Forest Park Review 021424

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ForestParkReview.com Vol. 107, No. 7

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REVIEW FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Growing number of women in key Forest Park leader posts

Mike Hill honored for good sportsmanship PAGE 3 @ForestParkReview @FP_Review

Ring leaders

From the park district to the Chamber of Commerce, here are the women heading up Forest Park

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

For the first time in Forest Park history, women are leading several of the main entities in town. Along with the first woman village government administrator, Forest Park’s District 91 elementary school board, the park district, the library and Chamber of Commerce are all woman-run.

“It took until 2024 for that to happen. That’s crazy,” said Rachell Entler, who in September became the first woman to hold Forest Park’s village administrator position. “It was really a pivotal moment. We like to preach that we’re a very diverse town, and it’s now showing in the leadership of the town, not just the people who live here.”

From Golden Gloves to Lyric Opera, Jeremy Ortiz is fighting the good fight, story on page 18

See WOMEN LEADERS on page 6

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

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Youth Soccer Association president wins Good Sportsmanship Award

Mike Hill is recognized for giving unconditional time to the community

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Best of the Best Gala recognizes the accomplishments of various organizations’ members statewide. Last year’s 17th annual gala, which took place on Oct. 20 in Wheeling, awarded Mike Hill of Forest Park with the Good Sportsmanship Award.

“Basically, it’s someone that gives time unconditionally to a youth organization to better that community and the participants in that program,” Hill said, describing the award.

Mike Hill, president of the Forest Park Youth Soccer Association, started with the organization around a decade ago as the assistant coach on his oldest daughter’s soccer team for kindergarten through second graders. His youngest daughter also joined a soccer team, and both played through eighth grade. Hill was an assistant coach until they went to high school.

Somewhere in the middle of his coaching career — he works as a mechanical design engineer for his day job — Hill joined the Forest Park Youth Association board, then became its president around five years ago.

“I grew up with youth sports: basketball, baseball, football,” Hill said. “I wanted to be a part of it and give back what I got out of participating.”

It was this dedication that spurred Jackie Iovinelli, the Park District of Forest Park’s executive director, to submit Hill’s name for Illinois Association of Park Districts’

Best of the Best Gala.

“I had no clue about this,” Hill said of the award. He wasn’t aware he was nominated until he received a call from Iovinelli telling him he won the Good Sportsmanship Award.

“After I got over the surprise, it was a good feeling to be recognized,” Hill said.

And he doesn’t plan on stopping his efforts with the Forest Park Youth Soccer Association any time soon. His goals for this year include getting more kids involved with the organization.

“I’m hoping that we see more participants,” Hill said. “It was strong a long time ago and then the Forest Park kid population dropped off, and now it’s coming back.” But he also said he hopes that more parents get involved with their kids’ soccer teams, citing a need for more coaches for younger children’s teams.

“You don’t have to be a soccer expert,”

PROVIDED

Mike Hill receives the Good Sportsmanship Award at the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Best of the Best Gala.

Hill said. “We just want someone to come in and be a positive influence on the kids and help them learn skills.”

Ed’s Way rezoned to become a 10-unit townhome

After years on the market, local grocery’s rezoning is getting neighborhood pushback

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

In 2018, the owners of Ed’s Way Food Mart, father-and-son Ed and Mike Nutley, announced they were selling the building and retiring. Ed, who’s in his 80s, and his son, Mike, have run the neighborhood grocery store at 946 Beloit Avenue for more than 30 years.

But the beloved store may be going away.

The Nutleys put Ed’s Way on the market with Oak Park-based commercial real estate firm David King & Associates. Michael Leydervudor, a principal in 946 Beloit LLC, purchased the Ed’s Way property to turn it into a 10-unit townhome. The property’s change in ownership also comes with a change from commercial to residential zoning.

Ed’s Way is one of three buildings with

commercial district zoning in around 40 square blocks of a residential district. It’s currently a B-1 property, zoned for neighborhood shopping in a commercial district.

In January, Leydervudor petitioned to Forest Park’s planning and zoning commission for a map amendment that would change the property to R-3, a high-density residential district.

The commission approved the plan last month and, in a council meeting Feb. 12, the council also approved the site plan to start construction on the 10-unit townhome.

Jessica Voogd, commissioner of public property, was the only abstaining vote.

The change in zoning would set back the property’s front yard and affect how much of the lot is covered.

A B-1 property requires that the front yard is set back 20 feet, while an R-3 requires 18.6 feet. Currently, Beloit Avenue is considered the property’s front yard, as many developments on the block were built before modern zoning regulations. Leydervudor proposed that the townhomes are set back 10 feet from the street. A B-1 property also requires a maximum of 80% lot coverage, while an R-3 one requires a maximum of 40%. Ed’s Way

covers 58% of the lot, and Leydervudor proposed for the townhomes to cover 47%.

But Forest Park residents aren’t so much concerned with the details of this rezoning as they are with losing an easily accessible grocery store.

“It is deeply disappointing that the Village did not push harder on the realtor to find a buyer interested in building a mixed-use property,” said Lindsay Baish-Flynn, a Forest Park resident who lives on Thomas Avenue, in an email to the Forest Park Review.

“Ed’s Way served several critical functions in this community, including being a food resource to the aged, disabled, and school-aged children.”

Ed’s Way sits across the street from FieldStevenson Intermediate Elementary School and Forest Park Middle School.

“The zoning commission, seemingly with little pushback or oversight, rubber stamped this for townhouses,” said James D’Amico, a Thomas Avenue resident who spoke at the Village Council meeting on Feb. 12. “There needs to be a little bit of dialogue and community input on what we’re actually looking for when a developer comes calling.”

Maria Maxham, Forest Park’s commis-

sioner of accounts and finance, responded at the council meeting with a story about another development that tried to come to Forest Park. The developer wanted to put in an apartment complex where Pines Restaurant used to sit.

“We followed the same procedure back then that we followed here for Ed’s way, which was putting up public notice, notifying residents and posting in the newspaper,” Maxham said. Residents were against the development and, when they requested multiple changes, the developer walked away.

“The process does work,” Maxham said.

She added that someone interested in putting in another grocery store looked at the Ed’s Way property, but didn’t buy it. “If it was a good, marketable location for a grocery store, it would still be a grocery store,” she said. “To a large extent, the market is going to dictate what comes and goes out of the neighborhood.”

Steve Glinke, director of the Department of Public Health and Safety, said that Ed’s Way hasn’t set a closing date yet and estimated that construction will start on the townhomes in around two months. Nutley declined to comment.

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Terrapin Flyer: A Tribute To Grateful Dead Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside Robert’s Westside presents Terrapin Flyer: A Tribute to Grateful Dead, performing two full sets. Visit robertswestside.com to purchase tickets. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

February 14-21

BIG WEEK

Japanese Soda Taste Testing Challenge Friday, Feb. 16, 4-5 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Have you ever been curious to try some Japanese soda? Now’s your time. Designed for ages 11-13. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Barolo Dinner Featuring the Wines of Ettore Germano

Pins and Needles Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-7:30 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Community Room Beginning or experienced knitters, crochet enthusiasts, macrame and embroidery makers, or quilters: come join us in this sociable creative circle led by Karen Wiebe. Tea will be served. Register at fppl.org. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Piacere Mio Italian Restaurant Join for a beautiful four-course meal, in honor of the compelling and soulful wines of Ettore Germano and enjoy an intimate evening with the winemaker himself, Sergio Germano. Visit https://www.exploretock.com/ anforawinemerchants/checkout/signup. 7636 Madison St., Forest Park.

Celebrate Black Voices Children’s Author Fair Flaming Moe’s (One Night Only) Sunday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., Carole’s Next Best Thing Dress up as a Simpsons character for a chance to win prizes. Drink specials. More details to follow. 7307 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park.

Soup & Bread West Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6-9 p.m., Robert’s Westside Pay What you Can – Eat What you Want. Come out of the cold and enjoy a meal of hearty soups, bread and desserts provided by local Community chefs from Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

Josefina Single Release Show Friday, Feb. 16, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside Robert’s Westside presents Josefina with Sparkle Carcass. Visit robertswestside.com to purchase tickets.

7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

Family Bowling Night Friday, Feb. 16, 5–8 p.m., Circle Bowling Lanes Join for Family Bowling Night, hosted by the PTO for D91 families and friends. Cost is $25 per team. Create teams of 5-6 people with a mix of family and friends. Not a drop-off event, supervised student participation is allowed. BYO food or order from local restaurants, drinks must be purchased on-site. Visit tinyurl.com/mv936psm for event details and sign-up. Contact pto@fpsd91.org for questions.

7244 Circle Ave., Forest Park.

Listing your event in the calendar Forest Park Review welcomes notices about events that Forest Park community groups and businesses are planning. We’ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a

week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Saturday, Feb. 17, 3-5 p.m., Forest Park Public Library Meet and network with local children’s authors, enjoy some live music and participate in drawings for free books. Designed for families and kids age 10 and under. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park.

Mardi Gras: The Windy City Ramblers Saturday, Feb. 17, 6:30 –10:30 p.m., Robert’s Westside Robert’s Westside presents Mardi Gras featuring The Windy City Ramblers and delicious Louisiana cooking by Tom Cimms. Feast on Gumbo, Jumbalaya, Jambalumbo, Cochon de Lait, and Crawfish Monica. 7321 Madison St., Forest Park.

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

WOMEN LEADERS Rising influence from page 1 Jackie Iovinelli, who became executive director of the Park District of Forest Park in 2018, is the first woman to hold the position. Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce since 1992, also said she believes she’s the first woman to hold her position.

Kokenes credits part of her role as an early woman in the local leadership workforce to getting hired at the Forest Park Review, where her father, Bob Haeger, was the publisher and also ran the chamber. She took over her father’s role as the chamber’s executive secretary in the 1990s.

“Had I not worked for my father at the Forest Park Review, then I would not have been involved with the chamber, and then be in the position to take it over,” Kokenes said.

Additionally, Vicki Rakowski serves as executive director of Forest Park Public Library, Elizabeth Alvarez is superintendent of the D91 schools, and Bessie Karvelas is the interim superintendent of the District 209 Proviso High Schools. Shannon Wood is president of the D91 school board and Amanda Grant is president of the D209 school board. Entler said all of D91’s principals are women. She adds that all of the elected boards also have multiple women holding seats. Karen Dylewski is the longtime director of the Mohr Community Center.

Though Lorraine Popelka served as Forest Park’s mayor in the 1980s, and other

PROVIDED/FILE

WOMEN RISING: Jackie Iovinelli, Laurie Kokenes and Rachell Entler

women have held various leadership roles in town, there are more women than ever involved in our local government.

Iovinelli recalls attending a special recreation board meeting around 15 years ago, when she was the superintendent of recreation for the Park District of Franklin Park.

“I remember sitting around the table, and I was the only female,” Iovinelli said.

“Today, I sit on the same board. We share the same association as my previous district. I sit around the table and the women outnumber the men.”

Part of the reason for an increase in women in leadership positions can likely be attributed to societal norms and that there are now more opportunities for wom-

Happy Valentine’s Day

en than there were before.

“I think it was just the way it was,” Kokenes said about growing up with fewer women in the workforce. “Along the way, people realized women can do just as good of a job.” She added, “You get a woman in a leadership position and maybe she brings something different to the table.”

“You get people with different interests and different experiences,” Entler said of hiring women, though she adds, she doesn’t think that’s why she was hired as the first female village administrator.

“The mayor (Rory Hoskins) is really big on inclusion and representation,” said Entler, who is Filipino. “Not that he was necessarily looking for a female or a person of color to hire for that position, but it

kind of just happened that way.”

Iovinelli agrees. “I think they hired me because of my skills, because I’m Jackie,” she said. “I don’t think they hired me because I’m a female.” She adds that she largely developed her leadership skills by networking with female mentors.

“It’s nice to now see women getting the opportunity, just because they have skills and have been put in the position where they can get those skills,” Iovinelli said.

Though Forest Park has never had this many women in leadership roles, there’s room for improvement when it comes to hiring people of color in these positions.

“We probably have a long way to go when it comes to ethnic diversity,” Entler said.

“There’s still room to grow.”

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Forest Park Library holds eyeglass drive As part of Low Vision Awareness Month, they’re looking to help those who can’t afford proper eye care

By TAYLOR HAAG Contributing Reporter

The Forest Park Public Library is partnering with the Oak Park-River Forest Lions Club to host their first eyeglasses recycling drive.

Donors in the area can come in to drop off old sunglasses, eyeglasses and/or reading glasses for distribution to children and adults around the world in need.

The move comes as part of Low Vision Awareness month, an effort that aims to inform the community about the lack of proper eye care, and to promote vision rehabilitation services so those who struggle with low vision.

After hosting donation drives in the past, Martha Sullivan, the Young Adult Services Manager at the library, said she thought hosting a drive for Low Vision Awareness month would not only be beneficial for those in third-world countries who don’t have access to eyecare, but for those in the community that donate as well.

“I frequently find myself with outdated prescription lenses or glasses that are no longer usable to me,” Sullivan says.

“How to repurpose or recycle them is not a hugely obvious thing, so we wanted to give people a chance who might have glasses that they are looking for a way to get rid of in a helpful or serviceable way, and also [help] support a local group that is doing good work.”

A 2023 report from the World Health Organization shows that at least 2.2 billion people globally have near or distance vision impairment. In the United States, about 12 million people over 40 years have vision impairment, including 1 million who are blind, figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 1.6 million Americans who are living with vision loss or blindness are younger than age 40. And nearly 7%

of children younger than 18 in the U.S. have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. A lack of proper vision doesn’t just affect an individual’s personal life, but it also has a large impact on the economy.

According to a 2021 report by The Lancet Global Health commission on Global Eye Health, about $411 billion is lost each year in global productivity as a result of uncorrected vision impairment.

“I think it [the goal of the drive] is to underscore the fact that access to eyewear is something that not everybody has,” Sullivan said. “But it [the drive] could be useful for someone else that wouldn’t have the ability to get them [eyewear] any other way.”

While this is the first time the Forest Park Public Library is hosting the eyeglass drive, officials are hoping to turn it into an annual event.

“We love to do a drive,” Sullivan said.

“It gives us an opportunity to raise awareness to a topic [and] it gives the community a chance to repurpose some of their items in a sustainable way.”

All donations from the drive in Forest Park are delivered to the nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, where volunteers will examine each item for cleanliness and determine the strength of their prescription. They then go through packing and shipping procedures to arrive at eyeglass dispensing missions across the country, where they will hand out the new and improved eyeglasses free of charge.

Along with the free distribution of eyeglasses, doctors and technicians will conduct an eye exam for everyone to ensure they receive a prescription that is exact, or as close as possible, for the individual’s sight needs.

The eyeglass drive runs through Feb. 29 and anyone willing to donate can bring their contribution to the Info Desk on the main level of the library.

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

District 91 votes ‘yes’ to leasing Grant-White Thankful & Thriving on Our 45th Anniversary Roughly 20% of small businesses fail within their first year of opening, 50% by the end of year five, and 70% are finished by year 10. Only 5% survive longer than 30 years.

As we celebrated our 45th anniversary on January 29th, we Scott reflected on those McAdam Jr. statistics—and the keys to our growth and longevity as a business and within the community.

Since 1979, it has all stemmed from a tenacious passion, pride and drive to not only survive but thrive long after our founders have gone.

Throughout these many years, we have learned, developed, and re-strategized to persevere, even in tumultuous times. Surviving the 1979 energy crisis, multiple recessions, and a global pandemic has required creative thinking, strong leadership, and a dedicated staff.

Our business has become a part of the community’s fabric. We recognize that we are only as strong as the communities that surround us; we are grateful to all of you for entrusting us to service, design, and build beautiful outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed every day--and for years to come.

The future is bright and exciting.

We can’t wait for the next 45 years.

A committee will review details and decide on tenants

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The Forest Park School District 91’s Board of Education agreed to lease out the Grant-White building.

The unanimous vote occurred during the board meeting Thursday, Feb 8.

Officials did not decide whom to lease the building to yet and said they will keep reviewing information through a committee.

During the meeting, the Park District of Forest Park and the West Suburban Special Recreation Association presented to the board in hopes of once again relaying their need for the space that Grant-White would offer.

“Forest Park day camp program is essential to the community and currently lacks the indoor space we need to provide to our Forest Park families,” said Jackie Iovinelli, district executive director for the park district. “Opening additional day camp programs at Grant-White would be our top priority.”

Iovinelli also listed additional programs the park district would like to offer once they have additional space including expanding their monthly after-hours programming, cooking and possibly even pickleball. Expanding the dance program would also be a great way to use GrantWhite as well as hosting Special Olympics programming with WSSRA. During the presentation, the park district said they seek a “permanent space,” to be able to grow into what the community needs.

The Park District also said they would be willing to share the space with the district and other park district constituents.

“We pledge to be a good partner and a good tenant to District 91,” she said.

Iovinelli said if the park district were to not be able to acquire Grant-White, their alternative would be to expand into green space adjacent to the main park or expand the recreation center, which would be more costly than to move into the Grant-White building.

The Village of Forest Park was also in attendance to speak on the Grant-White building, with Mayor Rory Hoskins in attendance, along with village administrator Rachel Entler.

The village is seeking “temporary joint use” of the space.

According to Hoskins, the village needs

to figure out a way to address the issues they have had at the community center, which they would hope to transfer some of those services to the Grant-White building.

“That building is something of a social safety net building,” Hoskins said, adding that it operates the food pantry and is also a licensed daycare facility, which accepts state financial assistance for qualifying families.

The community center also houses various programs including the senior center and the adult and youth job corp.

Hoskins said the village is seeking the use of the building for three to five years.

Shannon Wood, president of the board of education, said she had learned from the district’s attorney that if they leased Grant-White for profit they “could lose their tax-exempt status,” but that amount could be added into the lease if the district chooses to go that route.

The leasing committee, composed of Wood, Supt. of Building and Grounds Robert Laudadio, Supt. of Finances and Operations Robert Hubbird, and board member Monica Angelo.

According to Wood, the leasing committee will be on the agenda next month.

The committee will be giving updates every month and will begin working through an example of a lease for reference.

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

9

C R I M E

Attempted carjacking and theft Officers responded to a call for attempted vehicular hijacking Feb. 5. A man parked his 2018 Lexus on Elgin Avenue, got out of the car and saw two people in black ski masks walking toward his vehicle. They asked to use his phone, then both pulled out guns and took his car key from his pocket. After the offenders got in the vehicle, the man told them he was picking up his father, who is a police officer, and would be coming outside. The two offenders exited the car and ran away.

While pumping gas on the 7200 block of Washington Street Feb. 7, a man got into the passenger side of a woman’s 2020 Lexus and jumped to the driver’s side. When the woman started screaming, the offender exited her car, taking with him her wallet containing two credit cards, two debit cards, her driver’s license and around $100. After checking surveillance video, police confirmed that the offender then got into a Volkswagen Taos with an Illinois registration, although the registration is not for a Volkswagen.

Aggravated unlawful use of weapon On Feb. 5, an officer pulled over a 2021 Chevrolet on the 800 block of North Harlem Avenue for an expired and suspended vehicle registration. The driver had a warrant out for his arrest in Will County and was placed in custody and was not eligible for bond. When police asked the car’s passenger to place his hands on top of the car, he reportedly reached for his waistband, where police later found a loaded 9mm Glock 17 with an extended magazine. Officers grabbed his hands behind his back as he struggled, then put him in handcuffs and took him to the police station, where they read him his Miranda Rights. He posted bond and was released.

Battery Police were dispatched Feb. 5 because a man indecently exposed himself on a CTA platform and, when confronted by CTA personnel, became combative, pushing and spitting on the personnel before walking away. Police picked up the offender on the 700 block of Des Plaines Avenue. At the police department, the offender remained uncooperative and police discovered he had a no-bond warrant for a parole violation. He

was transported to the Maybrook County Courthouse to await extradition.

On Feb. 8, a man reported that he was waiting for the 318 bus on the 700 block of Des Plaines Avenue when another man came and started hitting him. Officers saw that the man had a swollen right eye and cut on his eyebrow, and that he was slurring his words. There was also blood on the ground, along with bottles of lemon baking extract, often consumed for its high alcohol content. While at the bus stop with the police officers, the man made several incoherent statements and became aggressive toward others waiting for the bus.

He was taken to Loyola Hospital. When the reported offender, who was walking away from the scene when police arrived, was questioned, he said he had no contact with the victim during his 10 minutes at the bus station. Police found no lacerations or blood on the reported offender.

Assisting police and fire department When Forest Park Police Department units were alerted of a man laying on the Circle Avenue Bridge Feb. 5, they arrived to find him on his side with his head between his legs.

He had vomit on his jacket and was snoring, common signs of an overdose. Police placed him on his back and administered Narcan.

When he became more responsive, they took him to Oak Park Hospital.

DUI On Feb. 7, police noticed a 2016 Chrysler driving without headlights or taillights. A registration check showed that the vehicle registration had expired. After the Chrysler nearly struck a parked vehicle on 13th Street, police pulled it over. The driver was unable to provide proof of insurance, and police noticed he had slurred speech, plus that his car smelled like alcohol. Police found two open cans of vodka cocktails in the car, and the man lost balance while completing a Walk-and-Turn test. The driver was placed in custody and driven to the police station, where he took a test that revealed his Blood Alcohol Concentration to be .169 and was read his Miranda Rights.

He was charged with six citations and given a court date.

Criminal damage to property Also on Feb. 7, a woman reported that on Jan. 30, she was driving her 2023 Toyota. She was at a stop sign on the 7300 block of 14th Street when she heard a loud pop and found her rear passenger quarter panel was damaged, possibly by a pellet gun. The Forest Park Police Department said that the incident is similar to previous calls they’ve responded to.

These items were obtained from Forest Park Police Department reports dated Feb. 5 through Feb. 8 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.

Compiled by Jessica Mordacq

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10

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Do you have DIABETES?

I

f you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. This is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes affects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation.

The key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist.

Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely

to undergo an amputation than those who do not seek treatment.

Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. The shoes come in 30 different styles each for men and women. These include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available.

Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.

708.366.FOOT (3668)

Dr. Linda Lambert

7351 Lake St. (Just west of Panera Bread)

FREE PARKING (on street or lot on west side of building) Aetna, AARP, Blue Cross PPO, United Healthcare, Healthspring, Humana, Medicare Assignment, Medicare Advantage Plans & most other insurances accepted

February 14, 2024 11

CAMP & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section

winter/Spring 2024

Camp Enrichment and

guide

12 February 14, 2024

F

CAMP & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Special Advertising Section

Summer Camp for Growing Artists!

rick Kids Art emphasizes curiosity, imagination and individualized outcomes for K-6th graders.

Check out our unique camp experiences including Abstract Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Outdoor Art, Wonder Art and Open Studio.

• Located in Oak Park • Sibling Discount 20% Supervised lunch break between morning and afternoon sessions available.

Summer Fun at the River Forest Community Center

O

ffering full and part-time programs for parents & tots and children ages 3-12 years of age.

Activities include arts &crafts, games, sports, water play/swimming, field trips, special events, and more!

River Forest Community Center Summer Camp Programs 8020 Madison St., River Forest, Illinois, 60305 (708) 771-6159 • www.rfcc.info

February 14, 2024 13

CAMP & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section

Sharks Basketball Academy AAU Teams 2024 Spring Travel Team Season Tryout Dates/Times

SHARKS BASKETBALL “SPRING IN THE OCEAN” CAMP

Baby Sharks Intro to Basketball K-4th Co-Ed Camp: $90 Per Session | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Jr. King of the Ocean 4th-6th Co-Ed Camp: $105 | 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm King of the Ocean 6th-8th Co-Ed Camp: $105 | 7:45 pm - 9:00 pm March Session: March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 April Session : April 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2024 12:00-1:15p 3rd-6th Grade Girls 1:15-2:30p 9th-10th Grade Boys 2:30p-3:45p 11th-12th Grade Boys

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024 6:30p-7:30p 3rd-4th Grade Boys 7:30p-8:30p 5th-6th Grade Boys 8:30p-9:30p 7th-8th Grade Boys

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2024 6:30p-7:30p 3rd-4th Grade Boys 7:30p-8:30p 5th-6th Grade Boys 8:30p-9:30p 7th-8th Grade Boys

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024 6:30p-7:30p 3rd-6th Grade Girls 7:30p-8:30p 9th-10th Grade Boys 8:30p-9:30p 11th-12th Grade Boys

Spring 2024 Season Information • Season begins March 17 and games will be played weekends only for a total of about 18-24 game • Practices will be held two nights per week in Elmwood Park, Melrose Park and Bellwood areas.

• Uniforms are ordered as needed and TEAM SHOES are INCLUDED! • Season ends May 19, 2024.

Melrose Park Civic Center 1000 25th Ave. Melrose Park, Il 60160 $25 Tryout Fee - Includes Sharks Practice Jersey.

To Register Visit Our Website!

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14 February 14, 2024

CAMP & ENRICHMENT GUIDE

Special Advertising Section

Chicago Edge Summer Camps Return for Another Exciting Summer of Soccer!

C

June 10th to 14th @ Taylor Park June 17th to 21st @ Taylor Park June 24th to 28th @ Taylor Park July 8th to 12th @Taylor Park July 15th to 19th @ Taylor Park July 22nd to 26th @ Taylor Park July 29th to Aug 2nd @ Taylor Park August 5th to 9th @ Taylor Park

PARK DISTRICT of OAK PARK chicagoedgesc.com/club/summercamps

Summer Potter’s Wheel Camps Fun and educational camps for ages 5 and up Sessions run June 10th through August 15th

0 (5-9 ns for p). onday onday,

46 held 0 dents

artists at

Call for more info or sign up at terraincognitostudio.com 246 Chicago Ave Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6228

hicago Edge Soccer Camps return this year for their 12th summer of programming with the Park District of Oak Park. The camp has become one of the most popular summer options in Oak Park with almost 700 young players aged 4 to 14 participating last year.

We have a 90-minute-aday option for players aged 4 -6 that serves as a fun and engaging introduction to soccer. Players will focus on learning the fundamental skills of soccer in a positive and safe learning environment. Our 3-hour camp for players aged 6 to 14 is a great way to

sharpen your soccer skills and have FUN whether you play Travel, AYSO, or Recreational soccer.

Players will work on individual ball skills throughout the week and end each day with an exciting small-sided World Cup tournament. We have 8 weeks of summer camp all based at Taylor Park, players are welcome to sign up for one or multiple weeks. Directed by Murray Findlay and coached by the professional coaches from the Chicago Edge Soccer Club, one of Chicago’s largest youth soccer clubs and based right here in Oak Park. We hope to see you there!

Unplug your kids and let them get dirty at Terra Incognito!

W

e offer fun and educational wheel throwing camps for ages 5 and up. Summer clay camps provide young artists the outlet for exercising both critical and creative thinking through clay. If you want to nurture your child’s creativity, this is the place to be!

Students learn the skills to make functional pots and decorative clay art both on the wheel and by hand.

They will then learn how to decorate their creations using underglazes and glaze. The projects they complete will be food safe, made from nontoxic materials which are all supplied.

In addition, students will be shown the firing process, leading to a full understanding of the entire operation.

With our low teacher-to-student ratio, every camper will get the attention they need.

Morning sessions are from 9:00 am until noon for young potters (5-9 years old) and afternoon sessions are from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm for young adults (10 years old an up).

Each session is 2 weeks long, Monday through Thursday, starting on Monday, June 10th. The cost per 2-week session is $340.

Terra Incognito is located at 246 Chicago Ave in Oak Park. It has held Potter’s Wheel camps for over 30 years. Several of our former students are now well-known artists and teachers. We are thrilled to help cultivate the next generation of artists from Oak Park. Visit and sign up at terraincognitostudio.com.

CAMP & ENRICHMENT GUIDE Special Advertising Section

February 14, 2024 15

SUMMER DESIGN CAMPS

In Frank Lloyd Wright’s Studio

Designing Preservation for the Future

In Wright’s Studio summer camps will explore adaptive reuse, restoration, and renovation practices today and in the future. Campers will develop a new use for a pre-existing structure and consider the architecture of tomorrow.

July 15 to July 19 (Grades 3–5) July 29 to August 2 (Grades 6–8)

Info + Registration: FLWRIGHT.ORG/CAMPS

16 Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024 S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Get a deal while you Dine-In Elmwood Park A world of food to explore from Feb. 16-25

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Cooking is an art, but dining is too. So do your best during Restaurant Week in Elmwood Park which runs Feb. 16-25.

This annual showcase of some of the best tastes in town offers a combination of great food at prices that please. The 10 days of “Dine-In Elmwood Park” are the best opportunity to try something new or revisit an old favorite.

Many restaurants in Elmwood Park participate. You can choose from North Avenue’s famed Restaurant Row: Café Cubano, Massa, New Star, Spizzico and Blue Fire.

Others on North Avenue have deals as well: Armand’s Pizzeria, Jim and Pete’s, Donny G’s, Gringo & Blondie, Red Bottle and The Great American Bagel.

Along Grand Avenue, there are great din-

ing offers at: The Sportz Nook, Tacos 2 Go and Culver’s.

And in the Conti Parkway “Circle” Circle Tavern and Union Tap are ready to welcome you.

Russell’s Barbeque and Tony D’s round out the festivities.

“We’ve got something for everyone,” said Angelo “Skip” Saviano, Elmwood Park’s village president. “Whether you want a white tablecloth experience with a nice bottle of wine or classic tavern atmosphere with appetizers and beer, you’ll find it at Dine-In Elmwood Park.”

Elmwood Park’s thriving food scene represents a striking diversity of flavors. You can travel the world by using your fork. Italy, Cuba, Thailand, Mexico, China, Japan and more are all on the itinerary.

“Elmwood Park is a dining destination for a reason,” said Saviano. “Our restaurants are pillars of this community. They work hard to serve up the best food in the region. They keep us fed, they keep us happy, and they keep us together.”

Places to discover Gather your family, a group of friends or invite a special someone to explore what Elmwood Park has to offer through discounted menu options, specialty dishes and prix fixe menus.

Union Tap 7707 Westwood Dr. At this classic tavern even the awning promises: Good Food, Good Friends and Good Times. Their prix fixe offer invites you dive into a burger, sandwich or pizza along with a cup of soup or chili, then polish it off with a slice of cheesecake for only $18.

The Sportz Nook 7841 W. Grand Ave. With 48 TV screens covering 360 degrees, playing all the most important games, it would be easy to think that’s where the amazing stops at The Sportz Nook. But think again, the food rivals that dedication to detail. It’s a point of pride that custom-

FILE

Breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Sportz Nook

ers say they are a restaurant disguised as a bar. These deals will convince you too: $10 mussels in wine and garlic sauce and $12 spaghetti and meatballs.

Red Bottle 7438 W. North Ave. This intimate bar bills itself as a speakeasy cocktail bar with comfort food and a wide selection of whiskey. Choose between two $15 combos: a cheese or meat board and a glass of wine, burger and a beer, or pizza and a glass of wine.

Tacos 2 Go 7530 W. Grand Ave. This fresh Mexican joint will keep your

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Thai dish at New Star

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024 17

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

you k n a h T !Blondie Massa Cafe Italiano Gringo and ark P d o o 7434 W North Ave, Elmwood Park Elmw 7514 W North Ave, Elmwood Park @gringoandblondie

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Filet Mignon Kabob dinner at Donny G’s tastebuds hopping. Combo specials will fill you up for just $12.50 each: taco salad nestled in a fried tortilla shell choice of protein, lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo, black beans, rice, cheese, guacamole and sour cream) and a Jarrito or medium horchata; or a taco bowl sitting on a bed of steamed rice with all the offering in the salad and drinks options.

Tony D’s 7725 W. Belmont Ave. This premiere sports bar is under new management and has a renewed zest for everything fun. During restaurant week buy one appetizer and get one free, get half off any of Tony D’s signature burgers, or order $1 wings. And who can resist half off on deep fried Oreos?

Everywhere you go, remember to mention the Dine-In Elmwood Park promotion to ensure the best deals. Check out the full list of participating restaurants and delicious deals, then make a plan to visit several of Elmwood Park’s eateries during this annual dining celebration. Your wallet and tastebuds will thank you.

New Star 7444 W. North Ave. Travel by menu across Asia and take a stop off in the Pacific for a favorite, yet

exotic Tiki drink. Freshness is the most important element in New Star’s success, according to owner Jinny Zhao.

When she bought the restaurant almost a decade ago, Zhao transformed the kitchen to follow that rule. As she updated the restaurant space and menu, she wanted to attract a new generation of customers.

“I was thinking that the young people, they do love sushi,” Zhao noted.

So, she added a sushi bar and an extensive Thai menu. To celebrate that during restaurant week she is offering a sushi roll dinner special, buy one get one free.

Armand’s Pizza 7650 W. North Ave. This Elmwood Park staple has been dedicated to top-quality ingredients and a personal touch since it was established in 1956 as Armand’s Victory Tap. They’ve kept the fires going ever since serving up pan or thin style pizza, and an array of sandwiches. Their specials for Dine-In focus on menu favorites. For lunch, grab a slice (cheese, sausage or pepperoni) and soup or salad, pair that with a drink for $7. In the evening you can try one of their beef, sausage or meatball sandwiches with soup or salad and a drink for $9.

(708) 583-1111

/gringoandblondietaqueria

(708) 716-3390

A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED. FIND US ON RESTAURANT ROW! massacafe.com gringoandblondie.com

Gringo & Blondie 7514 W. North Ave. Mexican street food’s bold flavors and fresh ingredients are at the core of the menu at Gringo & Blondie. The extensive menu offers choices and choices. Eight types of tacos. Six different cemitas (sandwiches on sesame seed rolls, slathered with avocado spread, and piled up with meats or roasted veggies, with cheese, lettuce, pickle, onion). Quesadillas, burritos, appetizers aplenty and an array of side dishes fill out the offerings. On Saturdays and Sundays brunch starts at 10 a.m. with traditional items like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, and nuevo takes like French toast a la Mexicana. Toast your brunch with mimosas and micheladas. The full bar offers up margarita deals all week.

Other deals during restaurant week are: 15% off any appetizer or kids meal and half off flan, horchata, horchata shakes or aqua fresca. Prix fixe for $10 gets you two tacos of your choice with rice and beans.

Find out more elmwoodpark.org/event/restaurantweek-2024 Printable PDF of the deals: elmwoodpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Rest-Week-Menu-

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

18

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Library celebrates Black voices through children’s author fair

The event is part of a series celebrating Black History Month

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The Forest Park Public Library will be hosting local Black authors as part of their Black History Month celebration, highlighting Black voices in the children’s book writer community.

“Celebrate Black Voices Children’s Author Fair” will be taking place Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Forest Park Public Library on Jackson Boulevard from 3 to 5 p.m.

A writer showcase has been in the works for a while, and with Black History Month on the calendar, Farnum said they found a perfect time to bring the event to life.

“It is important to really highlight our diverse community as often as possible, not just for Black History Month,” said Susan L. Farnum, youth services manager at the Forest Park Public Library. “It just seemed especially meaningful to have it during this month when we are really taking some time to reflect.”

The event will be held in a book fair style, with authors at tables to introduce themselves to the Forest Park community.

It will be curated for young children, Farnum said.

“We have had a lot of great local authors come to our attention over the last year or so,” she said. “It was kind of an explosion

Provided

Children’s author Tara Levy out there. We wanted to find a way to showcase these great people we have met and their works we have enjoyed.”

Featured authors include Chrishana Greer, Shavondra Walker, Martha Allen, Kafilat Shobajo, True Fiktion and Honey

Our Community Needs Community Journalism It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings.

We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children.

Perhaps now, more than ever.

Thomas.

At the event, Greer will be highlighting her book “Blended Family Love,” a story she said displayed the “uniqueness within the many different types of families,” and the commonality among all of them – love.

“I’m thrilled to be participating in the Black Voices Children’s author event because it’s an incredible platform to celebrate and amplify diverse voices in children’s literature,” she said. “Representation matters, and I want to contribute to fostering inclusivity and empowerment through storytelling.”

The library will also be setting activity tables for children, as well as a strolling magic performance by Magic Sam. The event is part of a series of events hosted by the library to celebrate Black History. This past Sunday, Feb. 4, the library held a Black History Month Community Quilt event, where community members gathered to create the fourth Black History Community Quilt, sewing together their own blocks to create the large piece which will be displayed at future events.

Upcoming events also include “Exploring the Black Space: An Introduction to Afrofuturism and Character Creation,” on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. and “Angelina Weld Grimke and the Theatre of the Harlem Renaissance,” on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

“Local events that shine a spotlight on Black communities are so important because they celebrate the unique talents, stories, and perspectives within [that] community,” Greer said. “It’s a chance to foster pride, unity, and inspire future generations.”

“The library is really excited to be able to promote and support our local writers and creators,” Farnum said. “We are always looking for more opportunities to collaborate. They can definitely let us know.”

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Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Good gizzards … and a plea

By DAVID HAMMOND

G

Oak Park Eats Blogger

was some of the best liver ever.

Williams told me that when he was brainstorming concepts for Virtue, he knew he wanted to open a “Southernstyle restaurant, and there are a few things that really say ‘Southern’: fried off-cuts, chitlins and offal.”

The King of Offal has got to be chitterlings, diced intestines, usually pork.

These are very divisive innards, with some professing love and others strong dislike. I used to buy triple-washed chitlins at Moo & Oink on Madison (yep, gone). Carolyn made me cook the strong-smelling guts in our garage in a crock pot. I added a massive selection of spices, including onion, garlic, and

izzards are offal, the “fifth quarter” meats that, along with liver and chitterlings, are rarely seen on restaurant menus.

Gizzards, if you’re not familiar with the organ, are the second stomachs of all birds and some reptiles that need this organ to grind their food for complete digestion.

A few days ago, we had dinner at Virtue, an exceptional Hyde Park restaurant under the direction of Executive Chef Erick Williams (James Beard Best Chef: Midwest, 2022) and Chef de Cuisine Damarr Brown (James Beard Emerging Chef, 2023). What Virtue does with gizzards is remarkable.

At Virtue, we enjoyed very delicately fried gizzards, dressed with tender little celery tops, pickles and a sauce that I believe was something like maple syrup and miso/soy, served over Carolina Gold rice. I spoke with Chef Williams a month or so ago and, though PHOTO BY DAVID HAMMOND he was understandably hesitant to reveal his Gizzards at Virtue entire recipe, he told me the gizzards sit in oregano. They were not bad. a buttermilk bath for a good long time, But Williams, one of Chicago’s most which tenderizes them. Then they’re accomplished chefs, could probably breaded, fried, and sauced. The gizzards make the best chitterlings ever. were not the super-chewy, rubber-bandy And so, my plea. clusters I used to get from the (now gone) Chef Williams, sir, please consider Brown’s Chicken on Madison in Forest opening a restaurant in Oak Park. Our Park. These were quite tender, and Virsuburb has always reminded me of tue’s preparation showed off the earthy, Hyde Park: largely liberal, educated, and mineral notes of this odd organ. diverse, with an interest in good food. A I met Williams years ago at Chicago’s restaurant like Virtue — with very highmk restaurant (now also gone). I ordered quality Southern comfort food — would beef liver, which was delivered to our be a hit in our village and could draw table by Chef Williams himself, who diners from all over the West Side and I suspect wanted to see what jamoke Western suburbs. ordered the liver at this white tablecloth For the past few years, Oak Park has restaurant. When it arrived at the table, been upping its restaurant game; we’re a young friend who’d never even seen ready for you but please, if you come, beef liver remarked, “Wow, that’s not bring those remarkable gizzards. nearly as horrifying as I’d imagined.” It

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Low-Impact Activities. Walking, chair aerobics and cycling are gentle on your joints but still provide excellent cardiovascular benefits when performed properly.

Strength Training. You don’t need to lift heavy weights to reap the rewards of strength training. Using your own body weight, resistance bands or light dumbbells can help you maintain muscle mass and bone density as you age.

Flexibility. Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi do more than increase your range of motion. They also improve hand-eye coordination and balance, which helps prevent falls.

Even when it’s cold outside, you can stay active when you live in a senior living community that offers fitness classes, exercise programs and workout equipment just steps from your living space.

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20

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Jeremy Ortiz, professional boxer, started his amateur career in Forest Park

Coming off the Golden Gloves and Olympic qualifiers, Ortiz is now hoping to be signed

production of Champion. The show, which ran through Feb. 11, follows the story of Emile Griffith, a bisexual boxer whose blows in the ring killed his opponent in 1962.

“I never would have thought I’d attend, much less be working with them,” Jeremy said. “I didn’t really know what to expect.”

But he soon learned his role: to make the cast look like boxers.

At the start of the show’s rehearsals — seven days a week, 3 to 6 hours a day, with help from his father and Perla Vargas — Jeremy helped Justin Austin, the actor playing Griffith, practice boxing scenes. He showed him how to position his arms and feet, and how to throw punches.

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Jeremy Ortiz, 20, started boxing in elementary school in Forest Park. Though he dabbled in taekwondo, judo, plus football and basketball, he eventually settled on boxing.

“Jeremy was more inclined to throw his hands than use his other parts of his body,” said David Ortiz Jr., Jeremy’s father and coach through middle school and high school.

Now, a decade later, Jeremy is a professional boxer. He won his first professional tournament last year, expanding his presence by training in California and interestingly consulting for a boxing-themed production at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“That helped amplify his name, his presence, his face, his work, but also potentially his network,” David said.

When he first started the sport, Jeremy competed in a handful of boxing matches, then enrolled in tournaments. The first tournament was the 2015 Silver Gloves, a national amateur boxing competition.

Jeremy seasoned his career by training at the Chicago Youth Boxing Club in Little Village. When he left the club at 16, Jeremy had been nationally ranked for two years in a row, and David was an Illinois coach for the U.S. national team.

In 2021, the Ortizes opened the Barracks Boxing Gym between Chicago’s Hermosa and Logan Square neighborhoods. There, Jeremy is the head coach and runs classes when he’s not training.

In 2022, Jeremy won in his weight class at the national amateur boxing tournament, the Golden Gloves. That year, he was also invited to the U.S. Olympic qualifier trials, where he advanced to the quarter finals.

Last July, Jeremy competed in his first professional boxing tournament in Rosemont.

Though amateur boxing is often fast-paced, professional boxing is a completely different style — there’s an extra round, the gloves are

ALEX LUZOD

(Above) Jeremy Ortiz works out in the gym with David his father. (Right) Between rounds of a Golden Gloves fight.

smaller and the boxers don’t wear headgear.

“The biggest difference you’ll find is the amateur will throw a lot of punches and try to score fast,” David said. “Whereas the pro will focus a little bit more on how much energy and the patterns, and then try to deliver on timing and power.”

“For amateurs, it’s all about points. For me, it was more about how many punches I can get off and land on the guy,” Jeremy said.

“Whereas a pro — because you have no headgear, you have smaller gloves — you feel more of the punches, so it’s a lot more dangerous.

That’s why you have to be a lot smarter about how you fight.”

After his professional boxing win, Jeremy started consistently training at California’s Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.

“California’s got some of the best talent in the whole country when it comes to boxing,” David said. “Robert is a world-class trainer.

He’s trained some of the biggest names in the history of boxing.”

After David called Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, Garcia invited Jeremy to attend a week-long camp there in 2022. After Jeremy

won his professional tournament last year, he’s gone on multi-week training stints to the academy.

As Jeremy’s promoter, David covers the cost of his travel, outfits, plus training at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. But David, who works as a national account executive in the consumer package goods industry during the day, hopes another promoter will step in soon.

“The goal is to get a pretty high-level promotional deal at some point,” David said.

“We’re right on the cusp of something.

There’s three boxes you have to check when you go pro for anybody to put a light on you: Are you from a big market? Are you actually good? Can he sell tickets?”

David adds, “As long as those three boxes stay checked, the next couple fights, he should have something on his radar sooner than later.”

Last year, the Ortizes were hired as boxing consultants for the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s

TOM BARNES

“Seeing it all come together and seeing the final piece was a very enjoyable experience and honestly probably could open some new doors for us,” Jeremy said. “For my boxing career, I really want to shoot for the stars. I want to be a world champion and I want to be the next biggest thing for Chicago.”

This year, Jeremy has won two fights in Rosemont. David plans to sign Jeremy up for four others before the end of the year, with the next one being out-of-state so his son can have a celebrated return to the Chicago area.

David said, “Hopefully we can bring a big fight back home.”

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

O U R

I

V I E W

Sharing Grant-White

t is progress and we’ll take it.

After several months of discussion and uncertainty, the school board at Forest Park’s District 91 elementary schools voted unanimously last week to lease its vacant Grant-White School building on Randolph.

The district shuttered the school due to low enrollment in 2022.

That was a hard but necessary choice. Since then, the building has been underutilized though a range of school district activities have kept the site from going dark.

The school board appointed a leasing committee to consider the multiple and intensely interested potential users of the site. This group is supposed to report back to the school board regularly.

At its Feb. 8 meeting, the two most ardent suitors, Forest Park’s village government and its park district, both made their cases once more to the board.

Typically, the village request lacked specificity. It clearly has a range of serious structural issues with its community center building and needs an alternative site for those worthy programs.

Mayor Rory Hoskins told D91 it was seeking “temporary joint use” of Grant-White. He said the village would need the site for 3-5 years. We’ll wait impatiently to hear an actual plan from the village as to what is necessary to repair the community center and if it is in fact salvageable. Then we’ll wait to find out if the village has the financial means to make the upgrades.

Meanwhile, the park district and its partner at West Suburban Special Recreation Association have a more refined plan and immediate need to grow its summer day camp program as well as other indoor programs, including cooking lessons, dance, and maybe pickleball.

We’d ask the D91 leasing committee to sit down with both the village and parks to work out a plan that benefits all parties and shares the space while also keeping some access for the schools themselves.

This has every possibility of being a winning hand for all the players. The district’s decision to move forward on leasing GrantWhite was the essential first step.

So long to Ed’s Way Ed’s Way, the neighborhood grocery store of our shared memories, is going away. Its owners, the wonderful Ed and Mike Nutley, want to retire. The site has been actively for sale since 2018. There is clearly no market for a grocery store to step in and replace the Beloit Avenue institution. And there is a buyer ready to build 10 townhouses on the site.

This is a good, if sad, outcome. Village government went through its usual public processes to consider and then grant the zoning changes necessary to make the new residential use possible.

The change though is logical and positive. It was having a grocery store in the middle of a residential neighborhood that was the outlier — a good use for its time but a time that has passed.

Building upscale townhomes is the solution and we think that will become clear as this project moves ahead.

21

OPINION Coming to terms with Valentine’s Day

V

alentine’s Day is one of the lesser commercial holidays, well behind Christmas and the Fourth of July, so it doesn’t take up a huge amount of calendar-attention real estate. If we’re being honest, you’re not reading a column about Valentine’s Day if the publication date is any but this one. But today it is, so here we go: I never know how to field Valentine’s Day because I don’t want to be predictably cynical. We cannot always choose our feelings, though, so buckle up.

Hear me out. I know I have been candid about my distaste for St Patrick’s Day (still the dumbest holiday and by a wide margin). But I dearly love the pageantry of Christmas and I think Super Bowl Sunday is basically me replicating my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, but with better food, so I can criticize this one with a clear conscience.

As a holiday Valentine’s Day peaks around 17, when you still hold hope that the awkwardness of love’s learning curves can be for one night conquered by the cleanly scripted path of holiday ritual. (Spoiler: It cannot.)

Valentine’s Day quickly climbs in both obligate expense and boozy-tiff incidence until it settles into a place roughly equivalent in import to a minor anniversary despite it often feeling like one :airquotes:

should :airquotes: be doing more. New Year’s Eve follows a similar trajectory.

Eventually, though, you walk into Walgreens, February 1, and everything is red and overpriced and heart-shaped and you kinda roll your eyes to yourself and the word “tawdry” drifts through your head and you think, “Are we still doing this? Haven’t we grown?” and then you realize sadly that this is who you are now. Sadly, because you don’t want to be that cynic. You still want the excitement (on both sides of the equation) when there are flowers before homeroom period. You want the excitement of being young and on a date on a day where there’s a little extra English on you two being there together. You remember what it feels like to make that major-then/minor-now statement “What we are is important enough for Valentine’s Day.” And as you think about it, you maybe come around to the idea that it’s actually nice that we kinda devote a holiday to love. One can disambiguate an idea from its implementation.

I wish we’d open it up more, though. If we let it be less about romantic gestures and more about love, it’d be a lot more inclusive.

Which seems a good thing for a holiday about love to be.

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Happy Valentine’s Day From: Forest Park Review To You! Visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe or call circulation at (708) 613-3340

22

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

Your full-service public library

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporter Jessica Mordacq Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $38 per year. $70 for two years, $93 for three years.

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Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print

by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2024 Growing Community Media NFP.

I

’ve long been a fan of reference librarians. I consider them the most helpful people on the planet. They searched reference books, newspapers and directories to get me the answers I needed.

They scanned microfiche and even searched microfilm when necessary.

Our present-day reference librarians no longer use these antiquated tools. But their mission has become even more important during the digital age.

Matthew Cline has seen the rapidly changing role of the reference librarian, during the 10 years he has worked for the Forest Park Public Library. Cline was inspired to pursue this career by his dad and aunt, who were both librarians. Books are in his blood.

He first earned a degree in English Literature and a master’s in Library Information Science. His college courses, however, didn’t fully prepare him for real-world situations. He has learned mostly on the job, which includes putting on programs for patrons.

These programs can be hit-or-miss in terms of public popularity. So it’s gratifying when they draw a good turnout — or when a patron loves a particular program.

He also gets satisfaction from helping

someone with a complicated question or problem.

Patrons can get very stressed out about what they need to take care of in their life or job.

When he helps them through the problem, they are relieved.

Cline finds it rewarding to be a stress reliever.

Technology-related questions are the most common ones he gets. Cline feels it’s partly his responsibility to bridge the digital divide. He offers patrons eBooks to read and audiobooks to listen to. He shows them how to use apps to stream movies and TV programs. He provides them with laptops and even a record player if they need one.

Beyond helping them navigate technology, the library provides for basic needs.

The staff is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of the Forest Park community. They deal with people suffering from homelessness, mental illness and economic insecurity.

Cline says the social safety net has only gotten more frayed since the pandemic. The library does what it can to help. They maintain a small pantry out front with food and supplies. They also have a comfort cabinet inside that contains hygiene products and other essentials.

They conduct donation drives for different causes, like the Forest Park Cares fund.

JOHN RICE

A

L O O K

B A C K

I N

T I M E

Sweets for the sweet

S

tejr’s Confectionary Shop, 7353 Madison St., was a popular chocolate shop from the day it opened in 1921. John Stejr, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia when he was 18, opened the store when he was 49 years old. A family-owned business with his wife Rose and son Ed, their silky chocolate, the French Creme, was a signature. La Maison de Bonbon, which runs out of the shop today still has the famous creme available.

Jill Wagner FILEt

February 12, 1948 ad for Stejr’s featured heart-shaped boxes and A section of chocolates, including French Cremes, bonbons, candy hearts and even a strawberry heart center brick of ice cream.

They also partner with the Oak Park-River Forest Lions Club to collect used eyeglasses. There’s only so much they can do within the scope of being a library. Sometimes it can be discouraging.

Cline is thankful, though, for how the Forest Park community gets behind these donation drives. They really show up to benefit good causes. “We are so grateful to them for constantly embracing our efforts.”

He is also grateful to be part of an incredibly supportive team. Reference librarians don’t compete with each other. They band together to find the answer. The staff puts together programs to raise awareness and educate the public about pressing problems.

The library also has activities for kids and families. There is storytelling and craft making.

On a more serious note, they will discuss the basics and future of another growing trend, Artificial Intelligence, this spring.

Now that he has found his calling in Forest Park, Cline can’t imagine working anywhere else. So much has changed since the time reference librarians found their answers in books. Libraries are no longer hushed sanctuaries. They are alive and vibrant.

Thanks to people like Matthew Cline and his fellow staff members, reference librarians continue to be the most helpful people on Earth.

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024 23

Let the sun shine in...

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Villages of River Forest and Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Permeable Paver Maintenance This project consists of 23,750 SF of permeable paver restorative maintenance and 5 sy of permeable paver removal and replacement to restore the stormwater conveyance and filtering capability of the pavement cross-section.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Thursday, February 8, 2024 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Surface Hot Mix Asphalt Purchase Bid Number: 24-118 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/ bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 14, 2024

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 ruling body from each participating Village, for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.

Published in Wednesday Journal, February 14, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Maribeth Fromm Case Number 2024 4000810 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Maribeth Gunger Fromm to the new name of: Maribeth Gunger.

The court date will be held: On April 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Fourth Municipal Court House Maywood at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood IL 60153 in Courtroom # 0112.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 14, 21, 28, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE WAITING LIST OPENING Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program Housing Authority of the Village of Oak Park

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2024 Redi Mix Concrete Purchase Bid Number: 24-119 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid.

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal February 14, 2024

Public Notice is hereby given to persons interested in applying for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program (HCVP) in Oak Park that effective 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 through 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, pre-applications will be accepted electronically on the Oak Park Housing Authority (OPHA) website: www.oakparkha.org.

During this time, pre-applications will be accepted 24 hours a day through March 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the pre-application is to obtain names of interested persons who may be eligible to receive an application for rental assistance through the Housing Authority of the Village of Oak Park’s Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know...

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The Housing Authority of the Village of Oak Park will close its HCVP waiting list at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. The OPHA expects to receive an ample number of preapplications to service applicants for at least the next two (2) years.

The OPHA will randomly select 150 eligible pre-applications to be placed on the HCVP waiting list.

The OPHA gives preference to very low-income households who are: • Legal residents of the Village of Oak Park; or • Currently employed 30 hours or more in the Village of Oak Park; or • Hired to work 30 hours or more per week in the Village of Oak Park.

To apply: Please go to the OPHA website: www.oakparkha.org to access, complete and submit the online pre-application.

If you are a person with disabilities or elderly and require reasonable accommodations in completing the online pre-application, please call: 708-386-1464 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March 4, 2024 through March 14, 2024 and on Friday, March 15, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Published in Wednesday Journal, February 14, 2024

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the SCIG Series III Trust; Plaintiff, vs.

GAD IKEANUMBA AKA GAD C. IKEANUMBA; 1030-32 NORTH AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AKA 1030 -32 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AND HENRY SILVERMAN LIVING TRUST U/A/D AUGUST 26, 1996; Defendants, 11 CH 33740 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-05-314-031-1001.

Commonly known as 1032 N. Austin Blvd., Unit 1N, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130.

(440) 572-1511. ILF1810025 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3237038

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST; Plaintiff, vs.

FORREST K. JOHNSON; WYANETTA JOHNSON; 929 OAK PARK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 317 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-307-034-1002.

Commonly known as 929 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130.

(440) 572-1511. ILF2203044 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3237044

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

“ Early detection gave us time to adapt together, as a family.”

If you’re noticing changes, it could be Alzheimer’s. Talk about visiting a doctor together.

ALZ.org/TimeToTalk

24

Forest Park Review, February 14, 2024

communityguide FOREST PARK

Arrives Wednesday, April 24th!

Over 4,000 guides distributed to the 2024 Edition homes and businesses of Forest Park.

• The Community Guide will be filled with

convenient community listings, articles, profiles and more.

• An ad in the publication will get your business year-round exposure, enhance your name recognition and help build your local brand.

• Your business is part of this community and should be part of this community guide!

Reserve your space today

Lourdes Nicholls at 708.613.3329 • lourdes@oakpark.com or Ben Stumpe at 708.613.3330 • ben@oakpark.com

Happy Valentine’s Day

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3

February 14, 2024

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

B1

AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE A GCM GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

Garfield Park resident Mercedes Pickett shares her homebuying experience ‘I feel like an investor in my neighborhood’

By DELANEY NELSON Special projects reporter

M

ercedes Pickett is a West Side girl through and through — so much so that her dog is named Westside. She grew up in Garfield Park, with seven siblings in a home her mom bought. When it came time for Mercedes to decide where to buy her own home, there was no question that she would stay in her community.

“I didn’t want to walk away from such a beautiful place,” she said. “I see the Garfield Park area and the West Side as a gold mine. I just feel more like a stakeholder and an investor in my neighborhood. So, I can work here, I can play here, and I can pray here, because I actually live here.”

Pickett’s homeownership journey began long before it came time to find a realtor and visit properties. When she was growing up, she remembers how exciting it was to see her art hung up on the wall of her bedroom.

“With space comes opportunity,” she said. “To see the freedom a person has when they own the building is something that excited me.”

TODD BANNOR Mercedes Pickett holding a copy of a home buying guide in the living room in the Garfield Park two-flat she owns on Feb. 2.

She saw her mom care for the property and handle the financials associated with homeownership — a road that can easily become rocky, given the unforgiving nature of many loans.

In 2008, Pickett’s mom fell two months behind on her mortgage payment and quickly began to fear foreclosure on her home. With the help of a grant from Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, her mom got back on track. She paid off the mortgage in 2017.

Pickett credits NHS with saving her childhood home — and inspiring her own home buying process.

“When NHS wants me to advocate for them, I do it in a heartbeat because they saved my family home and that impacted the trajectory of my life,” she said. “[NHS] understood that my mother can make ends meet, she just got a little bit behind. NHS gave her a lifeline. So many individuals and banks turned her down because they saw

profit behind her missed payment.”

When Pickett decided to pursue homeownership for herself, she took NHS’s eight-hour homebuyer education course.

Then, she worked with a financial counselor to build up her credit and completed a property management course, through which she learned some of the ins and outs of becoming a landlady and offering affordable housing.

When she started looking at homes, she knew she wanted a multi-unit property with a basement and an adjacent vacant lot. She said she experienced a smooth closing process. Pickett moved into her home in 2020.

She now lives on the second floor of her property. A mother-daughter tenant duo live downstairs.

See MERCEDES PICKETT on page B3

B2

February 14, 2024

AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

A brief course on lending What to know when you’re buying a home

By DELANEY NELSON Special projects reporter

T

he world of lending can be confusing and daunting. For many folks, so is buying a home. There are a lot of myths about the homebuying process — 83% of homeowners say they were surprised by at least some aspect of buying a home.

A major piece of homeownership is getting a mortgage, which is a loan for buying a house or other property. With some input from Gordon Rice, who has spent 30 years in the banking industry as a lender and is now director of lending services at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, we’ve put together this guide to how lending fits into becoming a homeowner.

“We want to make sure that our homeowners in Chicago and Cook County are taken care of, whether it’s through us or somebody else,” Rice said. “We want to make sure that we are addressing the needs of our community, and we get people into homes that are looking for that in this chapter of their life.”

For many Americans, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. The payment, however, is not all upfront. Prospective homeowners take out a mortgage to make that purchase,

which breaks the payment into increments over many years. One of the first steps in the process a homebuyer should take is determining a budget: how much they can put toward a down payment and how much they can realistically pay every month.

The connection between home ownership and lending doesn’t stop at a mortgage. Owning a home also gives borrowers increased leverage when asking the bank for a personal loan. This is just one way homeownership can facilitate long-term stability.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan from a bank or other lending institution used to purchase property.

Once the borrower pays off the mortgage, plus interest, they own the home outright. There are several types of mortgages for people in different financial situations and stages of life.

In general, mortgages are made up of four parts: principal, interest, taxes and insurance.

The principal is the amount of money borrowed to buy a house. Keep in mind, more money paid upfront on the down payment means a smaller principal.

Interest is the cost of borrowing that money

Types of mortgages and loans

“A” Loan: A term to describe loans with the best possible terms, conditions and interest rate. Borrowers must demonstrate strong credit to be considered for an A loan.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): The interest rate on an ARM will fluctuate based on market conditions. ARM rates usually start low, but once the rate increases, monthly payments will increase, too. When the rate decreases, so will monthly payments. These mortgages are also known as variable-rate loans.

“B” or “C” Loan: used to describe loans or mortgages with less-than-ideal terms and conditions, such as high interest rates and fees. Borrowers with little to no credit history or a history of bad credit are unlikely to get an A loan, but may qualify for a B/C loan. These can generally be classified as subprime loans.

FHA Loan: a mortgage insured by the government and issued by a bank or other lender. This loan type is intended for low-

or middle-income earners who may not get approved for a commercial mortgage. FHA loans require a minimum 580 credit score and a 3.5% down payment, but they tend to come with higher interest rates than conventional mortgages and require borrowers to purchase mortgage insurance.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage with a stable interest rate that does not change.

Monthly principal and interest rate payments will stay the same for the life of the loan.

VA loan: a home loan backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs for U.S. veterans. These loans have a low down payment or none at all — nearly 90% of all VA-backed home loans are made without a down payment.

USDA Loans: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service Loans are available in designated rural areas for low- and moderate-income buyers and are insured by the federal government.

— it generally appears as a percentage of the total amount borrowed. Sometimes, a higher credit score can lead to a lower interest rate.

In Chicago, all homeowners must pay a property tax, with some exemptions available. The statewide average is 2.07% of the total value of a property. Property taxes in Cook County are paid over two installments each year.

Homeowners insurance protects the homeowner from all sorts of things, like damage to their house or theft. Home insurance isn’t required by law, but lenders typically require it as a condition of a mortgage. Mortgage insurance, on the other hand, is usually only necessary for borrowers who put a down payment of less than 20% on their home.

Generally, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance are paid annually. But, many mortgage agreements allow borrowers to pay insurance and taxes a bit at a time, as if it were a monthly bill. Those payments are saved in an escrow account until the actual bill is due.

This system helps borrowers to not fall behind on payments.

Why do I need to get preapproved?

“A lot of people start looking, they don’t get the preapproval letter ahead of time,” Rice said.

And unbeknownst to them, they fall in love with the property that weekend. A lot of times if there’s multiple people that want to buy the same property, [so] having a preapproval will expedite that process. [Preapproval] shows that they’re a legit buying customer, they’ve already been given their amount of what they can afford.”

When you apply for an actual mortgage, Rice added, you will do so with the same lending institution that gave you a preapproval letter or contract.

How do I decide which lender to work with?

When shopping around for a mortgage, it’s important to determine which lender offers the best terms. Rice recommends working with a reputable company, maybe someone a friend or family member had a good experience with.

Borrowers should avoid loan officers who work on a commission basis, Rice said, because they may not have your best interests at heart.

“All my loan originators are not on a commission basis. They’re salaried. So, their job is to go ahead and not show any favors to anybody, there’s no extra commission to be made outside of just trying to help the homeowner get into the best possible situation for them,” he said.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE

Some other terms to know when it comes to getting a mortgage

Automated Underwriting System (AUS): When a potential borrower applies for a loan or loan preapproval, the loan officer will run their application through an AUS. The computer program looks at information like income, debt-toincome ratio, employment history, credit history, public records, cash reserves and liquid assets to determine whether to approve the borrower for the loan. While automated underwriting is quicker than manual underwriting, the latter can be a good option for individuals with bad credit histories or complicated financials, whom an automated system may be quick to deny.

Commitment Letter: a formal document that serves as proof a borrower is preapproved for a loan. The letter states what amount the borrower is preapproved for, but the letter is not binding. It is often dependent on listed factors, like a second credit check closer to closing and a home inspection. Usually, real estate agents and home sellers won’t consider an offer from a prospective buyer without a commitment letter.

is a major factor used by lenders to determine how much to loan a borrower.

Derogatory Information: negative information on a borrower’s credit report that can be used to turn down a mortgage application.

Examples include serious loan delinquency or frequent late payments.

Four C’s of Lending: The four major factors lenders consider when determining whether to approve someone for a loan.

Capacity: whether the borrower will be able to pay back the loan. This includes income, savings, debt-to-income ratio, existing debt and other financial commitments.

Capital: any readily available money, savings and investments for a downpayment and other fees associated with the homebuying process.

Credit: credit score history and other records of paying bills on time.

Collateral: Lenders will consider the value of the property the borrower is getting a mortgage for, as that property will act as security against the loan. (If the borrower doesn’t pay back the mortgage, the lender could take possession of the property.)

February 14, 2024

B3

Wait, how do I get a mortgage?

Once you decide you’re ready to seriously begin your home buying search, a major step is to get preapproved for a loan. (Earlier steps include building credit and saving for a downpayment. For our glossary on that, check out last month’s guide: https://ow.ly/szni50QziwS). Below are the six steps of the mortgage process.

Research

How much do you have saved for a downpayment? How much can you realistically spend per month?

Preapproval

Loan application

Once you find a home and put in an offer, then you can go through the loan application process. This will be similar to preapproval, but now you know exactly how much to ask the lender for.

Loan processing

A loan processor will verify your credit and other financial and work history. They will also order an appraisal of the property you’re looking to buy, which will determine the value of the home.

Underwriting

Preapproval is an offer from a lender to loan a certain amount — a.k.a. the mortgage amount they will approve you for.

This is based on information including a credit check, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, ID and social security card.

You should get preapproved before finding a house you want to buy. You should also visit different banks and credit unions to see what your loan options are and get the best deal.

“I usually ask [new clients] to either go through the homebuyer education seminar process or preferably, in our lending group, we want to get you preapproved,” Rice said. “So then, when a property is attractive to the homeowner and a future homebuyer, with a realtor, they can go ahead and make that offer if they feel that’s the property they want to purchase.”

You are now a homeowner! You have taken a big step in securing a stable future and creating generational wealth for yourself and your family.

An underwriter will look at the four Cs of lending, determine your risk level and decide whether to approve you for the mortgage. They may also ask for additional documentation.

Approval and Closing

Once you’ve been approved, it’s almost time to celebrate! You will still have to sign final documents and pay closing costs.

“Don’t run out and buy a car or take on any debt until you close on your loan because it will be found out and it will be added to your debt ratios,” Rice said.

Compensating Factors: elements of a borrower’s financial profile that allow lenders to be more forgiving in other areas where the borrower’s qualifications aren’t as stellar. An example of a compensating factor could be significant additional income, like yearly bonuses or seasonal work, to compensate for lower regular income.

Another example is mortgage insurance, which can act as a compensating factor for borrowers with low credit scores.

Loan Officer: the person who takes applications for loans offered by a bank or lending service. The loan officer can answer questions, provide written information explaining loan details, and help borrowers fill out a loan application.

Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: a calculation comparing debt to income. The amount of a borrower’s monthly debts divided by their gross monthly income (including their housing payment) equals the debt-to income ratio. It

Subprime Loan: credit and loan products — including mortgages — which have less strict approval terms and conditions compared to a typical loan. However, as a compensating factor for the higher risk, subprime products

charge consumers higher interest rates and fees. Many subprime loans are considered to be predatory because they do not appropriately take into account whether the borrower will be able to pay back the loan.

Truth-in-Lending Act: A law that protects consumers against inaccurate and unfair credit billing and credit card practices. This act means lenders must always inform borrowers of all the terms and conditions of their loan.

MERCEDES PICKETT

go to a thrift store, and then have a new relic or new artifact that can fit perfectly into my room, whether it’s a telescope or some Buddha hands or statues. I can have a Chinese [style] privacy divider in a window.

In my bedroom, I put up a big whiteboard, and I write my ideas down. I love writing on pencil and paper but sometimes when you’re in bed, you don’t have that. So, I can just go to my wall and write, and I put “Make the most of your potential” in really big, beautiful colors. It’s really about me having ideas in my own head and my own heart, and bringing them to life.

I was able to get a beautiful, all-black Ger-

man Shepherd named Westside, and I got the gate for him.

I’m walking into each room just reflecting on the space that I have and how grateful I am. I step into a room and it’s not like the thought that I had when I was a kid of, “Oh, this room will be filled with plants and this room will be filled with meditation,” but each room does serve its own purpose.

I really walk around and even now I’m very appreciative that I have the space.

asset for any first time homeowner. That one time, it could be perfect, but if you have a month before closing, there could be some additional things that were changed — you need someone to go in and inspect those things. Everyone has their own specialty. You want someone for your furnace, for your boiler and for your roof. Those three things are top priority. Make sure you have someone look specifically at your furnace, inspect the furnace, the life expectancy of it, and when it was purchased. [I want to] make sure that others understand the importance of inspections and the importance of saving or allocating funds for at least two inspections.

Continued from page B1

About the home:

I have my own office, and that is one of my beautiful spaces where I can create, I can take meetings. It’s all designated to my needs … If your space is not conducive to your needs, it’s going to be distracting.

I also have a beautiful walk-in closet. I worked so hard for this walk-in closet. I have a nice little jewelry chest. I love making clothes, so I have a station for clothes that need repair, clothes I have ideas for. I love thrift store shopping too, so I can

Advice for prospective homebuyers:

Take your time and have thorough inspections. Budget for inspections. I think that’s an

Celebrate!

B4

February 14, 2024

AT HOME ON THE GREATER WEST SIDE

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

These community leaders hope to tackle lending inequity

By DELANEY NELSON and FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Special projects reporters

R

ev. Ira Acree, pastor of Austin’s Greater St. John Bible Church, is all too familiar with the experience of being failed by large financial institutions. Now, he’s part of a multi-faith effort to get a credit union to the community.

Acree often tells young people the story of a parishioner who spent 27 years in the same building — only to be priced out when new property owners jacked up the rent. Can you imagine if she spent those years paying into her own property, rather than someone else’s, he asks? This, he tells them, is why you should pursue homeownership.

But more than a century of discriminatory lending practices in areas such as Chicago’s West and South Sides, where Black and brown people were pushed or chose to live, hasn’t made it easy.

Continuing practices Discrimination in lending is not just a practice of the past.

In 2021, the Woodstock Institute found that at the middle-income level, Black applicants in Chicago were denied four times as often as their white counterparts.

A year earlier, reporting out of WBEZ and City Bureau revealed that 68% of dollars loaned for housing purchases went to majority-white neighborhoods; just 8.1% and 8.2% went to majority-Black and majority-Latino neighborhoods, respectively. They found lenders invested more money in Lincoln Park than all of Chicago’s majority-Black neighborhoods combined.

Acree, who is also a co-chair of the Leaders Network, a West Side social justice and faithbased group, experienced a struggle with lending firsthand. He bought multiple properties in 1990, then decided 10 years ago to sell one of the homes, and purchase another.

But big banks wouldn’t help.

“It was like pulling eyeteeth to secure a loan,” Acree said. “I personally know the pain and humiliation of being redlined against. I was able to navigate around and find a community bank that would work with me.”

Michelle Collins, strategic advisor for The Leaders Network and a former community de-

FILE

Rev. Ira Acree

Pastor of Austin’s Greater St. John Bible Church

velopment banker, said discriminatory lending exacerbates distrust.

“As a community development banker, what I learned is that some people right here in the community, they don’t feel comfortable,” Collins said. “They don’t even try to have a relationship [with a bank], because they feel like, ‘people are going to look at me a certain way’ or ‘I’m ashamed of my credit,’ or whatever it is.”

The disproportionate awarding of loans intensifies the racial homeownership gap by keeping the capital needed to invest out of reach.

In 2021, the Chicago City Council passed the Lending Equity Ordinance, which increases transparency and public input in selecting the city’s banking partners.

“If you want to do business with the city of Chicago, you need to be making efforts to serve Black and brown communities,” said Sarah Brune, director of public policy for Neighborhood Housing Services. “Banks should be analyzing who is being denied, look at the demographics of those applicants and say, ‘Are we seeing trends here?’ And identify what they can do about those trends.”

Lack of financial institutions Communities of color don’t just face discrimination in banking – it’s often also hard to even find a bank in their neighborhood.

A 2021 Brookings Institution study found that since 2010, the number of banks in majority-

Black neighborhoods throughout the country decreased by 14.6%. JP Morgan alone shrunk its branches in these neighborhoods by 22.8% between 2010 and 2018.

Without banks, it’s hard to access capital and accumulate savings in the first place.

“So many times, you have banks that are not willing to reinvest to develop the communities where they do business,” said Collins. “It’s important that people [can] be in the community where they live [and] be able to walk over, get to know people, and it’s right there, a resource. You don’t have to go outside. It’s right here for you.”

Instead of going to a bank where they may not feel welcome, Collins said some people may decide to visit a currency exchange or other non-bank institutions, which may be regulated differently or not safe.

Predatory lending The Illinois Attorney General’s office describes predatory lending as a practice that “involves deception or fraud, manipulation of a borrower through aggressive sales tactics, and taking unfair advantage of a borrower’s lack of understanding about loan terms and conditions.” This includes making loans the borrower cannot afford.

If someone needs quick access to capital to pay their bills, for example, they may seek out a payday loan from somewhere like a currency exchange or a title lending company rather than a bank.

In exchange, the loan often comes with high interest rates and exorbitant fees, which can make paying back the loan difficult.

“It’s like walking in an economic minefield.

You’re just walking, you’re just moving and mobilizing, but you’re damaging yourself because you can never get ahead,” Acree said.

In 2021, the Illinois legislature passed the Predatory Loan Prevention Act, which capped the annual percentage rate on consumer loans at 36%. According to the Woodstock Institute, consumers saved more than $600 million in interest and fees on these loans by 2022.

Reclaiming the power: community organizing and credit unions In an effort to financially empower community members, some leaders are working to bring more, and better, banking options to Austin.

COURTESY OF MICHELLE COLLINS

They hope to fill financial knowledge gaps, as well

Michelle Collins

Strategic advisor for The Leaders Network

The Leaders Network Financial, which is part of the Leaders Network, is partnering with Great Lakes Credit Union to open a full-service branch in Austin, which Collins said will likely open in March. Services will include home loans, car loans, business loans and certificates of deposit, among others. A temporary branch is already open three days a week.

Collins pointed out that the branch will offer financial counseling and literacy, and an opportunity for relationship banking, which will be crucial to building the community’s trust as a financial institution. The goal? To provide community members with a “financial partner” — someone with your best interest at heart to help improve your credit, show you loan options, or find grants to help with closing costs, for example.

“You need a financial partner, you need a relationship, and I don’t think it’s wise to wait until you have a need to establish a relationship with a financial institution,” Collins said.

Self-Help Federal Credit Union, which opened last year, is also looking to fill in gaps in banking and create financial opportunity for the historically underbanked West Side.

Collins and Acree hope new banking opportunities will facilitate more homeownership in the area and build wealth for families who were previously denied opportunities to do so.

“Buying a house is not for the faint of heart. I mean, it’s a major decision, a big step. It takes discipline,” Acree said. “But if you’re willing to make the sacrifice, I’m telling you, I promise you, you’ll be smiling in the end.

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