenth Pool Party, founded in 2008 by Mayor Rory Hoskins and community residents

■ Kiwanis Food Drive, 20 volunteers responding to an October call for help from the Howard Mohr Community Center’s food pantry that its shelves were about bare. ■ The park district recently received major recognition, including a 2025 Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Best of the Best Award for Intergovernmental Cooperation for their successful Pocket Parks Project with the village, transforming small neighborhood spaces. Additionally, their Aquatic Center staff earned a 2025 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award from Ellis and Associates, highlighting excellent safety standards ■ The Brown Cow, a beloved ice cream shop on Madison Street, got new business and building owners, Oak Park residents Andi and Gustavo de Fraga, and Sarah and Nick Stewart. It was also the last day that Connie Brown scooped ice cream before retiring from the business ■ Forest Park’s four-school District 91, where at least half of the students are considered low-income, received a “commendable” rating on the 2023 state report card. The rating is the second highest on the State Board of Education’s fourcategory scale When I finish reading the Review I rarely feel angry or depressed. We did have problems like a rat infestation, an attempted murder on the Blue Line, and a woman shattering a Walmart door with a hammer, but from my point of view from the first floor of a condo building on the north side of town, our issues are relatively small and manageable. Forest Park markets itself as having small-town charm, so I started to wonder, Is Forest Park a 21st-century urban version of Mayberry, the fictional small town that served as the setting for the Andy Griffith Show which ran on CBS between 1960 and 1968? Words I found online to describe Mayberry include nostalgic, idyllic, small, peaceful, simpler, more wholesome, quiet, sleepy, filled with quirky loveable characters, safe, quaint, and a place where life’s minor problems were solved with folksy wisdom, humor, and community spirit rather than force. Forest Park is relatively small and we do have our share of quirky, loveable characters, but we are not as idyllic a community as Mayberry. Even the 51 owners in my condo association don’t come close to that Norman Rockwell kind of picture. And yet when I focus on my life here in town in 2026, I feel a lot more hopeful than when I obsess about the dysfunction in Washington D.C., or the violence in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. In 1973 E.F. Schumacher came out with a book titled Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Matter. Size does seem to matter.

TOM HOLMES

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

L E T T E R

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf Staff Reporter Jessica Mordacq Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman Contributing Editor Donna Greene Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Senior Advisor Dan Haley

Board of Directors Chair Eric Weinheimer Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane Steve Edwards, Judy Greffin, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson, Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 6035 PHONE: (708) 366-0600 EMAIL: forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION: Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE: ForestParkReview.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review, PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $48 per year. $88 for two years, $118 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $82 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2026 Growing Community Media NFP.

Holding onto each other for dear life Two hope-affirming events happened to me in Oak Park during the busy week before Christmas. I would like to spread the hope as I share both. There was a woman, a complete stranger, standing next to me on Lake Street and we were contemplating crossing over an icy snow mound to get to the other side. It was a busy, frigid day. We decided we could do it if we hung onto each other so we proceeded slowly; however, I soon began to slip, then slide, and worried I would bring her down with me. She quickly held me upright with

all her might as she leaned against a parked car to keep her footing. We made it the rest of the way holding onto one another for dear life. Neither one of us is young any longer, so I couldn’t help shedding a tear as I thanked her and she said, “It had to be God.” She scurried off with the other shoppers. Later that same week, I went to the Art Institute via Oak Park’s Village (Blue) Cab. The driver dropped me off on Michigan Avenue and I paid him with my debit card which I failed to retrieve as I exited the cab. The traffic was so heavy I felt sorry for him.

Soon, I received a call from Blue Cab company saying the driver was circling the block to return my bank card. I could only salute him with a peace sign as he held my card out his window then checked his side mirror to maneuver back into traffic. I thought, “It had to be God again. He certainly gets around.” I do not know either of these people but I hope they know how much I love them. Feel hopeful in 2026.

D91 BOARD

Garfield Elementary

index score was 64.60% and then we moved to 72.47% for school year 2025, which is almost an 8-point gain in one year.”

Improvement plan from page 6

At Garfield Elementary School, assessment is used as a tool to strengthen instruction and support student learning. The goal is to empower students through self-assessment and to provide teachers with specific information on what students need. There is also a current emphasis on decreasing chronic absenteeism. “We need our students to come to school on time, every day, barring any fevers or stomach issues,” said Garfield Elementary School

Marilyn Jancewicz, Forest Park

Tax levy

During the Dec 18 meeting, the board unanimously approved District 91’s Betsy Ross Elementary. Leaders and staff are property tax levy request. The total propsupporting this goal by strengthening founerty taxes extended or abated for 2024 were dational reading routines, implementing an $19,777,650 and the estimated total inquiry-based math curriculum, and using property taxes to be levied for 2025 are small-group instruction to meet students’ di$20,748,248. This represents a 4.91% verse learning needs. increase over the previous year. According to the Illinois Report “I just want to reiterate that our levy Card, Betsy Ross Elementary School’s is our ask. That’s what we are going math growth increased to 68% in the to ask the county for. It is not what we 2025 school year, up from 49% in 2024 receive,” said Robert Hubbird, District and 35% in 2023. 91’s interim superintendent. “What I really want to highlight According to Hubbird, the amount is the amount of math growth from estimated to actually be received for school year 2023 to school year 2025,” tax year 2025 is difficult to estimate due said Tinisa Huff, principal at Betsy to a high CPI, but the district’s annual Ross. “You’re looking at 30 percentincrease is typically closer to only 1.4age points almost. So that is huge and 1.8% higher. amazing and I’m so excited to see how The purpose of requesting this highour new math curriculum helps us er amount, he said, is to ensure that the move forward even more.” district captures property tax revenue HOPE BAKER Jennifer Uhlmann, an academic from any possible appreciation in the coach at Betsy Ross, said the school Principal Terriyaka Watson presents Forest Park district’s base EAV as well as any new has implemented evidence-based revenue from new EAV. Middle School’s school improvement plan to District reading practices that are yielding “I also want to reiterate that we have to 91’s Board of Education. positive results. ask for our maximum amount because “We’re really focusing on our founif we don’t ask for it, we lose that amount dational phonics instruction and making Principal Mary Stauder. forever,” Hubbird said. “So through our calOn the Illinois State Board of Educa- culation team, we determined that this is the sure that it’s consistent and effective across grade levels and within classrooms,” Uhl- tion 2025 Report Card, Garfield Elementary maximum amount that we can get.” mann said. “And we’re already noticing that achieved a perfect math proficiency of 100% Hubbird said the district has never rewith these routines, students are becom- and ELA growth of 92.49%. ceived what they asked for and instead is ing more confident in their reading skills. “We have some really good data being always allocated less than what was reThey’re more willing to kind of attack these shared here this evening, upward trends,” quested. words that they don’t know and sound them Stauder said. “In school year 2024 our overall The levy will next go to the Cook County out. It’s been really exciting.” Clerk for approval.

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026 17

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

Let the sun shine in... Your right to know...In print • Online

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

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2026 Street Improvement Program This project includes the replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalk and driveway aprons, hotmix asphalt surface removal, frame/ lid adjustment, resurfacing, and other associated work. The bidding documents are available for download starting Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at: Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening. Bidders shall be prequalified by IDOT for: HMA Paving The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. Published in Wednesday Journal December 24, 2025, January 7, 2026

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST XIII Plaintiff, -v.NYKIA WASHINGTON, AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MARSHALL WASHINGTON, NYKIA WASHINGTON, TAMIA WASHINGTON, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF MARSHALL WASHINGTON, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2022CH11378 435 GENEVA AVE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 2, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 435 GENEVA AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-404040-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The

Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-22-08666 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2022CH11378 TJSC#: 45-3141 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 # 2022CH11378 I3278529 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2017RPL2 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.CONNIE FOCA AKA CONNIE CARNES, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CHARLES R. FOCA, DECEASED, JULIE FOX, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CHARLES FOCA, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2024 CH 07842 417 48TH AVE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 23, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 417 48TH AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-401040-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $210,821.98. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325, ROSEMONT, IL, 60018 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 24-203065. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 6400 SHAFER CT, STE 325 ROSEMONT IL, 60018 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 24-203065 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2024 CH 07842 TJSC#: 45-2798 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 # 2024 CH 07842 I3278935

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, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 403024. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 403024 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 20 CH 01174 TJSC#: 45-3133 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. I3279002

of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1820, Chicago, IL, 60606. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC 333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1820 Chicago IL, 60606 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2314458IL_1190749 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2025CH03254 TJSC#: 45-2850 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 # 2025CH03254 I3279245

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.FELICIA DEGRAFFENREID, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 20 CH 01174 1540 N. ROHDE AVE. BERKELEY, IL 60163 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 6, 2023 and amended on June 12, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 28, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1540 N. ROHDE AVE., BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-08-113050-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $137,055.10. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, -v.APRIL JOHNSON A/K/A APRIL AMANDA JOHNSON, ANDRE JOHNSON, VILLAGE OF LANSING Defendants 2025CH03254 1124 BELLWOOD AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 3, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 6, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1124 BELLWOOD AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-16-123075-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity

18 Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION The Money Source Inc. Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; KRAMER RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY LLC DBA PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY; RONNEISHA JINKINS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendant 22 CH 4005 CALENDAR 64 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on February 9, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-21-402-009-0000. Commonly known as 1643 Manchester Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120, Naperville, IL 60563. (630) 453-6960. 7182-183141 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3279256

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank National Association Plaintiff, -v.Hector Espana Jr; Jennifer Espana; Illinois Housing Development Authority; United States of America - Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; City of Northlake Defendants. 2025CH04566 464 HABER CT, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 7/30/2025, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 1/26/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on January 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 464 HABER CT, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164 Property Index No. 12-32-108017-0000 The real estate is improved with a Residential Property. The judgment amount was $213,251.55 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 464 HABER CT into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www. auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser

of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC (630) 794-5300 please refer to file number 14-25-02676. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 14-25-02676 Case Number: 2025CH04566 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. I3279293

estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES PC (630) 794-5300 please refer to file number 14-24-07672. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 14-24-07672 Case Number: 2025CH00635 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. I3279299

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HSI ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007-NC1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-NC1, Plaintiff, -v.ROBIN MCDANIEL; FRANK T MCDANIEL, Defendants. 24 CH 01437 2119 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 8/22/2025, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on January 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on 1/28/2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 2119 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155 Property Index No. 15-15-328064-0000 The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $296,520.02 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 2119 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9

(g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP (312) 346-9088 please refer to file number 24-17634IL. Auction. com, LLC 100 LaSalle St., Suite Follow us Non Facebook 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872and Instagram for local 225-4985 You can also visit www. auction.com. Attorney File No. news you can use. 24-17634IL Case Number: 24 CH @wednesdayjournal 01437 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. I3279320

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE, LP Plaintiff, -v.Bryan S. Lambert; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants Defendants. 2025CH00635 3728 FOREST AVE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 9/15/2025, an agent of Auction. com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www.auction.com, with the bidding window opening on 1/26/2026 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on January 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 3728 FOREST AVE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513 Property Index No. 15-34-422045-0000 The real estate is improved with a Residential Property. The judgment amount was $255,711.35 Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 3728 FOREST AVE into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. The subject property is subject to general real

Essential Civics Accountability.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice:

In print • Online

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year @austinweeklynews @riversidebrookfield_landmark @wednesdayjournal

OakPark.com RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

@forestparkreview

GROWING COMMUNITY Media A Reader Supported Newsroom

Events !"# !"#$ %

$ $ % & !#' &' ( ) * & ( ) ( + ' ' ) + (, , + - * + ' & * & & * & , && . . / . . - + ' -& !"$0 % 1 + ' & 2*+ &1 + !!",3$0,4404

( % ) * + , - . & / 0 % "' 5 & ( & ) & 6 ( ( & ' ( * 7 ' ) 1 * 8&& * ( ) ( ( ' ) ) ' ) + &'8 + + * & & ' !444 9 . & : 1 * + 2 && ; 1 * !<=,0$",0$##

0 1 % # 2 ' ) ' + & ' * & 1 & ' !"4 ( 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

$ 3 4* 5 / "67' ) 4 0 # > ' + 5 & && ) & - + ? $34;@ & ' !"4 ( 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

-+- - & 8 + 9 0 7 !"' $# A+( + ? 1 $ + A+( *1 . . - + ' -& !"$0 % : 1 + ' & 2 *+ &1 + !!",3$0,4404

- 2 6*:'

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Submit events and see full calendar at forestparkreview.com/events

. * & & , +( B ( : * + * ( ) &&' ) ' * & ) C & & ( ' : & & + 1 + ;<= 1 2 ( + 1 + !<=,"=0, ;<;<

( 4 . 8 0 4

"*"7 ( && B(& C D &' ( ( ) + & & & & * 1 E : - ' - & $!= 1 ( * + ) 2 '1 *

2+; 5 8 < % - & 4 0 .= 4 2 % +9) >*:' !#7 ( ' ( ) + ' + + ) + ) ( . ' / . . - + ' -& !"$0 % : 1 + ' & 2 *+ &1 + !!",3$0,4404

1 % & 0 6*:' F * - & ) * & * * * ) (( 1 F * ( * D +: + B + 6 & B && 1 + ;<= 1 2 ( + 1 + !<=,"=0,;<;<

$?9 @ ?5 / 5 3 A G ' + 0,=(+ ' 9 : ' $"/ - + D * : & + & C ( ) & ) ' * #<#0 : 1 $$ H $$ H 1 '1C) 2) 1 #$!,=;<,0"43

% % / 4 & 3 * ) % / ; & . 9 B 4 9 > > * ( & * : 7 ' A&& , ) A &' )) - ++ ' G & A : + 1 & ' , % : ' ="; 1 * (& & 2*+ &1 + !<=,#0!,"4<!

; % > * )) ' * & ( ) & : & && 1 9 ) C I && 8 E * J ) #<#0/ !"#$ % : 1 ) ( 2*+ &1 +

(& ( + ' & ( 1

%& 0 9; 3. 9).-+ & $ CC % 0 4 0 0 ( 4 > A K ? > EA H - 5. . '

4 & 2 5 / 0 4 "' 2 ? ' ' 7 ' * ( (( & ' & - : '1 ? 7 ' ' + * * ++ + 1 - ' 0$4 C & 1 ) 2) ( 1 *

- 4 - * )0- 3 5 % / 4 > 6* & 00$4 & . '

.D & 5 / 0 4

0 1 #'#A , ""*:' 2 A G % ) : ( , - G . , ' 9 ' $= $$ "< + 5 ' ( & O + &' - ;<4 E ? & 1 5 '25 ' 1 * !<=,=;=,<30<

0 * F & 0 5 # . * ( ' : P - + ' ) * + ) + " * * $# * 1 & ' !"4 ( 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

6*:' 2 F * & L$= + M 4 ' N && : & * & ) & ' : - E8 - : '1 - ' 0$4 C & 1 ) 2) ( 1 *

- < E 4 2 $ 4 "' ( 7 ' % % 9 )) ) + . C & K / & ' !"4 ( 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

2 $ 2 4 " 9 + & ' ) + & C&+ 1 & ' !"4 ( 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

+ - , ># :*G7 > * + ) + & & ) 9 : & * & ( : & C +) * && * && + ) &C&&+ 8 * &&1 - !"<< > : 1 * 2* ) 1 * !<=,"00,03<<

-+- - & 8 + 9 0 7 !"' $# A+( + ? 1 $ + A+( *1 . . - + ' -& !"$0 % : 1 + ' & 2 *+ &1 + !!",3$0,4404

$ $ H . ( H - &4 . % 0

0 4 - )

7*G7 !""8!G" && . ' ? *& -& ) " ' / 8 ?& % & && * * ) & 1 + Q* ' / . ' ? *& 0"<3 #0 . ' 1 "$#,400,=03<

"' ' ( * G & .& > : ++ ' & 1 : & ' !"4 ( : 1 ) & 2 ) & '1 * !<=,"00,4#<4

2 4* + ? !"7 5 F , ??E !"#$ %

- & ) + ( ' * 6: 1 && 7 * && 1 ( & ( & ) ' ) ) + & 1

Forest Park Review, January 7, 2026

Free Memory Screens Memory changes aren’t always obvious. If you’re 65 or older, a memory screen can help track your cognitive health.

CALL OR TEXT NOW:

773-300-1000 2923 N. California Ave. Suite 220 Chicago, IL 60618

Free Parking! CharterResearch.com