GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA, NFP ForestParkReview.com Vol. 104, No. 9
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F O R E S T PA R K
REVIEW MARCH 3, 2021
Football stadium dium demolition begin begins ns PAGE 9
239 condos converted to apartments tss PAGE 11
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D209 braces for changes made in fell swoop Board votes Feb. 27 to make dozens of administrators reapply for jobs, outsource IT services and explore PAEC withdrawal, among other things By MARIA MAXHAM and MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporters
During a special meeting on Feb. 27, the District 209 school board voted on a series of massive changes proposed by Supt. James Henderson that included the non-renewal and reclassification of roughly four dozen administrative and educational support personnel positions. The board also voted to bring food and transportation services in-house; to begin the process of outsourcing information technology (IT) services; and to start the process of possibly withdrawing from the Proviso Area for Exceptional Children (PAEC) Cooperative. The proposals prompted significant pushback from parents, employees and even some board members — all of whom expressed shock and awe at the agenda items, arguing that such sweeping change was happening with barely any advance notice, little input from district stakeholders, not much planning and hardly any documentation. Board members in support of the proposals, however, were just as shocked at the opposition to the See D209 MEETING on page 4
Photo by MARIA MAXHAM
LOUD AND CLEAR: Over 100 people, many expressing concerns, attended a plan commission Zoom meeting on March 1 regarding the proposed apartment development on the 7400 block of Harrison Street.
Residents speak out against apartments
Plan commission votes on continuation for Harrison Street project By MARIA MAXHAM Editor
Residents made it clear that they were not happy with the proposed apartment development on the 7200 block of Har-
IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
rison Street, as over 100 people joined the plan commission’s public hearing on March 1, many with comment. Additionally, a dozen public comments, which had been submitted prior to the meeting, were read into the record. Overwhelmingly, the public comments expressed concern with one or more aspects of the project. The project is Harrison Park View Place, a four-story 57-unit apartment building with a rooftop deck on the 7400 block of Harrison Street across from the tennis courts at the park district.
D209 superintendent upends board committees PAGE 6
The plan commission voted to continue the meeting in April, pending more information from the applicant in the following areas: Density, both related to the number of units and the size of the building; traffic and parking; sewage and water management; and light and sound from the proposed roof deck. The applicant, 7400-7412 W. Harrison Street Properties, LLC, was requesting five code variances: a reduction in See HARRISON STREET APARTMENTS on page 8
Opioids an issue in Forest Park? PAGE 10
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
E VE RYW H E R E E L S E I T ’ S H E A LT H C A R E
HERE, IT’S PERSONAL MARIA HUERTA, RN - ONCOLOGY Maria Huerta, RN, likes to say she didn’t pick oncology, but rather, it picked her. It’s here in the Cancer Center, where she gets to use her talent and passion for creating bonds with patients and their families that last for months, and sometimes years, going beyond their treatment. She’s mastered the art of treating everyone who walks in the door like family. Because that’s what it takes to make someone feel truly cared for. For all of us at Edward-Elmhurst Health, THIS IS PERSONAL. ThisIsPersonalEEH.org
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
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In search of my lost mojo
he Cambridge English Dictionary defines mojo as “a quality that makes you successful and full of energy.” By this definition, I’ve completely lost my mojo. Have you lost yours? You know you’ve lost your mojo if: You actually miss riding the Blue Line. You converse more with Alexa than your spouse. You have unlimited time to complete a project, so you never start it. You can’t finish reading a haiku in one sitting. You find that hanging out with your family is all the social life you can handle. Your daily routine starts with getting all dressed up with no place to go. You consider it a major accomplishment to reply to an email, or return a phone call. You’ve spent an entire year in Chicago without visiting the lakefront or attending a concert. You get a big kick out of running the dishwasher. You find skimming the headlines depressing enough, without reading the stories. Going out for shots with your friends has taken on a completely different meaning. Your favorite spot in the whole world is the corner of your sectional. You moved up the start of “happy hour” to noon. You find watching a regular season Bulls
or Blackhawks game to be a sports spectacular. Your Facebook friends are more real than your flesh-andblood friends. You find yourself watching Home Alone 4 despite the fact that Kevin isn’t even home alone anymore. He has his bratty sister stuck down the basement. You feel “stranger danger” every time you walk down the street and see someone coming toward you. Your biggest fashion decision is which mask to wear. You miss going to Sunday church, even with that woman who keeps raising her arms. You now refer to your naps as siestas just to sound multicultural. You are sick of every home-cooked meal you ever learned how to make. You get a thrill just from seeing students with backpacks walking to school. Washing the car is a huge undertaking, while inflating the tires feels like rocket science. When you finally dislodge that popcorn kernel from your teeth, it frees up the rest of your afternoon. Groundhog Day is no longer a light comedy, it’s a bone-chilling documentary. Speaking of which, why do they produce documentaries about disgraced celebrities that make you want to take a shower afterwards? You like playing “Uno” but find the mental strain to be exhausting.
JOHN RICE
F O R E S T PA R K
“Who was that masked man?” used to be the catch phrase on The Lone Ranger TV show. Now it applies to every male you pass on the street. You’d like to help the homeless but haven’t carried cash for a year. You’re bombarded by past regrets and still haven’t forgiven yourself for accidently sitting on your glasses. You fulfill a lifelong dream by staying at the Drake Hotel, only to find the restaurant closed, no room service and the ice machine out of order. You’ve broken up with your backyard grill but hope to patch things up this summer. Your favorite brand of footwear is festooned with bunnies. You long for the day when you’ll need to apply sunblock. You’ve conclusively proven that you’re just not cut out for Zoom meetings. You miss the chance encounters that make Forest Park special but that’s what happens when you cross the street to avoid people. Your feet are getting heat sensitive from too many hot baths. You miss the weekend when every day feels like Saturday. Your passport is accumulating dust instead of stamps. You’re grateful the rest of the “Review” staff still has plenty of mojo.
■ John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com
A LOOK BACK IN TIME...
BLOOMER GIRLS The Boston Bloomer team was organized in the 1880s and brought to Forest Park in 1937 by Emery Parichy, who owned a roofing business in Oak Park (starting in 1926). Parichy Stadium in Forest Park was at the northwest corner of Harlem Avenue and Harrison Street (currently U-Haul and Ferrara Pan’s parking lot). The home team was the Bloomer Girls from the National Girls Baseball League (NGBL) which started in 1944. Though “national” was in the name, NGBL only played in the Chicago area. The league had six professional teams: the Bloomer Girls, the Blue Birds, the Chicks, the Queens, the Cardinals and the Music Maids. Parichy Stadium also featured a great restaurant and museum for memorabilia and hosted wrestling matches. In addition, the Rockford Peaches and Racine Bells from the All American Girls Baseball League also played some games there. The All American Girls Baseball League required players to wear skirts and used the girls’ appearance to promote games. Players signed contracts to guarantee moral and ethical behavior. The NGBL, however, put more focus on the sport. The league annually drew over 500,000 fans by the late 1940s..
–Jill Wagner
REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Senior Editor Bob Uphues Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review 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: $28 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $36 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K
REVIEW Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alexa@oakpark.com. All photos become property of Forest Park Review for possible future use in print or digital capacities.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
D209 MEETING Widespread changes from page 1 changes. They said the realignments had been discussed at previous meetings and a board retreat. They also said the changes will be positive for the district and will benefit students. The meeting happened at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday. The agenda was posted online but did not include any hyperlinks directing the public to accompanying documentation for each agenda item — a feature common to the board’s regular meetings but uncommon for committee and special meetings. All of the changes except one were enacted by a 4-2 vote, with board President Rodney Alexander, and members Della Patterson, Theresa Kelly and Sam Valtierrez voting in favor of the changes. Members Amanda Grant and Claudia Medina voted against the changes. Member Ned Wagner abstained from voting on the PAEC agenda item before leaving the meeting early due to another commitment. Thirty-nine administrative positions reclassified, employees must re-apply With no supporting documentation made available to the public, the D209 board paved the way for the superintendent to make sweeping administrative changes by voting to reclassify the positions of dozens of employees in the district. In total, 39 D209 staff members at various levels of administration were affected, including the principals of PMSA and Proviso East, and the assistant principal at Proviso West. William Breisch, the principal of the Proviso Math and Science Academy, and seven other administrative employees whose contracts are not expiring at the end of the school year or are tenured, were reclassified to teaching positions. Along with Breisch, the following employees were reclassified as teachers: Fred Aguirre (assistant principal of student support at Proviso East), Joseph Kosina (assistant principal at Proviso West), Ernest Travis (a dean at Proviso West), Dylester Palm (a dean at Proviso East), Carla Williams (a lead counselor at Proviso West), Alexander Aschoff and Heather Wickey. Another 31 employees, including Dr. Patrick Hardy, the principal of Proviso East, whose contracts are expiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year, are not being renewed. In executive session, the board discussed new positions and a new administrative structure, but this was not provided to the public. Medina and Grant voted against approving new positions. Wagner wasn’t present. Board members Grant and Medina voted against the reclassifications and terminations. Wagner wasn’t present for this part of the meeting. Alexander, Kelly, Patterson and Valtierrez voted in favor.
RODNEY ALEXANDER Medina expressed concern that the people being reclassified were not made aware of what their new salaries would be, and that losing so many collective years of experiences and “institutional knowledge” would be detrimental to the district. “I think that this is a mistake,” Medina said. “We don’t have any descriptions of any of the new classified positions for us to make this determination. There is just a page [in the board packet] with a list of the reorganization. There are no descriptions. For each one I was told I was I would receive the information describing each one of these positions, and yet I have nothing. It is a mistake for us to be voting on this at this moment.” Patterson made a point of asking Henderson if he had provided board members with a “salary analysis,” and he said he had on Jan. 30, the date of the board retreat. Medina pointed out, however, that a salary analysis is not the same as position descriptions. The restructuring was purportedly done based on audits performed earlier in the school year. Henderson first made reference to these audits during the Oct. 13 board
AMANDA GRANT
THERESA KELLY
meeting. “The audit team will come in and take a look at technology, take a look at human resources, finance and above all, academics,” Henderson said during that meeting. “And we’re expecting that cost to be nominal, not even enough to bring to you, because I have done a lot of the work. But we need experts in the area of finance, academics, to help us sort all of that out. And then we’ll present those findings to you in December.” During the Oct. 13 meeting, when Medina asked what “nominal” meant, in terms of the cost, Henderson responded with, “Less than $25,000 each,” meaning that he didn’t need board approval for the audits since the amount was less than that which would require board approval. Those findings were never presented to the board, however. Not in December, and not in subsequent meetings. And they were never discussed publicly in a board meeting until Feb. 27, during which sweeping changes were made based on these reports that have not been published on the district’s website and were not made available to the
The other employees affected are:
Scott Anderson Dr. Alexander Brandon Dr. Nicholas Browder Dr. Melvin Caldwell (dean at Proviso East) Salandra Crockett (dean at Proviso East) Michelle Hassan Brian Hesik (department chair of Mathematics, CTE, Health at PMSA) Dr. Maxine Jeremiah (assistant principal at Proviso West) Robyn Lee-Diaz Angela Marino Stephen Ngo Marilyn Rouse Daniel Savage Dr. Nicole Williams (deputy superintendent for Transformation) Michael Wollney Dr. Jeremy Burnham (manager of English Language Learners) Cristin Chiganos (department chair of English and World Languages at PMSA) Daniel Johnson (assistant superintendent of Human Resources)
Dr. Greta Mitchell Williams (Curriculum, Assessment & Program Evaluation) Antionette Rayburn (manager of Career Readiness and Student Programming) Vanessa Schmitt (director of Specialized Services). Tracy Avant-Bey (technology director) Luis Correa (assistant network manager) James Krolik (lead network administrator) Jeffrey Leyba (senior network engineer) Alfred McDonald (maintenance department at Proviso East) Donald Mobley (security supervisor) Levertis Robinson (building security supervisor at Proviso West) LT Taylor (district lead buildings and grounds manager) Nicole Wilson (district communications director)
press. In an Oct. 29 response to a FOIA request for a copy of the contracts of the auditors, the district responded: “The District states that the current employees: Dr. Nicole Williams and Dr. James L. Henderson will complete most of the transition audit. Also Dr. Henderson is currently interviewing candidates to complete the team in the areas of Technology and Finance.”
Outsourcing the technology department; bringing transportation and food services in-house Some of the terminations made during the Feb. 27 meeting were of technology administrators in the district, including Technology Director Tracey Avant-Bey. Additionally, the board voted to approve the issuance of a request for proposal to outsource “technology management” after Medina’s motion to table that vote failed, along with votes on two other agenda items: bringing both food services and student transportation in district. Grant said she had heard about food services and transportation in a “Chat and Chew” in January with the superintendent. And although the ideas had been brought up before, specifics, such as budgets and timelines, had never been provided, nor had the public been able to give feedback. Grant added that she also did not see an audit that the superintendent said was conducted into the district’s IT department. According to an employee who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, someone from outside of the district had conducted an IT audit late last year where an auditor asked IT employees a series of questions. There was a report drafted, but the superintendent has not shared that report with IT personnel, according to the employee. The employee said 18 people work in the IT department and anywhere from six to eight of them are members of Proviso Council, Local 571. “This may very well be the first step toward the privatization of the tech department but the decision to do such is not what is being considered tomorrow,” said Thomas Smith, field service director for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, in an email statement sent Friday. “If the board decides to take such action to privatize they will need to follow the procedures defined in [the state school code]. The code specifies written notices, public hearings and required benefits for employees among other things before privatizing public services. That said, the union is opposed to privatization of public services. It is the union’s belief that it is better for public services to be provided by public agencies, like school boards, rather than private
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021 companies.” Brion Grant, a union representative for Local 571 who works security at Proviso East, said many IT workers were afraid that they’ll lose their jobs and pleaded with the administration to listen to the workers and their concerns. “When IT is called into a meeting and when they come away from that meeting and feel like their job is being threatened, they’re hurt,” he said. “And a lot of us feel like that was the beginning of something we might not want to see coming, which is CLAUDIA MEDINA DELLA PATTERSON SAM VALTIERREZ the outsourcing of jobs.” “It seems like he’s getting rid “We have the final say on whatever Henof everybody,” the employee requesting an- formation presented to both board members onymity said, referencing Henderson. “We and the public before the vote was made. In derson brings up here,” he said. But only Medina and Grant voted to table are all afraid we’re going to be unemployed terms of bringing food and the bus service in-house, “I’m all for it,” Grant said, adding the three items. And only Grant and Medina by July.” that the district would have better control. voted against each of the three items, all of “We need our time to do our due dili“But I am saying in order to make an inwhich passed. gence,” Grant said at Saturday’s meeting. “I’m asking that we table these until we formed decision as a board member, and in order to be transparent with the public, District weighs withdrawing some have a chance to do that.” these items need to be information items a students from PAEC Collaborative “It’s an indictment against every board month at least before we vote on it,” Grant member that says they don’t know what’s During the Feb. 27 meeting, the D209 going on up here, because the rest of us do,” said. She added that as someone who has at- board also voted 4-2 on a motion to “begin Alexander responded. “There may be some need for clarification … but we’re not voting tended every meeting, she “had no idea” the process of withdrawing” from the Prothat these items were coming up for vote on viso Area for Exceptional Children (PAEC) up here about stuff we don’t know. Collaborative. Saturday. “For people that want to mischaracterize Alexander, Kelly, Patterson and Valtier“I had no chance to do comparison with our commitment to this district, to these schools, so be it,” Alexander added. “I could other school districts who have outsourced rez voted in favor of the motion while Grant really care less. I could really care less what IT,” Grant said. “What does that look like? and Medina voted against it. Wagner abstained. How much does that cost?” you think.” The vote happened after a tense exchange Grant also said that the public, which had Alexander said improvements made in the district speak for themselves and for the 48 hours or less to see the agenda, were look- between some members over the wording of ing at these items for the first time in many the motion and whether the vote was neceswork that the board does. sary since the superintendent already has Grant said she thought the board needed cases. “That can’t be healthy to do business as a the authority to explore the effectiveness of to see the results of the aforementioned PAEC. audits that Henderson had commissioned board,” Grant said. Medina wanted to know if the district had Alexander said the process shouldn’t get prior to making decisions based on informain the way of progress and “just because we conducted a cost analysis before voting on tion in those analyses. “I would like to know where those audits didn’t like the way Doc [Henderson] did it,” the motion to withdraw. Alexander said are,” Grant said during the meeting. “We it doesn’t mean that the board shouldn’t ap- that the word “withdraw” should not have have a snippet of them in what was provid- prove items brought forth by the superin- been in the motion but would not grant Medina’s request to remove the word from the ed to us at the board retreat. I have never tendent. “This board still has the final decision,” motion. seen a final product. And more importantly, “What if we change the language?” MeI don’t believe the public has seen a final Alexander said, stating that when Henderson brings a contract to the board for ap- dina said. product.” “What if you just accept the explanation,” It wasn’t the issues themselves that gave proval, if they don’t like it, they can still Alexander responded. “Are we going to Grant pause, she said; it was the lack of in- vote it down. Public comment cut off During the public comment section of the meeting, one PMSA teacher was allowed to address the board in person. All other comments were required to be submitted via an online form and be in video format. But Alexander was inconsistent in enforcing what he said was board policy that the videos needed to show the face of the speaker. During the meeting, the beginning of a video comment from teacher’s union president Maggie Riley was played, but Alexander cut it off because the viewers couldn’t see her in the video. Just a few minutes earlier, however, he
had allowed an entire video comment from a resident to be played that did not show the speaker’s face. Upon cutting off Riley’s video, Alexander explained why he had made that decision. “The purpose of providing a video is to be able to see you face to face,” Alexander said. He added, “If we’re gonna hold the public to those types of standards, we definitely expect that from our employees, and especially from our union, so we’re going to cease and desist.” During the new business part of the meeting, Medina brought up the submission of public comment as something that
needed to be addressed, stating that some people don’t have the capability of sending in a video and requesting that a photo be allowed along with written comment. She also stated that she didn’t agree with Riley’s comments being “censored.” Alexander suggested she work with Henderson to address concerns related to public comment, “if you’re willing to work with us” he added. “I’m always willing to work with you,” Medina said. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” said Alexander.
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NED WAGNER table this for two more weeks because of a word? [….] The wording is confusing, but we’ve clarified that.” Henderson said that the administration “is just simply asking the board to allow us the opportunity to begin the process of planning for withdrawing from PAEC and prepare a resolution to that [effect], but it’s a long, drawn-out process. [If we were to do this], we would have to inform PAEC and the state at least one year ahead of time. I was just simply asking to do a deep dive into PAEC and then make a recommendation to the board.” The board’s attorney said that investigating the feasibility of withdrawing from PAEC “doesn’t require an action item,” but board members in support of the motion said that Henderson was erring on the side of transparency by bringing the matter before the board. “This is transparency that he’s asking the board beforehand and when we’re talking about withdrawing students from PAEC, I believe we have 200 students [who attend PAEC and] he’s talking about 84 students, not the entire student population, at PAEC. This is a specific group of students he’s speaking of.” Grant said that she interpreted the action item before the board as saying that the superintendent had already conducted a degree of analysis into the possibility of withdrawing some students from PAEC, including examining the impact on families, personnel and the budget. “When I read the first paragraph, it seems to me that some of this has already been done, but not yet presented,” she said. “So, I think we’re putting the cart before the horse.” Many of the community members who spoke during public comment on Feb. 27 echoed Grant’s and Medina’s outrage. “The suggestion of a new superintendent from out of state just looking at the numbers and thinking he can go ahead and say, ‘Let’s exit PAEC’ without having all the facts or the history is ludicrous,” said Katherine Sorensen of Maywood. “Parents have to have a voice in this … You need to bring parents and students in, because they’re the ones impacted.”
CONTACT: maria@forestparkreview.com
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
D209 superintendent overhauling board committees ‘We must remain in our lanes,’ says superintendent By MARIA MAXHAM Editor
At the Feb. 9 regular meeting of the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 board of education, it was revealed that all board committees are being overhauled based on a plan Superintendent James Henderson outlined to board members at the Jan. 30 board retreat. During the new business section of the meeting, board member Amanda Grant opened a discussion on the topic. “At the board retreat, Dr. Henderson outlined a whole new set of committees that kind of obliterated the old ones,” said Grant. “And I really think that any discussion about or decision about committees needs to be board-led.” During the meeting, Henderson suggested that there would be eight new committees established based on and to oversee district policy. But because it was not an action item, no information about the new committees was provided in the packet available to the public online. “As I shared with you at the retreat, you have one employee. And that’s me,” Henderson said to the board at the Feb. 9 meeting. “And your role, other than hiring a superintendent and an attorney, is to govern. And you govern through policies. Not day to day operations. The committees that I’ve seen have been performing as day-to-day operations. We must remain in our lanes.”
But board members Amanda Grant and Ned Wagner stated clearly that they felt the committees, especially the finance and facilities committee, should remain as is. “Committee meetings are a window to the public … a window and an opportunity for engagement of the public, for our parents, for our stakeholders, for our community members,” Grant said during the meeting. Grant, who chairs the Finance and Facilities Committee, pointed out the necessity of that particular committee, stating that in the board member’s oath of office, the very first thing sworn by each member is to “respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of the school district’s assets.” “If we do not make sure that these assets are spent wisely and properly and legally and in the best way possible for our students, then we can’t accomplish anything else on this list,” Grant said. Grant called it “shortsighted” to assume that because the district is no longer under the watch of the state’s Financial Oversight Panel and has a financial plan in place that it’s time to abolish the Finance and Facilities Committee. Rather, Grant said, the district got to a place of solid financial footing with the help of the committee. She added: “I hate to say it, and I hope I’m wrong. But I predict problems if we take our eyes off finances, I really do.” Wagner agreed that the finance and facilities committee is crucial and should be kept intact. He said that in particular the Facilities Master Plan, which included a “huge community outreach program” and involves tens of millions of dollars over the next few years, should continue to have an extra set of eyes on it.
Free COVID-19 testing at village hall this weekend By MARIA MAXHAM Editor
Free COVID-19 testing through the Illinois Department of Public Health will be held at village hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, on March 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration at rebrand.ly/idph is recommended. The tests will be conducted inside village hall, so those wishing to be tested should park in the lot and enter the building. Masks are required. Tests are free, but if you have insurance, bring your card or information to the testing site. Results will be available within several days of the test.
“It’s a once in a generation opportunity for the school district,” Wagner said. Like Grant, Wagner also brought up the need to keep the district’s finances in order and ensure there is enough oversight. “We are only one year out from not having a Financial Oversight Panel from the state,” Wagner said. He went on to say, “The school district has a history of not doing things right, on a large scale. And so, to me, I mean, I’m a big proponent of at least maintaining the Finance and Facilities Committee.” Board president Rodney Alexander, however, objected strongly to Wagner and Grant bringing up the history of the board and prior financial mismanagement as a reason to keep the committee. “There’s a lot of talk about the history of the district,” Alexander said. “I have no responsibility or bear no accountability to the public about the history that I was not a part of. Nor will I try to appease them about history that I was not a part of. You judge me by the work that I’ve done since I’ve been on this board.” Board member Della Patterson was outspoken about her disapproval of committees in general because, she said, staff tend to defer to board members sitting as chairs of committees. “Here’s what happens when you have
board members that chair committees,” Patterson said. “I’m the employee, you’re the board member. It gets to the point where you tell me or think you can tell me what to do. And when you’re in the position as an employee, what do you do? You kind of do what the board members say do.” Board member Sam Valtierrez said that several years ago, when the current board members were new and the district had significant issues, committees were needed, but this is no longer the case. “Back then, we did need all these committees because we had serious issues,” Valtierrez said. “But we came a long way.” He added: “Henderson is just gearing us to a different way, different methods, different strategy to keep the board moving forward.” Board member Theresa Kelly said she would wait to see the final proposed committees from Henderson before making a decision on the issue. Presumably, the board will vote during an upcoming meeting on the committees proposed and outlined by Henderson. The Forest Park Review requested information about the new committees on Feb. 21 from the district’s communications director, board president Rodney Alexander and the superintendent, but no response had been provided by March 1.
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Teacher shortages seen statewide not as severe in suburban Cook schools
67 percent of superintendents say they have shortages in recent survey; finding subs also a concern By SARAH MANSUR Capitol News Illinois
A shortage of teachers in Illinois public schools isn’t quite as severe in the suburban Cook County districts that participated in a new study from a regional superintendents group. While two-thirds of the 67 districts that responded to the survey indicated at least a “minor” problem with filling teaching positions, the percentage is lower than it is statewide (77 percent). The findings are part of the 2020 Illinois Educator Shortage Study, which will be released Monday by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools. Seven regions were established for the study. Teacher shortages are most severe in the west central Illinois region, where 89 percent of school superintendents indicated at least a minor problem. The southwest (87 percent), southeast (84 percent) and east central (84 percent) regions were also above the state average. Mark Klaisner, president of the IARSS and director of the West 40 regional school district in Hillside, said the schools in suburban Cook County and the northeast region face a less severe teacher shortage problem than some downstate areas, in part, because they have greater local revenue streams and thus are able to offer higher salaries. “We have less of a problem attracting talented teachers and administrators, and some of that is money (in the school system), and salaries,” Klaisner said. In Illinois, many school districts receive nearly two-thirds of their funding through a portion of local property tax revenues, which rely heavily on real estate values and population density. Klaisner said the region’s proximity to a metropolitan area also helps draw teachers and administrators. Of the 853 school districts in the state, 591 districts responded to the IARSS survey and only 47 percent of suburban Cook County schools responded. Nine percent of responding school superintendents in suburban Cook County described the teacher shortage problem as serious, while 19 percent described the problem as major. Of 5,414 total posted teacher positions statewide, 938 of those positions, or 17 per-
cent, were unfilled or filled with less-thanqualified hires, school districts reported. Among survey respondents, 62 percent of districts in suburban Cook County reported having fewer qualified applicants for teaching positions in 2020 than in previous years, and 77 percent reported expecting serious to minor teacher shortages in the coming two years. Statewide, teacher shortage issues in schools resulted in 257 classes canceled and 195 classes converted to online instruction in the past year, the study found. Of the 67 school districts in Cook County that responded to the survey, only six canceled classes and only four converted classes due to teacher shortage problems. Overall, 16 classes were canceled and 13 moved online. While suburban Cook County schools aren’t having quite the same difficulty in hiring teachers as the rest of the state, its difficulties in filling substitute teaching positions is more on par with the statewide problem. Klaisner said substitute shortages are also a growing issue for schools in suburban Cook County, with 88 percent of superintendents responding that the problem is worse than it was five years ago and 93 percent of districts reporting at least a “minor” problem. Of the survey’s respondents, 73 percent in the county called the shortage of substitute teachers a “serious” or “major” problem. Klaisner said many school districts in his region employ substitute teachers who are retired instructors who wish to continue teaching on a limited basis. “Older retired teachers were more subject to concerns during COVID, and so the substitute pool dropped as well, which was something that many districts were relying on,” he said. Statewide, 93 percent of districts reported a substitute teacher shortage problem and 86 percent reported the problem is worse than in years past. The IARSS study recommends that state education leaders “collaborate to develop robust and targeted educator pipeline programs and/or statewide incentives that address educator shortages in a systemic and sustainable way.” Recommendations to the General Assembly and state leaders also include a state-sponsored loan forgiveness program for teachers and leaders who work in the most hard-tostaff schools, positions and areas of the state. The study also proposes that the Illinois General Assembly consider changes to the Teachers’ Retirement System that could provide further incentives for people to enter the teaching profession. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
NORTH ELEVATION: This rendering from Pappageorge Haymes Partners shows what the proposed apartment building on Harrison Street across from the park would look like.
HARRISON STREET APARTMENTS
units in the proposed development. “There are 37 to 38 dwelling units on the block now,” Barbahen said, and adding 57 new units “increases the number of units on the block by 150 percent, which in my view adds too much density to the block.” Traffic and parking were also issues brought up by residents and plan commissioners during the meeting. A traffic study submitted by the applicant, with pre-pandemic data from 2018, was not approved by village engineers for several reasons, including a lack of traffic count volumes from some of the intersections along Harrison Street. There was also an unresolved conversation during the meeting about whether traffic improvements related to the new project should be based on comparisons with the now-defunct businesses or with the lounge and restaurant in their heydays, when they added traffic to the area. Safety was also a traffic-related concern. Since the new apartment building would be across the street from the park, residents expressed worry about children and other people crossing the street and being in danger. This danger, they said, could be escalated since the applicant was asking for a variance in corner vision clearance from 5
feet to zero feet. In terms of parking, public sentiment overwhelmingly reflected the opinion that the requested variance from the required 114 spaces to 68 spaces should not be granted. Although the petitioner referenced Census data suggesting vehicle ownership for renters in the village was, on average, 1.03 vehicles per rental dwelling, many residents spoke out, saying that just because the apartments are close to the Blue Line CTA station and apartment dwellers might take the train to work, it doesn’t mean they won’t also own cars. Loucopoulos said the types of units in the proposed building were chosen specifically to address this issue. “There was a thought process to the types of units, and that was to accommodate parking,” Lacoupoulos said. “More studios mean less cars. Only 25% of the units are 2-bedroom, and that in essence controls your parking situation to some extent.” In addition to concern about enough parking for residents of the new apartments, current residents are worried that without adequate guest parking, visitors to the new apartments would park on their blocks. Water management was another big con-
cern expressed throughout the meeting. With flooding a known issue in town, current residents said they were worried an additional 57 units would tax the sewer system even more. A representative from Erikssson Engineering Associates said the current site has no stormwater management facilities at all, from page 1 but the new building would. the number of parking from a required 114 “[Currently] there’s nothing to slow down spaces to 68 spaces; a reduction in the miniany of the rainfall from entering the sewers,” mum lot area per dwelling from 1,250 square the rep said. The new construction, howfeet to 485 square feet; a reduction in corner ever, would follow MWRD requirements, vision clearance from 5 feet to zero feet; an including installing green infrastructure increase in building coverage to 87 percent; consisting of permeable pavers and underand a reduced loading berth from 12 by 30 ground storage tanks. “So we’re giving that feet to 10 by 30 feet. water a place to store underground on site The proposed building would be four stobefore it releases to the sewers.” ries tall, the top three accommodating apartLight and sound from the roof deck was ments and the first floor housing indoor another area of concern for public comparking and a lobby and leasing area. There menters. As interim plan commission chair are no plans for retail on the first floor. Marsha East pointed out, rooftop decks are Plans as submitted include nine 2-beda lot of fun for the people using them. For room, 2-bathroom units at 1,132 square feet other people, however, they can be sources each; six 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units at 958 of unwanted noise or light. square feet each; 30 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom The petitioner’s plans put a limit on the units at 887 square feet each; and 12 studio hours the deck could be used, but the plan apartments at 533 square feet each. commission ultimately asked for more inTim Loucopoulos, one of the developers formation about reduction of noise and light from the LLC, said that rates for the for neighbors of the building. rentals would be set according to the One resident expressed concern market feasibility study commissioned about the fact that 239 condominiums by the applicant, which would put the were just converted to rental units on cost of renting the two-bedroom units Desplaines Avenue, which they sugat $2,010 and $2,375 per month and the gested could impact the ability of the one-bedrooms at $1,950 per month. No owners of the proposed Harrison Street rate was provided for the studios. apartments to rent their units. The issues of density, traffic and One resident said he was upset that parking, sewage and water managethe comments he’d submitted on time ment, and light and sound from the to Steve Glinke, director of public proposed roof deck were the areas of health and safety, were not read during concern from residents and thus the the meeting. He suggested that if his topics for which the plan commission comments were not read, there might asked for more information at the next be others that also weren’t shared with meeting. the public or entered into the record. Density, including both the number Glinke said that the resident had subof units and the size of the structure, mitted comments via email and was inwere mentioned multiple times in pubstructed to participate live in the meetlic comment and in questions from ing or resend the comments with “for plan commissioners. the record” in the subject line. Former plan commission member “I don’t want it out there that we and chair Paul Barbahen, who lives were selectively editing comments,” Rendering from Pappageorge Haymes Partners on the 800 block of Hannah Avenue, Glinke said during the meeting. “The would be directly impacted by this GROUND FLOOR: The proposed ground floor of the apartments on Harrison Street would house park- comments were taken in total and read project and addressed the number of ing and a lobby. into the record.”
Hearing continued
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Proviso East football stadium demolition underway
DEMOLITION: Proviso East’s football stadium is being demolished to make way for a brand new stadium.
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Demolition of the Proviso East High School football stadium has started in order to make way for the construction of a larger stadium in its place. On Sunday afternoon, Feb. 28, passersby could see that a portion of the home bleachers and press box were partially demolished. School officials and community members had gathered near the stadium on the morning of Feb. 25 for what they thought would be a major demolition scene, but that never happened. Last year, Michael Dolter, with the architectural firm Perkins and Will, said that the football stadium will be demolished and reconstructed further east in order to make room for 118 parking spaces on campus and to allow for an improved running track. Artificial turf will be installed on the football field and a large Pirate logo painted in the middle of the field. In addition, a separate building for concessions will be built near the stadium. In December, the Proviso Township High School District 209 school board unanimously approved a $106,400 bid from Chicago-based National Wrecking to demolish the stadium.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Opioid overdoses spiking locally Forest Park called out in public health report By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter
The opioid epidemic got up close and personal to the Forest Park Police Department (FPPD) when, on Feb. 19, an officer administered NARCAN to a subject at the Harlem Avenue CTA station. He was gasping for breath. The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) sent out a press release on Feb. 18, just a day before that incident, with the headline, “Heroin, Fentanyl Fuel Rising Mortality Rates in Opioid Deaths.” The report calls the number of overdose deaths an “epidemic,” saying, “Heroin, fentanyl and other adulterants continued to be involved in the vast majority of almost 1,600 opioid overdose deaths in suburban Cook County since 2016.” What is troubling and perhaps surprising is that according to the report, “The ZIP codes with the highest mortality rates were primarily located in the west and southwest suburbs and are adjacent to communities on the West Side of Chicago — an area with similarly high mortality rates. The highest
mortality rates were observed in ZIP codes that include the municipalities of Worth, Broadview, Maywood, and Forest Park.” In addition to proximity to the city, the report also cited large numbers of poor people in those four villages. When questioned about those conclusions, Deputy Chief Ken Gross looked up his department’s statistics on use by officers of NARCAN, Naloxone Hydrochloride, a safe and effective drug that is used to reverse the effects of opioids. “The Forest Park Police Department,” he explained, “receives Narcan through the DuPage Narcan Program (DNP). The FPPD trained all officers on the administration of Narcan and equipped all officers with Narcan in June 2016. The first Narcan use was on June 15, 2016.” The statistics for the dates of the CCDPH/ UIC study are as follows: 2016 6 2017 11 2018 10 2019 18 2020 12 Troubling statistics, but an epidemic? A WTTW report last year stated, “Maywood’s 60153 ZIP code has one of the highest opioid overdose mortality rates in suburban Cook County, officials said.” The Maywood Police Department report-
ed that NARCAN was used by the department zero times in 2018, 31 times in 2019 and 28 times in 2020. But the WTTW report said nothing about Forest Park. A formerly homeless man who until five months ago used to panhandle on the ramps off Harlem to I-290 said that in his experience the majority of people living on the street were on drugs, often heroin. They would buy cheap drugs at what he called an “open air drug market” on Pulaski on both sides of the expressway. He said you could get a fix of heroin there for as cheap as $10. His anecdote might explain the presence of opioid users congregating near the two CTA stations because those locations are prime panhandling spots, but his observations do not explain why CCDPH singled out Forest Park along with three other villages as centers of overdosing deaths. The only explanation Tomas McFeeley, media contact for CCDPH, could offer for Forest Park being singled out is that the police are not called to respond to every overdose. A family might, for example, call the EMTs directly without notifying the police. The homeless man along with CCDPH publications both observed that the use of fentanyl is increasing and when mixed with heroin is especially lethal. Another CCDPH publication added this caveat: “Opioids are effective and safe when
taken in the appropriate doses and for short periods of time. However, they may produce a feeling of euphoria and can be misused for this purpose. Even when used as prescribed, their use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and potentially overdose and death.”
Using Narcan Following are the dates and locations of FPPD Narcan deployments for last year: 1-18-20 Harlem/Roosevelt 1-23-20 I-290/Desplaines River 1-25-20 Desplaines/I-290 2-20-20 Harlem/Roosevelt 2-27-20 Desplaines/Van Buren 4-18-20 Desplaines/Van Buren 5-3-20 Harlem/Jackson 5-10-20 Roosevelt/Marengo 8-22-20 Madison/Maple 10-22-20 Harlem/Circle 10-23-20 Marengo/Franklin 11-19-20 Desplaines/Van Buren
2021-2022 Preschool & Kindergarten Registration Preschool Registration
Kindergarten Registration
Registration for new students: • Beginning Monday, May 3, 2021, please call Diane Rice, school secretary at 708-366-6945, to set up your screening appointment and receive online registration information. • Screening dates are Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Garfield School. • Screening times are from 9 am - 3 pm each day, and both the parent/guardian and child must be present. • District 91 registration is completed online. • You must complete online registration before attending the screening appointment.
*Families who reside south of I-290 will call and attend Betsy Ross Primary Center (Patty Marino, 708-366-7498); all families who reside north of I-290 will call and attend Garfield Primary Center (Diane Rice, 708-366-6945).
District 91 offers a preschool program for children, ages 3-5, five days a week. To enroll, children must be 3 years of age on or before September 1, 2021.
Upon completion of screening, registration and paid fees ($100 for the year) a child’s enrollment will be secured in the Forest Park Preschool program. Please note that returning preschool students will receive information in early April regarding online registration.
If you have a child who will be five years old prior to September 1, 2021, they enroll in Kindergarten. • Beginning Monday, May 3, 2021, please call the appropriate school secretary* to set up your screening appointment and receive online registration information. • Screening dates and times are: - August 10, 2021, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 1:00 – 3:00 pm - August 11, 2021, 1:00 – 3:00 pm and 5:00 – 8:00 pm • Your child will need to attend the appointment with you. • You must complete online registration before attending the screening appointment.
If your child has an IEP, information about next school year will be discussed at the Annual Review meeting, which is scheduled with each individual family.
Please note all school offices close for the entire month of July and no appointments are made during this time. Families may call again beginning August 2, 2021.
To learn more visit the District 91 website at www.fpsd91.org.
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
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DECONVERSION: Five condominium buildings on Desplaines Ave. were bought, the units to be converted to rentals.
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Five condo buildings about to become apartment buildings 239 units on Desplaines to be converted to rentals By MARIA MAXHAM Editor
The village of Forest Park will soon have 239 new rental units as the deconversion of five condominium buildings on Desplaines Avenue is underway. It would be 240 units, but one hold-out among condo owners resulted in all units except that one being sold. The closing date was Feb. 23. The buildings at 1037, 1029, 1021, 1013 and 1005 Desplaines Avenue each contain 48 units and were bought by Emerald Empire, Inc., a New York based firm that “began acquiring multifamily properties throughout the Northeast” in 2013 and is now purchasing assets in the Midwest as well, according to the company’s website. They have, they say, “acquired hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of real estate and drastically turned around these assets and increased their value.” The Review reached out to Emerald Empire, Inc. last week to find out their timeline and their planned rental rates, but no response was received. According to Steve Glinke, Forest Park’s public health and safety director, who oversees building and zoning, the process of deconversion is a civil matter between the buyer and the sellers and is regulated under the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Property sales, however, do require an application to and inspection by the village, and big-ticket items that need repair in these buildings include balconies, parking lots, masonry and certification of fire resistance separations. Some work is needed for individual units as well, including one-hour fire rated doors, smoke detectors in accordance with state law, automatic door closers and updated electrical panels. “The market drives these deconver-
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sions,” Glinke said. “Investors are looking for places to park their money. To the residents of Forest Park and specifically those living in these properties it means significant improvements that otherwise couldn’t be accomplished without painful special assessments when they were condos.” The result, he said, is “objectively better, safer structures.” Dana Perez, who lived in one of the condos owned by her in-laws, was all too familiar with those “painful special assessments” to which Glinke referred. Perez said an original offer was made to her condo association, which included the two northern-most buildings, last March. (The other three buildings were part of a separate condo association.) But talks about deconversion had been going on for about a year and a half before that. The buildings, Perez said, had multiple issues that needed work, including tuckpointing and a leaking roof. Ultimately, the condo association her family was part of voted to be bought out by the buyer because the special assessments were too much. “Just for a one-bedroom unit on the first floor, your special assessment was like an estimated almost $60,000 to $70,000,” Perez said. And owners couldn’t sell their units until that was paid. So deconversion was the better option. The process was held up because of COVID and the difficulty of holding meetings, said Perez. Finally, a closing date at the end of November was decided. But that was put on hold because one resident, who didn’t want to go through with the deconversion, had filed a lawsuit against the condo association to put a stop to the sale. Perez said the buyer tried making her an offer, “trying to get her to jump on board.” When they couldn’t reach a satisfactory resolution, however, the sale went through without her. “So the buyer owns everything but hers,” Perez said.
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Come Together 60’s Gala Saturday, March 13, 2021 6:30pm Groove to the Beat While Supporting our Dynamic Cultural Center with Fabulous Programs Open to All Scheduled: ‘HATS OFF TO NANCYS’ Tribute to Nancy DeSombre and Nancy Waichler, 60s Music, Comedy, and More!
Registration for this virtual event is free. Information on Raffle Tickets, Auction Items Available at 708-386-2729 or: https://nineteenthcentury.ejoinme.org/2021gala
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Car stolen at gunpoint
A woman, retrieving her child from the back seat of her car, was the victim of a vehicular hijacking on the 1100 block of Harlem Avenue on Feb. 25 at 12:11 p.m. The victim said she had parked in the rear of the location and was removing her child from the back seat when an unknown male appeared, displayed a black handgun and demanded her keys. She reported throwing her keys on the ground and quickly going inside with her child. Video footage showed that as the car with the assailant was exiting the lot, two unknown subjects approached and entered the car before it fled.
Juveniles arrested for vehicular hijacking Two juveniles were arrested for vehicular hijacking and transported to a juvenile detention center after hitting a man and stealing his car from the Portillo’s/Walmart parking lot, 7740 Roosevelt Road, on Feb. 28 at 4:04 p.m. The victim, visibly shaken, according to the police report, told police that “he was hit and his car was taken.” The offenders, he said, fled in his vehicle. The car was stopped in Oak Park, and the victim identified the suspects, who were taken into custody.
Unresponsive man on train given NARCAN Forest Park police administered NARCAN to an unresponsive man on the train at 711 Desplaines Ave. on Feb. 26 at 3:39 p.m. Officers also performed sternum rubs, after which the man regained consciousness. Paramedics arrived and took over treat-
ment. The man, who was transported to the hospital for further treatment, said he had recently snorted heroin.
Man assaulted and robbed after flirting Police responded to a bar on the 7500 block of Madison Street on Feb. 26 at 11:47 p.m. for a robbery that had just occurred. The victim said that several offenders had stolen his cellphone and an I-pad from his backpack. The victim recounted that he’d met three men and three women at the bar. He said he was flirting with two of the women. When all six people he’d met left the bar, he followed them and attempted to get into a car they had all entered. But the men allegedly began to fight with the victim, striking him in the back of the head. The victim reported punching one of the men and then taking photos of the car with his phone. According to the victim, the subjects were angry that he had taken pictures, and during an argument one of the men took his phone and I-pad.
More CTA train car vandalism For the third week in a row, police were called for vandalism of CTA train cars. The latest occurrence was on Feb. 28 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Two cars were defaced with graffiti.
Soliciting without a permit and swearing at people Police were called to the 600 block of Circle Avenue on Feb. 23 at 3:31 p.m. for a
subject “with a notebook, soliciting door to door and swearing at people.” The victim waved police down and said he’d confronted the solicitor, who did not have a permit, at which time the suspect became verbally abusive. The victim said the suspect then “swung at him.” He had video footage on his phone, but it only captured abrupt movement, not any contact with the victim or his phone. Police located the suspect, who was described as “irate” and stated he was only selling magazines. He accused the police of being racist and refused to tell his side of the story. He was issued local ordinance citations for assault and for soliciting without a permit.
Smash and grab at liquor store Police responded when they heard an audible burglar alarm from Forest Park Liquors, on the 7400 block of Madison Street, at 2:41 a.m. on Feb. 23. They arrived to find the front door glass shattered and a large brick located near the front door. Inside, the store was ransacked, and items had been damaged. Video footage showed a dark colored SUV stop in front of the store, then park on the corner of Burkhardt Court and Madison Street facing southbound on Burkhardt. Three male subjects exited the vehicle and approached the store. One of the suspects threw a brick at the front door, which did not break. He then
kicked the glass several times before he was successful in gaining entrance. All three men went into the store, where they grabbed multiple liquors bottles, including Hennessy, Dusse and Remy Martin, and stuffed them into a bag. One of the men grabbed the entire cash drawer from the register, and another took Newport cigarettes and other unknown items and put them into a bag he was carrying. They all left the store, then returned with more bags and an empty trash can they filled with more items. They left the store a second time, got into the car, and drove away. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Feb. 22-28, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.
Compiled by Maria Maxham
Two juveniles shot in municipal parking lot Suspects released due to lack of evidence By MARIA MAXHAM Editor
Two juvenile victims were shot in a municipal parking lot at Madison Street and Lathrop Avenue in Forest Park on Feb. 27 at 3:01 p.m., according to a press release from Forest Park’s Deputy Police Chief Ken Gross. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital by a caregiver. According to the police report related to the shooting, officers were called to the intersection for a report of shots fired. En route, they were informed that a witness had seen a drive-by shooting in which two guns were fired out the window of a gray sedan at three males who were on foot. Another witness described a car “spraying shots out of the window.” Witnesses also described a dark blue Lexus and provided the registration to the police. Oak Park police observed that Lexus and performed a felony traffic stop, taking three suspects into custody. A short time after the initial dispatch, a second car, matching witness descriptions, was involved in an accident at a high rate of speed in Chicago, and several subjects fled the scene, according to the police report. The three suspects taken into custody were later released due to lack of evidence, but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to contact the Forest Park Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 708-3662425 or email detectives@forestpark.net.
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Recommend your favorite women authors March is Women’s History Month, and the Forest Park Public Library is asking for your recommendations on titles by women authors in any genre and from any historical period. Whether it is the book you are reading now or an author you love, take a moment to honor that writer and share your appreciation of her work. The library is also hosting a March Reading Challenge, and at the end of the month there will be a drawing for a prize, sourced from a local women-owned business. Learn more at fppl.org/2021/02/25/ marchreadingchallenge/.
Rebel Girls and Non-binary Youth Journaling Sessions Middle-grade children are invited to join weekly virtual journaling sessions in March on Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. to celebrate Women’s History Month, and to celebrate themselves. The Youth Services Department has free printed copies of “I am a Rebel Girl: A Journal to Start Revolutions.” Register at fppl.org/events, and information about picking up the kit will be sent. Questions? Contact Mia Manansala at mmanansala@fppl.org
March 3 to10
BIG WEEK Linking Anti-Blackness and Anti-Immigration Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park is one of the sponsors of this talk, presented by Benji Hart on Friday, March 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. Benji Hart is a Chicago-based author, artist, and educator. Preregistration is required. Visit ipha.com/event/details/193/ rise-n-learn-webinar-linking-antiblackness-and-anti-immigration for more information or to sign up.
Rebel Girls Activity Series On Mondays in March from 4 to 5 p.m., children aged 7 and up are invited to enjoy stories and activities inspired by some of the library staff ’s favorite books, including the Rebel Girls phenomenon. Celebrate women’s history through sharing stories of those who came before while supporting the young girls of today who are finding their voices. This year’s celebration at the Forest Park Public Library kicks off with an update based on the “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” phenomenon. Learn more at fppl.org/events.
Experience Hygge
Living Lightly: Getting Your Affairs in Order On March 11 from 7 to 8 p.m., join the Forest Park Public Library for a virtual presentation of steps you need to take to get your affairs in order now, regardless of your health or age. Register at fppl.org/events or contact aperez@fppl.org or 708-366-7171.
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or mood of coziness and contentment. Hygge can be many things but often looks like relaxing indoors, snuggling under a blanket, drinking a hot beverage, and lighting candles. Set yourself up for a Hygge Night In with a kit from the Forest Park Public Library. The kits include supplies to create candles, and recommendations for movies, music, and books. This kit is intended for adults. First come, first served. One per household. Stop by the library’s vestibule, 7555 Jackson Blvd., for pick up or call 708-366-7171 to put one on hold.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
OPINION O U R
V I E W
Disruption at Proviso High Schools
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he history of Proviso Township High Schools for most of the past 25 years is one of pervasive failure in teaching students, in respecting taxpayers’ dollars, in allowing the valuable physical assets of the district to wither, in building a community. It is a tale of grift and political self-dealing. It is astounding in the perpetual instability of its professional leadership with a wildly revolving door of superintendents and other administrators hired, fired, and, too often, hired again. And there is the humiliation of having the bankrupt state of Illinois, with its sorry history in public education, sending in a financial oversight board to make some sense of the wreckage in the ledger books. Then there is the remarkable window of the past six years when a reform slate of school board members was miraculously elected and re-elected, a strong superintendent was hired, the state withdrew its oversight, and a plan was made to reclaim the three schools academically, physically and with a culture of hope and determination. Always it was a fragile comeback. And now we fear it is being lost with a school board seemingly under the spell of a new superintendent, Dr. James Henderson, of whom, sad to say, we have nothing but suspicion. The superintendent is consolidating his authority and his reach rapidly and, fundamentally, privately. A special Saturday school board meeting was a whirlwind of proposed and approved reordering on a grand scale. Board committees were upended at the Feb. 9 meeting, dozens of administrators were set up for either demotion or expulsion at the close of the year, technology services are on a path to be outsourced while food service and transportation are to be brought inhouse. Why and how much were not explained. A path was opened for the district to exit from a special education co-op. There were no accompanying documents provided to the public to lay out these ideas. There was no response from the superintendent or his PR person to the Review’s questions. In response to queries from a minority of board members urging the district to keep its hand directly on the tiller of finance and facilities — and surely in response to general skepticism about the current direction of the district, certainly from this newspaper, Rodney Alexander, the current president of the school board, made one of the most preposterous declarations we’ve ever recorded. “There’s a lot of talk about the history of the district,” he said. “I have no responsibility or bear no accountability to the public about the history I was not a part of. Nor will I try to appease them about history that I was not a part of. You judge me by the work that I’ve done since I’ve been on this board.” To which we say, ignore the history of this district at your peril. It’s putrid. And history repeats. If, Mr. Alexander, you are so proud of the work you have done on this board, why are you so ready to allow an untested superintendent arriving in this most traumatic COVID year to upend so much of what has been thoughtfully rebuilt in District 209? Trust is earned. Dr. Henderson, who seldom stays for long in a job, has not earned that trust.
P
Lent and Yom Kippur as protection from the lions
astor Walter Mitty found himself fretting last Thursday afternoon. When he was growing up, Lent had always been a big deal for his family. But attendance at his online midweek Lenten service the evening before was attended by a grand total of two. When he and his neighbor, Michael Rosenthal, got together by phone the next morning, Mitty complained about his people not taking Lent seriously, about attendance always being low on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.” “I don’t know, Walt. Attendance at my synagogue on Yom Kippur is just the opposite. It’s the best attended service of the whole year.” “And the two—Ash Wednesday and Yom Kippur—they are similar, right?” “I think so,” Michael answered. “The mood at the Kol Nidre in the evening is very serious, and we are asked to repent. Rabbi Levine says it’s a time to come back home. Come home to their traditional faith and to the Jewish people.” “That’s what I thought. In the Ash Wednesday service, the whole congregation says ‘we confess to God and to one another that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone.” Michael laughed and said, “Hey, we Jews could say that word for word and from the heart.” “So what’s going on with us?” asked Pastor Walt. “Why is Yom Kippur the best attended service with you guys and Ehud tells us how important Ramadan is for Muslims, but with my tribe, the biggest attendance days are Christmas and Easter—happy days. Joyful. For the most part not serious at all?” To which Michael replied, “Rabbi Levine sometimes jokes that ‘God’ spelled backwards is ‘dog,’ meaning that it’s a tendency of us humans to try to domesticate the Almighty, to so to speak create God in our image. One test of authentic religion, he says, is that it tells us things we don’t want to hear.” “Like we listen to news stations,” Mitty chimed in, “that tell us what we want to hear.” “I’m not sure why we Jews resonate with the seriousness of that holy day,” Michael continued. “It doesn’t make logical sense, really, but maybe there’s something more going on during Yom Kippur than what makes rational sense. You know, this feeling that we are being watched by a power greater than ourselves who demands that we examine ourselves before we go off judging other people. Like the Prophet Joel says—return to me with all your heart, says the Lord. Rend your hearts and not your clothing.” “My word, Michael!” exclaimed Pastor Walt. “Those verses from Joel are what we read every Ash Wednesday.” And Michael replied, “You know, my friend, you
just made me understand one reason I don’t like Trump. He is like the Fonz. Couldn’t ever say he was sorry. Everything was perfect.” Mitty started laughing. “You know, Michael, I’ve thought for a long time that 45 got stuck developmentally in adolescence. You know the joke—let’s elect a teenager president while they still know everything!” The two friends were quiet for a minute, digesting their conversation. “Michael,” said Mitty after the pause, “you said that Rabbi Levine talked about repentance in terms of coming back home, not only to their faith but also to the Jewish people. That stuck with me, because when I meet people for the first time—especially if they are younger— and they find out that I’m a pastor, they seem to feel compelled to inform me that they are spiritual but not religious. “You mean, in other words, that in their minds ‘returning to the Jewish people’ sounds like going back to the organized religion that they felt was too restrictive?” “Right. Like do you remember when we graduated from college? Like we were full of ourselves and felt it was our mission to reform every institution under the sun?” Michael groaned. “It’s embarrassing. Like it was a mixture of idealism and naivety, don’t you think? Like we understood things that our parents didn’t have a clue about. Kind of arrogant when you think about it.” “Maybe that’s what I’m trying to get at, Michael. I’m kind of proud of the idealism that we had.” Michael nodded in agreement even though his neighbor couldn’t see it and completed his friend’s sentence by saying, “So you don’t want to throw that baby of tradition out with the conformist, racist bathwater?” “Right. I don’t think I ever told you this story. Once there was this American who visited a village deep in the African back country and noticed right away that the huts were surround by a kind of stockade made of wooden poles. When he observed that at sundown the gate was locked, he asked the head man, why do you lock the people inside when it gets dark?” “The elder African laughed and replied, oh no, my friend. We don’t lock the gate to keep the people in. We lock it at night to keep the lions out when we are asleep and vulnerable. During the day the gates are kept wide open.” “Maybe,” Michael concluded, “that’s why Yom Kippur is so well attended. We see tradition as protecting us from the lions out there—the ideologies and self-help fads and worship of charismatic political figures—which in the end threaten our spiritual safety.”
TOM HOLMES
Continued on next page
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021 Continued from previous page After the two said “take care” and ended the phone chat, Mitty said to himself, “And what Lent is about is facing the reality that the most dangerous lion is inside of me—my ego, my tendency to stray away from home, my arrogance that I don’t have to spend my vulnerable hours inside the stockade of tradition.” “So how do I communicate to this individualistic generation,” he asked himself. “that the tradition at its worst certainly is confining? But at its best it protects us from the many charlatans in the spiritual marketplace who, like opioids, make us feel good initially but after long term usage are spiritually lethal?”
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Looking ahead and looking up
t’s hard to believe we’ve passed the one-year mark since our world was turned upside down. This past year has been difficult on so many levels, but we’ve come a long way, and, dare I say, we are moving in the right direction. Although this year will have its share of challenges, I’m choosing to be optimistic. I’m not a “Pollyanna girl,” but I can’t help but feel hopeful. Spring is just around the corner, and by its very nature, spring brings fresh hope and new beginnings. But my hope comes from seeing individuals and communities coming together to make the world a better place. From small acts of kindness to awe-inspiring initiatives, we’re witnessing humanity at its best. Lockdown has given families a chance to return to the days when family time was the most important part of the day. Families are getting “back to basics” and having dinnertable conversations, playing board games,
and creating new traditions will continue for years to come. The pandemic has inspired an outpouring of public appreciation for both frontline and essential workers. From grocery clerks and delivery drivers to first responders and health-care workers at all levels, admiration and respect has increased ten-fold. But as a chamber director, what excites me the most is the renewed desire to support local businesses. Consumers are seeing neighborhood businesses struggle and they really want to help. “Shop Local” appears to be more of a symbol of solidarity rather than a slogan, and shifting dollars from big box stores to local businesses seems to be not only popular, but on trend. More shoppers are going out of their way to buy from local businesses, even if they have to pick up their order or wait a little longer for delivery.
LAURIE KOKENES
Social media isn’t considered a reliable source for fact-finding, but when you see hundreds of local folks recommending local businesses … and posting photos and reviews on Facebook, it’s easy to see that support for local business is stronger than ever. Dedicated groups like “Takeout 25 Oak Park” were created to give people a platform to ask for and give restaurant recommendations. You’ll find folks commenting on a meal they ordered from a restaurant they’ve never patronized — and giving great reviews. All this amazing “free” publicity is coming from consumers who want to see local businesses survive. Facebook has only been a thing for the last 17 years, but I’ve never seen support like this in my 27 years on the job. We still have a way to go, and your support of local businesses remains key to their success. Our eyes have been opened and we’ve learned a lot. If we continue along this path, we can effect real change.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Thanks to Melissa’s passion and experiencing our coffee first-hand by “cupping”, we thank Oak Park Eats for the positive exposure! - Jacques, Kribi Coffee, Forest Park
Enjoy a cup at KribiCoffee.com Jacques Shalo, Kribi Coffee
Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at: ForestParkReview.com/category/forest-park-eats/
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021 New New local local ads ads this this week week
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.ForestParkReview.com/Classified/
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.ForestParkReview.com/Classified/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM HELP WANTED
CITY RENTALS
Quantitative Analytics Lead Associate, Technology Operations and Services (multiple positions) (job code 45681BR) to work in Chicago, IL. Opportunity to work from home. KeyBank National Association, apply online at www.keybank.com. Must reference job code. EOE. SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.
SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223
SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER?
DELUXE 3BR APT 5955 W HURON First Floor. Large kitchen, all electric appliances. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. $1150/mo. Call 773-637-8677 for appt.
OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
ITEMS FOR SALE BRASS & GLASS SOFA TABLE Brass beveled glass sofa table. High quality, bought at Marshall Field’s. 27”h x 56”w x 15”d $249.00. 708-488-8755 KENMORE WASHER & DRYER Sold as set. $100.00. Call Terry Baggett 773-988-6468
Call Us For Advertising Rates! 708/613-3333
MUSIC Music: piano scores, concertos, piano trios, flute music violin music. Variety of composers. $3.00 each. 708-488-8755
SUBURBAN RENTALS
SUBURBAN RENTALS
STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
708-386-7355
MMpropMgmt.com
Apartment listings updated daily at:
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
WANTED TO BUY
HANDYMAN
WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE
AUTO FOR SALE 2003 LEXUS RX300 Silver w/ beige interior, 160,950 mi., great condition. New brakes, passed recent emissions test. $3275.00. Call Terry Baggett 773-988-6468
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References
524-1030
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
ELECTRICAL
Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
HAULING
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
BASEMENT CLEANING
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006089 on February 25, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of WILSON FINANCIAL with the business located at: 1126 N. 6TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ALEATHA WILSON 1126 N. 6TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153, USA
Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
708.749.0011
PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.
Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services
708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed
708-488-9411
Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years
HANDYMAN
REFINISHING
Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
773-637-0692 Ask for John
HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
Terry's
Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood
and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of KEVIN KHANG DINH Case Number 20214000570 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: KEVIN KHANG DINH to the new name of: KEVIN KHANG LEODINH The court date will be held: On April 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom Video-conference. Please use the information below to access the hearing. ZOOM MEETING ID: 914 3462 0283 ZOOM PASSSWORD: 988648 CALL IN: 3126266799 Published in RBLandmark 2/24, 3/3, 3/10/2021
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of WILLIAM DEWAYNE LEONE Case Number 20214000561 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: WILLIAM DEWAYNE LEONE to the new name of: WILLIAM DEWAYNE LEODINH The court date will be held: On April 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom Video-conference. Please use the information below to access the hearing. ZOOM MEETING ID: 936 6870 5913 ZOOM PASSSWORD: 862976 CALL IN: 3126266799 Published in RBLandmark 2/24, 3/3 3/10/2021
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 17, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park Annual Preventative Maintenance to Standby Diesel Generators Bid Number: 21-117 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 March 3, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Asha Andriana Berry Case Number 20214000560 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Asha Andriana Berry to the new name of: Asha Andriana The court date will be held: On April 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County, IL in Courtroom # 0112. Published in Wednesday Journal 2/24, 3/3, 3/10/2021
Published in Forest Park Review 3/3, 3/10, 3/17/2021
PUBLIC NOTICE CLAIMS NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, COUNTY DEPARTMENT, PROBATE DIVISION. ESTATE OF JASON EDWARD BOBZIN, DECEASED. NO. 2020 P 006222. Notice is given to creditors of the death of the above named decedent. Letters of office were issued to COURTNEY MARIE BOBZINMOHAMMED, 1002 SPRUCE ST., APT 1A, GELNDALE HTS., Il 60139, as Independent Administrator, whose attorney of record is DANSBY G. CHEEKS, 108 MADISON ST., OAK PARK, IL 60302. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk in Room 1202, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, or with the representative, or both, on or before AUGUST 24, 2021, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. E filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions. To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/ service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, Visit http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp. ATTY. DANSBY G. CHEEKS, Published in Wednesday Journal 2/24, 3/3, 3/10/2021
You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
Let the sun shine in... Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available 24/7/365 ForestParkReview.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to bid Whittier Boiler Replacement Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois, hereinafter known as Owner, is seeking bids for Boiler Replacement work at Whittier Elementary School located in Oak Park, Illinois. Lump Sum Bids will be publicly opened and read at the District Office of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 W. Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Bids received after designated time and date of bid opening will not be considered. Bidders must comply with all of the requirements set forth in the Project Manual. Bids mailed or delievered shall be marked to the attention of: Ms. Jeanne Keane Oak Park School District 97 260 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 The front of the envelope should be clearly marked “WHITTIER BOILER REPLACEMENT”. Bid security, in the form of a bid bond or certified check, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid shall be submitted with the bid. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds and Certificate of Insurance, as required by the Owner, will be required from the successful bidder. The Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 reserves the right to reject any and all bids or parts thereof, to waive any irregularities or informalities in bidding procedures and to award the contract in a manner best serving the interest of the Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97. All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing rate of wage to all laborers, workmen and mechanics working on public funded projects. If during the time period of work, these rate changes, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. The proposed contract is subject to the requirements of the Equal Employment Practices Commission and the Illinois Human Rights Act (HRA) Illinois Revised Statues, Ch. 68, Par. 1-101, et. seg.”(Including the requirement that every party to a public contract shall have adopted written sexual harassment policies, P.A. 87-1257). Bidding Documents will be available on March 3, 2021. To view and obtain bidding documents please visit Best Imaging Solutions’ planroom at http://www.bestimagingplanroom. com/jobs/public. Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-bid conference on March 8, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. and a site inspection on March 11, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. as detailed in the Project Manual. Sheryl Marinier Board of Education Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Published in Wednesday Journal 3/03/2021
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD 2021 ESDA BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield will receive sealed proposals for the 2021 ESDA Building Improvements Project until 11:00 A.M. Central Time, Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at the Office of the Village Manager. Bids will be opened and read in the Edward Barcall Hall in the Municipal Building, located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., Central Time. The Project includes the improvements to the Village of Brookfield ESDA Building (approximately 1,900 square feet in size) located at 4523 Eberly Avenue and consists of the removal of the existing roof, installation of tapered poly-iso insulation and a TPO roof membrane, grinding and repointing of existing brick and CMU exterior walls, replacement of sections of deteriorated CMU and brick has necessary, installation of new gutter and downspouts, removal and replacement of existing batt insulation and drywall in the southwest corner of the building, removal and replacement of existing batt insulation on the main ceiling of the structure, removal of existing fixtures and drywall and insulation in the existing bathroom, and replacement with the same with new. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company at 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154, upon payment of a non-refundable charge of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per set of bidding documents. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday March 23, 2021. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on site on Friday, March 24, 2021 at 11;00 A.M. for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Bid proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all the requirements for performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The Village of Brookfield will, in no case be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect of the bidder. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the plans or proposal. Sealed envelopes or packages containing bids shall be addressed to the Village Manager and plainly marked “Village of Brookfield – 2021 ESDA Building Improvements Project” on the outside of the envelope. QUESTIONS, CHANGES, CLARIFICATION Any questions that arise must be made in writing and shall be directed by electronic mail to Carl Muell, Director of Public Works, Village of Brookfield at cmuell@brookfieldil. gov. The written questions, along with the Village’s response, shall be circulated to all known potential bidders without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cut-off for receipt of additional
questions shall be 12:00 Noon, Central Time on Friday, March 26, 2021, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration. Replies and/ or addenda will be mailed and faxed to all known potential contractors by 4:00 P.M., Central Time on March 29, 2021. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the Bidder’s Proposal. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the Bidder of any addenda. BID SECURITY Each proposal shall be accompanied by a proposal guaranty in the form of a bid bond, executed by a corporate surety company, a bank cashier’s check, or a certified check payable to the “Village of Brookfield” for not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the proposal. The proposal guaranty checks of all, except the two responsive, responsible proposers which the Village determines in its sole discretion to be the proposers with whom the Village desires to commence negotiations for a contract, will be returned after the proposals have been checked and tabulated. The proposal guaranty checks of the two responsive, responsible proposers will be returned after the contract and the contract bond of the successful proposer have been properly executed and approved. Bid bonds will not be returned. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield. AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the Village. In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant in determining who the lowest responsive responsible bidder is. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS The general prevailing rate of wages in Cook County, Illinois, for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract or perform the work, also the general prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work, as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, shall be paid for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract or to perform the work. Work performed under this contract shall be in accordance with Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 820, Act 130, Sections 1-12), Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 30, Act 570, Sections 1-7), Drug Free Workplace Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 30, Act 580, Sections 1-11).
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION HEARING DATE: March 24, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 01-21-DRC APPLICANT: Chicagoland Sign Corp., on behalf of Oak Park Place Apartments ADDRESS: 479 N. Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL REQUEST: The Applicant is seeking variances from the following sections of the Village of Oak Park Sign Code, to permit the installation of one (1) approximately twenty-six square foot wall sign on the southwest corner elevation of the building where there is no street frontage. 1.
2.
Section 7-7-15 (D) (1) (b), which requires that wall signs for buildings located on corner lots shall only be placed along the front or corner lot line. The proposal features an “Oak Park Place Apartments” sign located on the south elevation of the building visible from Harlem Avenue where there is no street frontage; alternatively Section 7-7-12 (S), which requires that a directional sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet. The proposal features an “Oak Park Place Apartments” sign that is approximately 26 square feet.
A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast
on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park.us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 24, 2021. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning @oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Commission to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
Published in Wednesday Journal March 3, 2021
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given of a proposed substantial amendment to the Program Year 2020 Action Plan for a revised scope of work for the Community Development Block Grant Emergency Shelter project carried out by Housing Forward, funded at $30,000 to cover a rotating congregate shelter program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Housing Forward’s congregation partners suspended shelter until it is safe for group activities. Housing Forward was able to lease the Write Inn, a hotel in Oak Park, and proposes a new Interim Housing project that will provide individual accommodations and meals for up to 90 days to persons experiencing homelessness. The project’s case management and other supports would continue with the revised project, and CDBG funds would support the same employee, just with a title change from Shelter Manager to Facilities Manager. The proposed substantial amendment is available for public review and comment during business hours Monday-Friday, effective March 4 to 5 p.m. April 2, 2021. Any comments can be submitted in writing to grants@oak-park.us. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Published in Wednesday Journal March 3, 2021
Village of Brookfield, Illinois Timothy C. Wiberg, Village Manager
Published in Landmark March 3, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES
www.ForestParkReview.com
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006103 on February 25, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of ADG HANDYMAN SERVICES with the business located at: 2417 N. 75TH AVE UNIT F, ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ALBERT JOSEPH DEGENOVA 2417 N. 75TH AVE UIT F, ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707, USA Published in Wednesday Journal 3/3, 3/10, 3/17/2021
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION QUICKEN LOANS INC. Plaintiff, -v.DRIKO DUCASSE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2019CH08452 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 17, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 25, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Commonly known as 1226 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0270000 The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale
other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-06429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH08452 TJSC#: 41-167 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2019CH08452 I3164170
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Forest Park Review, March 3, 2021
INC., REALTOR
(708) 366-8989 7342 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130
SOLD!
928 S. Kenilworth Ave. Oak Park ....................$275,000
SOLD!
Property has been owner occupied by the same family for 50+ years. 1st fl has spacious living rm and dining rm, kitchen and 1/2 bath. 2nd floor has three bedrooms and full bath. Stucco exterior and 2 car detached garage. Great location in south west Oak Park. Needs some updating but livable as-is. 935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park ........................$489,000 This is a money maker! This early 1970s brick four flat houses two one bedroom apartments on the top floor, a large three bedroom two bath apartment on the first floor, and a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment in the lower level. Tandem parking for 8 cars. Meticulously maintained by the current owner for several decades. The numbers work! This one really won't last long.
SOLD!
1117 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park .......................$263,500 What a great opportunity to get into Forest Park at an affordable price! This home offers four total bedrooms, two on the second floor and two on the first floor. The home is in perfect condition! Living room, dining room, and eat in kitchen, plus a finished basement. Huge deck off the back of the house and a very large two car garage!
SOLD!
s c i t i l o All P ! L A C is LO
1028 Beloit Forest Park ....................$289,000 This 3 BR, 2.1 BA home has not been available in over 55 years. It has been meticulously maintained within the same family for that time. This home offers two first floor good sized bedrooms and a large second floor master. Each floor has a full updated bathroom. The first floor living room, with it's vaulted ceilings, fill with sunlight pouring from the front foyer windows. 337 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park ......................$275,000 Fantastic location alert!! Just a stones throw from Madison Street shopping, restaurants, and night life makes this a very desirable piece of real estate! This is two flat is ready for some love and attention. Just stuck in time is all. Or a fantastic de-conversion to single family! So bring your decorating ideas, and be prepared to fall in love!
SOLD!
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