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GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA, NFP ForestParkReview.com Vol. 104, No. 16

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Residents clean up around town

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

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Forest Park musician debuts new album PAGE 13

APRIL 21, 2021

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Meat processor gets continuance on addition

Village, Farmington unable to come to terms on conditions By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

After lengthy conversation and debate between Farmington Foods representatives and village staff, the village council voted unanimously on April 12 to continue the hearing on Farmington Food’s expansion project until the next council meeting on April 26. The company is located at 7419 Franklin St. Farmington Foods CEO Al La Valle and attorney Peter Friedman reached an impasse with village staff over some restrictions and requirements in the proposed ordinance. Friedman asked for the continuance so more time could be spent by the two entities working out the details. The proposed expansion is for an approximately 8,666 square foot two-story addition that will connect two existing structures on the southeastern part of the site, according to a memo from Steve Glinke, Forest Park’s director of building, planning and zoning. During the April 12 village council meeting, Farmington’s La Valle said the addition was driven “by market forces triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Customer demand for Farmington’s retail grocery market products has grown while demand for restaurant products has decreased, La Valle said. These products require different packaging and machinery configurations, and additional space on the first floor will allow the company to better See FARMINGTON on page 4

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

PAINTING APPRECIATION

Josie Lindsey, left, and Nora Ernst paint banners thanking District 91 teachers during a parent-organized event at the park district on April 18

Village appoints new public works director

Sal Stella, who started as summer worker in 1997, will head department By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

When Sal Stella was two years old, his family lived in Forest Park, but

IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 THIS Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

his parents’ landlord wouldn’t renew their lease because Stella was, apparently, too loud. Now 44 years old, with a three-yearold and a two-year-old of his own, Stella has been appointed as the village’s new public works director, effective July 1, to replace retiring John Doss. According to Mayor Rory Hoskins, Stella’s appointment was made by Village Administrator Tim Gillian and approved by commissioners at the April 12 village council meeting.

Stella’s been employed by the public works department since 1997, when he was hired as a summer worker while he attended college at DePaul University. In 2000, he was offered a full-time position with the village and finished his business degree at night. In 2006, Stella got certified as a Class A Water Operator, one of only two public works employees with that license, and has worked as the village’s See SAL STELLA on page 5

New D91 supt. talks on equity

COVID-19 cases at D209 schools

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Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

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Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

The stitches that bind

quilt commemorating the 1994 retirement of beloved principal, Ed Phillips, is now on permanent display at Garfield School. No one was more pleased by this than Ed himself. He learned about it just before his death at the age of 86, on July 28, 2020. Ed had been deeply touched when students gave him the quilt. He proudly hung it in the family room of his LaGrange Park home. The quilt brings back treasured memories for all who worked with Ed during his long tenure at District 91. Forest Park was more “small town” then and Ed knew small towns. Edward Lloyd Phillips was raised in the tiny coal mining community of Cuba, IL. His father was a miner, but Ed chose a different path. He earned his P.E. degree at nearby Monmouth College. By 1970, Ed was a P.E. teacher in Forest Park. That’s where future principal, John Ericksen, met him. Ericksen struck up a conversation with a tall man with an athletic build, who wore a whistle around his neck. They kept talking for the next 50 years, as he and his wife, Sandy, became lifelong friends with the Phillips family. Ed made countless friends in Forest Park. They were attracted by his softspoken kindness. Ed was also just plain fun. He was a gifted athlete who excelled at baseball, fishing and golf. When he wasn’t playing sports, Ed was watching

them. He was a Bears season ticket holder for over 40 years. Before the start of each school year, Ed and his wife Chris hosted a fish fry for District 91 staff. Those were heady times. Enrollment was up and Superintendent Art Jones presided over a team of dedicated educators that included Joe Scolire, Margie Martin and Jamie Stauder. Stauder recalled when Ed’s longtime secretary, Joanne Leber, called to offer her an aide’s position at Garfield. Stauder had done her student teaching there in 1990 and readily accepted. She has never left the school and is now in her 30th year as an administrator. That shows how special the district could be. Staff members were a closeknit bunch that socialized often. They even vacationed together. Ed’s home in Florida became known as “Forest Park South.” Many colleagues visited Ed to enjoy rounds of golf. Ericksen and others joined Ed for annual fishing trips to Canada. Ed was fun but took his job seriously. He was doing the work of two people, simultaneously serving as principal of

JOHN RICE

L O O K

B A C K

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Garfield and Grant-White. Evening meetings caused Ed to miss family time with Chris and their two sons, Brad and Matt but his students were a priority. Ed had the gift of reaching students from unstable backgrounds. He had great empathy for struggling students. One student recalled, “He was never about just handing out punishment. He was about us learning from our mistakes.” Staff members also learned from Ed. Stauder credited Ed with being a great mentor, even in retirement. Leber recalled how progressive Ed was. He initiated an Educational Advisory Council, a joint effort of the schools, park district and village to promote education in the community. Ed also founded the first-ever Pre-K program in town at the Eagles Lodge. The quilt captures scenes from Ed’s career and personal life. The panels were drawn and signed by Garfield students. A PTA member and seamstress, Carol Wool, gave the quilt its professional look. Colleagues remained close with Ed until the end. Martin recalls that on one of her final visits, she told Ed about the quilt being displayed at Garfield. He became very enthusiastic and exclaimed, “Oh, really!”

T I M E . . .

QUALITY CLEANING AND PITHY PROMOTION Zimmerman Cleaners at Roosevelt Road and Circle Avenue (now Forest Park Bank) was a popular dry cleaner in town. The dry-cleaning business was strong for decades until the 70s, when polyester fabric came into vogue. Tom Zimmerman had clever marketing materials, including pithy slogans and a coupon that looked like a $20 bill that read, “This may be a phony bill, but our quality of dry cleaning is not.” This photo shows the wellknown Zimmerman Cleaners sign at the corner and across Roosevelt Road, the used car lot “Becauro Veron” (now a village parking lot).

— JILL WAGNER

F O R E S T PA R K

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. © 2021 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, April 21, 2021

Residents meet for second trash pick-up, with another planned ‘One way I can show pride in my community,’ says organizer By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Kristen and John Lyons walked home from dinner on Madison Street on April 2 and noticed a lot of litter and trash. The next day, Kristen said she saw a comment on a Forest Park Facebook group about lots of garbage around town. She’d seen it for herself, but rather than just talk about it online, Lyons wanted to do something about it, so she organized a trash pick-up, held on April 8.

FARMINGTON

Truck hours disputed from page 1 handle these adjustments. The first floor will also include a conference room and an ADA accessible elevator. Offices will be housed on the second floor. Plans also include a rooftop deck. “That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less,” La Valle said. “We seek no variations or other zoning relief. We will continue to comply with all these zoning and other related regulations that apply to our property and our business.” Glinke said, “As a matter of record, I don’t think that their addition is a big deal.” What needed addressing, he said, is that the business has grown and expanded over the past 10 years. As a result, “activity on the site has increased exponentially over the last decade,” said Glinke, and complaints related to that activity are largely reported during the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Therefore, conditions had been added to the expansion ordinance in order to prevent “the growth of the company without the recognition that the neighbors are deserving of some, you know, semblance of quiet enjoyment,” said Glinke. The conditions were based on resident complaints and on discussion during the Feb. 1 plan commission meeting, at which time the commission approved the project with provisions to be worked out between Farmington Foods and village staff. Those conditions are related to five issues: idling trucks, truck hours and traffic, fencing along Franklin Street, potential noise and light issues from the proposed roof deck, and the odor from meat cooked in the factory. However, despite ongoing talks be-

Kristen was elected on April 6 to the Park District of Forest Park board and her husband, John, to the District 91 school board She decided on the meet-up location of Madison Street and Desplaines Avenue and posted on Facebook, inviting residents to come with trash bags and gloves, wearing masks, of course, to pick up garbage. “I decided that writing about the issue of litter around town was not enough, I needed to do something!” said Lyons in an email to the Review. “I love my village, I take pride in my village, I want to see my village succeed, and picking up trash and litter around town is one way I can show pride in my community. The weather was rainy, and the meet-up time was preceded by a storm, but about

15 people showed up, including resident Susannah Yong, whose post on Facebook had originally prompted Lyons to decide to take action. Rob Sall and John Cunningham, responsible for organizing the flower bulb planting alongside Ed’s Way last year, were among those who came out to clean, bringing a bucket and “picker.” Lyons said they regularly walk their dog and pick up trash on the southside of town. For about 45 minutes the group focused on picking up trash on Madison Street. “We all just met and spread out, like ants,” Lyons said. Working with two people, Lyons collected four large trash bags in an hour. The most interesting find? An open jar filled about a third with spaghetti sauce outside a liquor store. The most common-

ly found trash items were cigarette butts and empty liquor bottles. Lyons plans to make this a regular event and held a second meetup to clean up on Sunday, April 18. Residents gathered at the corner of Madison Street and Harlem Avenue in the vacant lot where a Chipotle restaurant will be coming soon. During the second event, they collected in total over 12 bags of trash, which included over 300 cigarette butts, over 10 face masks, and more than eight empty liquor bottles. The next meetup will be Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m. at the corner of Circle Avenue and Roosevelt Road. are asked to wear a mask and gloves and to bring a trash bag. They should not pick up sharp objects or needles, which can be a health hazard.

tween the village and Farmington Foods since the Feb. 1 plan commission meeting, agreement could not be reached during the April 12 meeting on changes Farmington Foods wanted to several of the 18 villageproposed conditions and restrictions. The biggest sticking point was in regard to truck traffic and noise, including truck transports between buildings on the property, truck refrigerator units running at loading docks, and idling trucks on Franklin Street and Circle Avenue. The proposed village ordinance would prohibit these allegedly noisy occurrences between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Farmington Foods objected to the restrictions, especially that relating to trucks running between buildings. They suggested changing the language so instead of a strict prohibition between certain hours the company would take “reasonable measures to minimize truck transports.” Completely disallowing truck traffic during the overnight hours, said La Valle, would be disastrous to their operations. “It’s an absolute requirement and necessity… for us to be able to move between [the buildings] between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. … We’ve minimized it to the extent possible, but for it to go to zero handcuffs us to a point that we can’t operate,” La Valle said. Fencing along Franklin Street was another area of disagreement between the village and Farmington Foods. Currently, a chain-link fence does nothing in terms of visual or noise screening, so the village wrote a requirement that the

chain link fence be removed and replaced with a combination of open and infilled wrought iron-like fencing, open around the entrances to provide visibility for vehicles. The fence must screen portions of the property that are beyond 15 feet from the entrances to the property. Farmington, however, wants that changed to 25 feet. Another village requirement is that Farmington Foods identify a “Community Contact Representative” with a 24-hour-phone number, responsible for receiving, monitoring and responding to messages and complaints. “The simple fact that we have to say you need to have a complaint line internally I think is sort of indicative of the lack of skin that Farmington has in the game here,” Glinke said. He added: “This is a process that has consumed a tremendous amount of staff and consultant hours here … I get a lot of complaints. There’s probably not five single addresses in Forest Park that have consumed more staff time than Farmington has in the last couple of years.” La Valle claimed he was unaware of resident complaints and that Farmington strives to address issues as soon as they’re made aware of them. He was, however, present at the most recent plan commission meeting during which at least two residents expressed their upset over problems they allegedly have experienced because of Farmington’s operations, including truck noise. La Valle said the company has received

zero citations for noise, and he was “disappointed” to hear the complaints from Glinke at the meeting. “It was my belief that we were being a good neighbor,” said La Valle. “I’m stunned that I’m being vilified by the fact that I haven’t written you tickets,” said Glinke. “If that’s what you’re asking, I’m happy to do it.” He said he preferred to work things out through “simple communication and collaboration.” Resident Nicola Hale, who lives in close proximity to Farmington, submitted a letter for public comment at the April 12 village council meeting. “Farmington has not been a good neighbor and has not once reached out to neighbors to ask how they can be better neighbors,” wrote Hale. In regard to noise from trucks, she said she’s been told to call the police, but when she learned there was only one employee working in illegal ticketing, she stopped calling. “And to be honest,” she wrote, “it seems like the police have more pressing work to do in the village. We have lived here for over 25 years and the problems [with Farmington Foods] have been ongoing and increasing each year.” Farmington Foods has operated in Forest Park since 1972, according to a statement from the company in support of the addition. Today they process raw and fully cooked pork, beef, poultry and vegetables for human consumption. They employ over 150 people at the Forest Park location.

PROPOSED ADDITION: Farmington Foods’ proposed addition will connect two existing structures on their property.

Ridgeland Associates, Inc..

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

SAL STELLA

ating with a reduced number of staff (Stella said there were 22 full-time staff members when he started in 1997; today there are 15 full-timers), but the department has been operating “with equipment that has from page 1 long passed its useful life.” Voogd said that in 2019, when she took chief water operator, a position that inoffi ce, it soon became apparent to her that cludes ongoing measurement of chlorine the public works fleet was in dire need of in the drinking water and monitoring the pump stations, both remotely and in replacement. How dire? According to Village Adminperson, to ensure water pressure is acistrator Tim Gillian in February, sevceptable. Stella said he takes and tests 15 eral vital pieces of equipment need to be water samples monthly to ensure safety, including samples from schools, stores replaced, and he says he can see the cost reaching $400,000 to $500,000. and residences. “As our finances begin to stabilize as we Stella inherits a department with an come out of the pandemic and our econoamazing reputation among residents but an ailing fleet, and addressing both of these my returns, we will look into bank loans or leasing to replace the equipment,” Gilare Stella’s priorities as the new director. lian said in an email. “Overall, I want to provide top notch But the problem isn’t new. public services to our residents. In the “For 10 years, Director Doss has been future, I want the residents to be able to voice their concerns and report any is- asking to replace aging vehicles, only for the proverbial can to be kicked down the sues with ease,” Stella said. He plans, of course, to address the el- road,” Voogd said. “And I know the vilephant in the room, the outdated fleet and lage’s finances have been an issue for a equipment, which is undoubtedly the big- long time. And I understand that a lot of gest challenge facing him as the new di- this equipment that we need to replace is expensive. But ignoring our fleet and not rector of the department. “Public works has been begging for planning for the future, we’re finding ourtrucks for years,” Stella said, and he be- selves in a really tough situation.” Stella acknowledged that continuing to provide the topnotch snow removal service the village is known for will be a challenge without new equipment. “We have this amazing reputation,” Stella said. “How we’ve been able to do it with the equipment we have is a miracle.” He said he’s been working with Gillian and Finance Director Tish Olmstead to find ways to finance the purchase of new equipment. Another goal of Stella’s is to ensure that upgrades to the village’s water infrastructure continue, including replacing water mains and separating the sewer system. Finally, he wants to take a hard look at updating, expanding or relocating the village’s public works facility, 7343 15th Street, which is in need of repair and is no longer big enough to accommodate the storage of equipment, MARIA MAXHAM especially if the fleet is updated and BOSS: Sal Stella has been appointed as the new new trucks or machinery purchased. director of public works, replacing John Doss Stella said his job is satisfying because he loves being outside and who is retiring on July 1. working with his hands. “I love doing something different every lieves that the entire fleet will need to be replaced as repairs alone won’t fix ongoing day, and I like working to help beautify this town,” he said. and significant problems with the vehicles. Good feedback from residents is what Recently, Commissioners Jessica drives him, and he tries hard to commuVoogd and Ryan Nero have been spending time researching and discussing the nicate to people in town what’s going on need to take action on the problem. This with projects. For example, when a water past February, Voogd brought up the is- main is being replaced, his goal is daily sue during a village council meeting, stat- updates to the people affected by the work. Working with Doss has been great, said ing that although public works has done a Stella, who appreciates the fact that Doss great job with snow clearing, something isn’t a micromanager, focusing on providthey’ve been known for for years, she ing instruction and allowing his employ“wanted to address a larger issue.” Not only has the department been oper- ees to do their jobs. That’s a management

New Public Works Director

New D91 superintendent participates in equity discussion Alvarez part of ‘Equity in Education’ webinar

non-profit organization founded in 1983 that hosts an annual series, “All Hands on Deck: Reimagining Chicago.” Alvarez, an LGC fellow since 2015, was one of the By MARIA MAXHAM guest speakers, pulling from Editor her experience as the Chief of Network 8 for Chicago PubForest Park’s new District lic Schools to discuss closing 91 elementary school district gaps such as the digital disuperintendent, Dr. Elizavide. beth Alvarez participated in Other panelists included a WBEZ-moderated discusDr. Janice Jackson, CEO of sion on equity in education Chicago Public Schools and on April 15. Natalie Neris, chief of comThe Zoom webinar, “EquiDR. ELIZABETH munity engagement for Kids ty in Education for All: ClosFirst Chicago. ALVAREZ ing the Gap,” was moderated D91 Superintendent Alvarez was enthusiastiby Kate Grossman, a senior cally hired by the D91 school educational editor for WBEZ. board in January. She offiThe virtual conference was sponsored cially begins on July 2. by Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC), a

style Stella said he plans to use as well. I’m excited about becoming director,” Stella said. “I was honored when I was approached by Tim [Gillian] and [Mayor] Rory [Hoskins]. And I want to thank everyone involved in hiring me, including the commissioners. During the approval of his appointment during the April 12 village council meeting, the commissioners, who unanimously approved the promotion, spoke about Stella’s vision and passion for the job. “Sal is the right guy for the job,” said Commissioner Ryan Nero, who mentioned he’d had a chance to sit down with Stella and talk about the future of the public works department. “He’s got the love for Forest Park, the passion for the work. And on top of that, going into that discussion meeting, he had a plan for what public works looks like in the next three to five years. He already had prepared ideas

We are Open!

on some things that he wants to do within the framework of public works, which is always great to see.” “I think Sal brings fresh energy and excitement into the position,” Commissioner Jessica Voogd said. “And I know he’s open to trying a lot of things and being creative and even working on some of the problems we’re working on. And he’s had a lot of time with Director [John] Doss to kind of learn the ropes and how they successfully are functioning now.” Dan Novak said, “Sal, we love you,” and Joe Byrnes stated that he agreed with the comments and assessments of everyone else, that Stella was the right person for the position. About Gillian, who appointed Stella to the position, Sal said, “I couldn’t thank him more for trusting me.” According to Hoskins, Stella’s salary will be $100,000.

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Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

April 21 - 28

BIG WEEK Eagles Bingo Returns! Bingo returns to the Eagles Hall, 446 Hannah Ave., on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Open to the public, cash prizes are part of the fun! There will be limited capacity, and CDC guidelines will be followed. Please wear a mask.

BBad Guys Trivia for Kids

Recycle Right & Reducing Your Waste

Join tthe Forest Park Public Library from 3 to 4 p.m p.m. on April 23 for virtual trivia on Aaron Blabey’s “The Bad Guys.” Discuss the Bad Guys Bla bo books and test your knowledge of the series th through Kahoot. Feel free to play as a team, if ddesired. Ages 8 and up. Visit fppl.org/events for more information.

On April 22 from 2 to 3 p.m., the Forest Park Library is hosting the Cook County Department of Environment & Sustainability’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Kate Carney, in a virtual talk about how we can create less waste and the proper paths to recycling various materials. Learn where your trash and recyclables go when they leave your home and guidelines to follow when making decisions on how to dispose of items. Q&A to follow. Register at fppl.org/events. Contact Skye at slavin@fppl.org or call (708) 366-7171 with questions.

Utility Board Clinic On April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m., the Forest Park Public Library is hosting an online Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) clinic, presenting information on spotting unnecessary charges on natural gas, electric, and phone bills; energy efficiency programs and rebates; options when it comes to phone, TV, and Internet; and utility rates, and making the right choices in the electric and gas markets. To register for your personal consultation, visit: https://tinyurl.com/vaxwmgqt.

Cub Scout Food Drive Meet the Artist: Jonathan Ross Meet Forest Park musician Jonathan Ross on April 25 at 3 p.m. as this month’s featured artist in the Forest Park Arts Alliance Meet the Artist series. Jonathan will be debuting his new instrumental concept album “Octavia,” which combines elements of classical music, improvised solos, rock and folk styles for a truly unique listening experience. The Zoom meeting address is https://tinyurl.com/n7xxchs, Meeting ID: 821 0708 8445, Passcode: 722129.

JONATHAN ROSS

Forest Park Cub Scout Troop 109 is hosting a food drive, called Scouting for Food, which will support local families through the Howard Mohr Community Center’s food pantry. The drive began on Saturday, April 17, when scouts distributed informational door hangers to houses in the area. The hangers instructed residents to leave food donations on their doorsteps after 9 a.m. on April 24. At that time, scouts will pick up the food and deliver it to the Howard Mohr Community Center. All non-perishable, non-expired food donations are welcome. Suggested donations include peanut butter, canned/dry beans, boxed pasta/rice/potatoes, or canned soups. To make a monetary donation to the drive, please text Scout4Food to 41444. For more information, please contact Paul Murray at 773-919-6680.

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APRIL 2021

April 21, 2021

Spring

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Urban Safari (5th – 8th gr.) M-F: 10:00am – 4:00pm & 4:00pm-6:00pm Extended Care 7:00am-10:00am & 4:00pm-6:00pm

Summer Scene (K – 7th grade) M-F: 12:00pm-4:00pm Extended Care 7:00am-10:00am & 4:00pm-6:00pm

Unforgettable Adventures from June 14th– August 20th Arts & Crafts, Games, Sports, and More!

River Forest Community Center 8020 Madison Street River Forest, IL 60305 708-771-6159 www.rfcc.info

April 21, 2021

CAMP GUIDE

APRIL 2021

Special Advertising Section

The perfect summer to start taking Language or Music lessons! The Language and Music School has been a center of arts learning in Oak Park for over 25 years. Now, at one of Oak Park’s most historic locations, Oak Park’s only arts castle, a revival Tudor mansion, it is no wonder past clients have called us “incredible”, “The most beautiful institution in Oak Park, it would not be Oak Park without it” - William, adult student “My daughter has been going to school here for almost 7 years. Maria and Brando are so amazing. They put so much care and effort into every part of the education the students receive. We were so lucky to discover this school. Aside

“welcoming”, “Great with children and adults”. In 2020, our founders were called “Visionary” in the Chicago Tribune. Here is a recent review (we have a 5 star average on Google and Facebook!):

from the immersion program my daughter has taken several types of music lessons and all the teachers have been awesome. This school is one of my daughters favorite places and we could not be happier.” - Keri Ann, mother of 8 year old student

Do not hesitate to call to learn about our private lessons today! This summer is the best time to start learning a language or instrument!

LANGUAGES CURRENTLY OFFERED: Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Sign Language, Coding, E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY OFFERED: Piano, Voice, Harp, Banjo, Violin, Trumpet, Cornet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Drum Set, African Drums, Saxophone, Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Recorder, Ukulele, Music Composition, Ear Training, Music Theater, Music Therapy. All Band & Orchestra Instruments TUTORING CURRENTLY OFFERED: E.S.L., Math, Reading, Writing, Language Arts, Advanced College Science, Audition Prep, Theater Scene Study, Drawing, Marketing

The Language and Music School At

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•Private Music Lessons • Foreign Language Lessons • Academic Tutoring

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

Special Advertising Section CAMP GUIDE |

APRIL 2021

April 21, 2021

Mathnasium: Avoid the Summer Slide, Fill in the COVID Slide PRE-K – 12TH GRADE

ore than any other subject, math has a stigma of being boring and anxiety provoking. For many students, the past year of remote instruction has made learning math even more difficult than usual. At Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, owner Jana Frank and her team of compassionate instructors have found a way, ever in this most challenging year, to alleviate student stress and “Make Math Make Sense” for local kids of all ages.

SAT, ACT & ISEE TEST PREP HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGRAMS PRE-K – 12TH GRADE

Currently Mathnasium has opened back up with a limited number of students on site to maintain safe social distance protocols. Next year Frank hopes to be back to the vibrant experience of in-person instruction, though, she emphasizes, the online option is not going away. “Remote learning is especially useful,” she says, “for parents who are unable to get their students to the center or for kids who have super packed schedules, so we are excited to be able to offer these very flexible options.” More than ever, this summer is the time for students to hone their math skills and get a jump on the school WE aARE year. Schedule FREEEXPERIENCED TRIAL SESSION MATH SPECIALISTS for your student to see if Mathnasium is the right fit for your family this summer. TEACH ALLasLEVELS Please call WE or email as soon possible as all summer OF programs currently MATHare ABILITY 15% off through the end of April!

SAT, ACT & ISEE TEST PREP HOMEWORK HELP SUMMER PROGR

Now nrollinMath g WeEMake for SumSense Make mer

We Make Math Make Sense

According to Frank, the biggest issue they faced with online learning was encouraging student participation. “Often with math,” she says, “students can be confused and too embarrassed to ask questions.” At Mathnasium, getting kids to talk is essential. All learning is done one-on-one (whether in-person or online), with instructors asking the kids to share how they got their answers and making them full participants in the learning experience. The instructors are trained in proactive engagement, and never teach through lecture or wait for a question—the entire lesson is a series of interactive discussions.

Pre K - 12th Grade Remediation to Enrichment WE ARE EXPERIENCED EARLY REGISTRATION SPECIAL: MATH SPECIALISTS FREESummer CONSULTATION FREE CONSULTATION Slide Prevention

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An in-depth SAT/ACT look at how the An in-depth look at how the Prep Programs the Method works WE TEACH ALL LEVELS during Mathnasium Method works Mathnasium Algebra & Geometry and how we can meet your and how we can meet your OF MATH ABILITY month of April family’s needs. family’s needs. Review/Preview

RESULTS PROVEN RESULTS Mathnasium PROVEN of Oak Park/River Forest Mathnasium Oak Park/River Forest Mathnasium La Grange is at 1101 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, 1101 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 1 S. Waiola Ave, La Grange, IL 60525 mathnasium.com/your web address Your Locationlagrange@mathnasium.com mathnasium.com/your web add (708) 613-4007.Your Visit mathnasium.com/ Location oakparkriverforest@mathnasium.com oakparkriverforest 123 Any Street Rd. 123 Any Street Rd. Any Town, ST 90000

mathnasium.com/your web address

800-123-4567 800-123-4567 mathnasium.com/oakparkriverforest mathnasium.com/lagrange Any Town, ST 90000 708.613.4007mathnasium.com/your web address 708.582.6593

Register now for OPRF Alliance team tryouts: Fall ’21 – Spring ’22 season! May tryout dates. All Alliance players have access to coach-supervised summer clinics and scrimmages before the Fall season kick off in August.

Alliance Offers: • Summer clinics • Summer scrimmages • August pre-season training

• Fall training & games

• Spring training & games

• Winter training & indoor games

• Tournament play

Summer Clinics

Summer Scrimmages

(M-F morning) • June 14 to June 18 • June 21 to June 25 • June 28 to July 2 • July 26 to August 8 (evenings)

• Sunday evenings • Monday evenings • More dates will likely be added

Teams Next Year (birth year): High school Boys (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

2008 boys

2010/11 boys

2009 girls

2011 girls

High school Girls (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007)

2009 boys

2012 girls

2010 girls

2013 girls

OPRF ALLIANCE is a community of families and competitive travel soccer. The club was started in fall 2012 by a small group of soccer skilled adults who wanted to create an affordable traveling soccer option for area families. Our coaches are professionally trained, they are skilled and dedicated. They coach for the love of soccer, a belief in community soccer and a passion for training kids to play at a high level. Our coaches are invested in our community and their teams.

Check our website for tryout dates, details and registration: www.oprfalliancesoccer.com/ We are always looking to add more teams and more motivated coaches: oprfalliancesc@gmail.com

April 21, 2021

APRIL 2021

Special Advertising Section

• PO TT

YO UR

ER T N

CAMP GUIDE

LASSE S

D FIN

VIACLAY

Working and teaching together at ViaClay

Kids Camps

mornings 9a - noon or afternoons or 1p - 4p

iaClay Community Pottery Studio is located just south of downtown Oak Park in the Pleasant-Home District at 208 South Marion Street. The newly expanded 4,000 sf studio offers students and members an engaging and bright communal workspace. ViaClay’s Kids Camps and adult classes begin in June 2021 and teachers Sarah Luepker, Bridget Doherty, Pennie Ebsen, and Emily Christopherson look forward to welcoming potters at all ages and levels of experience. “We had such a great response last year even during the pandemic, that when we learned the storefront to the north of us was available, we decided to expand,” explains studio manager John Beck. Beginning in mid-May, John and owner Gabe Tetrev will be welcoming families to tour ViaClay’s freshly renovated dedicated classroom space outfitted with new pottery wheels and other equipment.

viaclay.com Community Pottery Studio 208 South Marion • Oak Park info@viaclay.com (708) 434-5848 Gabe Tetrev, owner, and teacher Sarah Luepker

“It’s great to see these blocks at Marion and Pleasant come back to life after such a challenging winter,” owner Gabe says. This year, Gabe’s own studio GP Tetrev Pottery, until recently at 159 Oak Park Avenue, has also moved to the expanded ViaClay space. “We’re excited to have everyone working and teaching together, and to bringing the retail experience to ViaClay more easily now that we’ve consolidated locations.” John and Gabe plan “popup” sales of members’ ceramic work at ViaClay throughout the year. The first Studio Sale and Kiln Opening event is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 10a – 5p at 208 South Marion. For more information on Kids Camps or to schedule a studio tour, visit ViaClay’s website at www.viaclay.com, or call or email John Beck at john. beck@viaclay.com or (708) 434-5848.

all photos: DTKindler

Special Advertising Section

CAMP GUIDE

APRIL 2021

April 21, 2021

Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts

ow in its sixth year, Ovation Academy provides both kids and adults with high quality performing arts training and unforgettable musical theater experiences. Each year over 500 local families attend its wide range of classes, camps, rehearsals, workshops, and private lessons. According to the academy’s founder and executive director Tina Reynolds, “Imagination, creativity, and inspiring magic is what we do best.” In 2019, Ovation moved from the basement of the Oberweiss store on Oak Park Avenue into its gorgeous new home in the Madison Street Theater building, which features two fully equipped theaters as well as ample classroom and studio space. A fencedin courtyard provides additional activity space during fair-weather days. As with all performing arts groups, the pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to Ovation. A quick pivot to zoom-based learning in 2020 slowly evolved into a mix of both virtual and in-person programming, including mandatory masks, temperature checks,

plexiglass barriers, social distancing, and a new air filtration system. When its hvac system broke down this past winter, the community stepped up and crowd-funded the $60,000 needed to replace it and heat the building for our students. Ovation is grateful for the unwavering support of its families, whose dedication and loyalty have kept it alive during these challenging times. Summer camp at Ovation is a time for kids aged 5-14 to discover the joy of musical theater anew. With a mix of theater games, skill-building workshops and rehearsals, kids can learn, grow and make lasting friendships along the way. Every camp culminates in a fully produced musical theater production, with a limited capacity audience in attendance to celebrate the kids’ achievements. Join us this summer and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime! Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts 1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 708.222.7564 www.ovationacademy.org

Draw out your briliance at Masterclass Workroom

e at Masterclass Workroom believe that creativity is a basic function of being human. Creativity is a fundamental factor in expressing and developing oneself fully. When practiced regularly, it is nourishment and therapeutic for our souls. Being creative is a skill that can be honed and is not only used to express artistic vision; it can be used to solve problems in all aspects of one’s life. Masterclass Workroom was conceived to provide a beautiful, safely communal space to create and hone skills, using the most exquisite materials. Each of our small classes is project-based, focused on a specific technique and skill. We gently guide students to develop each technique in their own unique way, making the project a reflection of them. Techniques are taught in a way that students can see multiple applications and contexts to use in other classes or when they are

off flying on their own creative journey. We offer classes in a multitude of mediums: sewing, jewelry making, leather work, fiber arts such as weaving, punch needle, crochet and locker hooking, and elevated paper crafts including paper vessels, paper flowers and card making. Our teachers have years of experience as professional artists and beautiful humans, eager to encourage and draw out the creative brilliance that we all have within us. Visit our website www. masterclassworkroom.com to view classes, or email us for custom classes and special groups: artisanmasterclass@gmail.com.

Masterclass Workroom Elevated craft classes for teens and adults Sewing Weaving Quilting Jewelry Coiled Rope Bowls

Paper Boxes Paper Flowers Locker Hooking Punch Needle Leather Work

www.masterclassworkroom.com

For inquiries regarding custom classes and custom groups: artisanmasterclass@gmail.com

146 N. Oak Park Ave. Oak Park, IL

FPSD91 Kindness ad (FPR) 042121.pdf

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

4/19/21

12:00 PM

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

Forest Park musician will premier new album at Arts Alliance event Jazz guitarist recorded ‘Octavia’ during pandemic By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

At a Meet the Artist event sponsored by the Forest Park Arts Alliance on April 25, Jonathan Ross will sample tracks from his brand-new album and engage in a Zoom conversation with attendees. Ross is a Forest Park resident who is known in the area mainly as a jazz guitarist. Unable to play gigs live during the quarantine, he took advantage of the down time to write the whole album titled Octavia. “Everyone I’ve shared the album with,” he said, “has agreed that it’s something that they haven’t quite heard before and feel it’s a unique kind of sound.” JONATHAN ROSS It’s unique, he explained, partly because he was using the project as a means for creating his own style and partly because it combines elements of folk, hard rock and classical music. And because the stay-at-home orders prevented Ross from getting together with other musicians to make Octavia, the only live musicians on the CD are himself on guitar and another musician playing a Greek mandolin called a bouzouki. The other musical sounds were programmed by Ross into a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). “I had to write the whole score,” he explained, “separate each instrument into its own MIDI file, and then send them to a friend in Indiana who put them on a grid on his computer.” Although he is pleased with the result and believes that listeners will not be able to tell that most of what they are hearing has been created digitally, he added, “Hopefully on the next album I can have a live band.” Ross received the first copies of his album just two weeks ago, so this Meet the Artist program on April 25 will serve as the world premier of Octavia. The Zoom program which begins at 3:00 p.m. will feature Ross playing samples from his album together with time for conversation. Lin Beribak from the Arts Alliance and who will serve as moderator said, “We will begin with a quick introduction, then

turn the spotlight and microphone over to Jon. He will play and talk about his process, his influence, his reason for writing the piece as he wishes, and, of course, play a few pieces from his album. Then we will open the microphones so anyone can ask a question, make a comment and Jonathan can respond.” One of the topics of the conversation might well be the fact that although the music on the album is completely instrumental, Ross said, “The concept of the album is sort of like an instrumental telling of a story of sailors going out to sea to hunt

this mythical creature, a giant octopus called Octavia, which they think is dangerous, but it’s not what they think it is.” In that sense, musicologists might categorize the project as “program music,” i.e. music without lyrics which has an “extramusical meaning.” In some ways Octavia is in the tradition of Greek epics like the Illiad and the Odyssey or the American classic Moby Dick. It’s a journey with a quest which also turns out to be a journey of self-discovery. “I use the term self-discovery in the notes inside the album cover,” Ross said.

“It’s a very in-depth idea. It invites us to ask tough questions about ourselves. It’s easy to point our fingers at other people when we see what’s been going on during the pandemic, but it’s hard to ask ourselves what’s wrong with me.” FPAA’s Meet the Artist events are always the last Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. A call for artists on the FPAA page brought a few artists, including Ross, to the attention of the Alliance. To attend the FPAA event featuring Jonathan Ross on April 25 at 3 p.m., Zoom in at https://fb.me/e/jt5hr3wK8, Meeting ID: 821 0708 8445, Passcode: 722129.

we are open

and living life like never before! Spring is about rebirth and renewal. We are ready to start anew— together with you! Please join us for our

Grand Opening Week | May 17–21 by appointment only Senior Lifestyle is bringing best-in-class assisted living and award-winning memory care to River Forest. The Sheridan at River Forest offers incomparable services with rental residences for those age 62 or better.

RSVP at 708-469-4607 today! Visit seniorlifestyle.com/about/covid-19/ to learn more about our best practices.

ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 800 N. HARLEM AVENUE | RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 SHERIDANRIVERFOREST.COM

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

COVID-19 cases at PMSA, Proviso West

Schools taking steps to prevent spread By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

District 209 families were notified via email on April 13 that individuals at both Proviso West High School and at Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) in Forest Park have tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are coordinating our efforts with the Cook County Department of Public Health to promptly identify and monitor individuals who have had recent contact with the COVID-19 positive individual(s) to prevent further spread within our school and community,” wrote Superintendent James Henderson in the email. Those who may have been in close contact with the individual have been contact-

ed, he said. The district is taking steps to prevent further spread of the disease, including quarantine for those “having prolonged close contact” with the individuals diagnosed with the virus; ongoing monitoring of students and staff for illness; and deep cleaning and disinfection of areas where the infected may have been. Already in place within all three D209 schools are rules

and guidelines to ensure the safety of students and staff. These guidelines include having a separate place for anyone with symptoms to go until they can be sent home, the requirement that face masks be worn at all times, and continuous sanitizing of high-touch areas, such as door handles and bannisters. Henderson reminded families in his email that anyone with symptoms should stay home. More information on District 209 is available at www.pths209.org.

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Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

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FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

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Premium Shredded Hardwood ��$25/yd Dyed Red/Brown ��$28/yd Playmat��$28/yd Triple Brown ��$28/yd Premium Blend Dark �$34/yd Premium Bark Fines��$42/yd Blonde Cedar ��$48/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

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YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST,FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

Public Notice: Your right to know • In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365 PublicNoticeIllinois.com

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

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HOMECARE AIDES Sahara Homecare is hiring Homecare Aides for our Melrose Park location. We are looking for compassionate caregivers to assist elderly clients with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and other errands. Pay starts at $14.00 per hour and ﬂexible hours are available. Please call our Melrose Park ofﬁce at (708) 344-2273 if interested or email Nicole Gray at nicoleg@saharahomecare.com and Greyder Martinez at greyderm@saharahomecare.com.

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park. Check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2 /jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en

Man assaults multiple people, including police officers

A huge commotion was caused outside a bar on the 7400 block of Madison Street on April 18 at 12:49 a.m. when bar employees called the police for help removing a subject they reported to be extremely drunk. When police arrived, the subject looked and smelled intoxicated and he was yelling, but not making any sense, according to the police report. He eventually went outside after police told him he needed to go. On the street, however, he became “belligerent and irate,” and a crowd began to form in front of the entrance. The subject repeatedly screamed at police. At one point, he turned to a man smoking near the doorway and slapped him in the hand and face. Then, he turned to one of the officers and struck the officer in the chest, then in the face with his right elbow, causing a laceration and swelling to the officer’s lower lip. Officers demanded he put his arms behind his back, but he resisted. According to the police report, a large group of bar patrons began filming the officers on their phones, congesting the area and some berating the police. Meanwhile, the subject continued to fight police, although they were eventually able to bring him to the ground, gain control of him and handcuff him. He wouldn’t get up and walk, though, so officers had to pick him up and carry him to the squad car, which he refused to enter. At one point, he struggled so hard against officers that he pushed one into the car door, causing bruising, redness and pain to the officer’s right knee and right elbow. After more struggle trying to get the subject into a squad car, the man finally lay on the ground and said he had mental health issues, at which time the police requested an ambulance to take him to the hospital. When asked for his date of birth, the

subject told the officer, “Shut up, b---h.” He was transported to the hospital, where police report he was rude to the nurses, calling them derogatory names. Police contacted the Assistant State’s Attorney, requesting a felony charge for aggravated battery to a peace officer, but since there was no footage of the battery, it was rejected. An officer wearing a body camera appeared on the scene after the assault against the police officers had occurred. (Some Forest Park police officers are currently wearing body camera on a trial basis, a story the Review is working on now.) The man was processed for battery.

Running, unlocked car stolen from gas station A woman who left her car running, unlocked and with the keys in the ignition at 7-Eleven, 205 Harlem Ave., called police on April 16 at 2:38 a.m. when two other women allegedly got into her car and drove away with it. The police report states that the victim was rude, yelling at the officers and calling them “stupid.” Her phone, which was in the car, last tracked the vehicle to an address in Chicago.

Woman robbed at knifepoint A woman in front of a bar on the 7500 block of Madison Street reported being robbed at knifepoint on April 17 at 1:02 a.m. She said she was outside the bar having a cigarette when an unknown male approached her and held a knife to her neck. The knife, she said, was “pocket sized.” He allegedly walked her a little further west on Madison Street, saying, “If you don’t come with me, you’re done.” He then started taking things from her See BLOTTER on page 17

HELP WANTED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiﬁed candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/ jobs. Interested and qualiﬁed applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than April 30, 2021. PART-TIME CHEF Oak Park Meal Service looking for an experienced part time chef to manage food prep, cooking, cooling & packaging. Day hours, $15+/hour. Contact Angie via email • angiemontroy@angiespantry.com

ALL POSITIONS AVAILABLE PAPASPIROS RESTAURANT 708-358-1700 • Ask for Spiro

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST,FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

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

MARKETPLACE ITEMS FOR SALE

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ANTIQUE HALL TREE Antique American Hall Tree, solid oak. Excellent condition. 29”w x 78”h x 11”d, with covered shelf and mirror. $159.00. 708-488-8755

BRASS HEADBOARD Solid brass headboard.Originally from Marshall Field’s. $189.00. 708-488-8755

ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and five shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany finish. $129.00. 708-488-8755 FRUITWOOD FINISH NIGHTSTAND Solid wood nightstand, fruitwood finish. 1 drawer and 1 bottom shelf. 15”d x 24”w x 24”h. $59.00 708-488-8755 LADDERS 24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $50 WERNER 7 FT STEP LADDER Very good ladder. $50 708-488-8755

QUEEN BED FRAME Queen size bed frame, spring base on wheels. Mattress not included. $59.00. 708-488-8755

WANTED TO BUY 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 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER $50.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE DRESSER WITH MIRROR 4 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE CHEST OF DRAWERS 5 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755

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

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

OPINION O U R

V I E W

Farmington friction goes public

here is inevitably friction when an industrial land use is hard against a residential neighborhood. That’s the reality on the north side of Forest Park where Farmington Foods, a long-time meat processing plant, is seeking to grow within its existing footprint. And neighbors, long frustrated by issues of late night noise, lights and odors, are pushing back in a moment when the village holds approvals that Farmington badly wants. We were glad to see this simmering tension boil over in public view at last week’s village board meeting. It is past time for all this to be on the table, to be sorted out, for a middle ground to be negotiated and then enforced. It was odd to listen to Farmington’s CEO express surprise that the neighbors were not all fans. He seems to have taken the lack of a cascade of formal complaints and fines from the village as evidence that all was well. And Steve Glinke, the village’s code enforcement chief, said he’d be happy to start issuing fines but had preferred to try to use more diplomatic methods. Clearly, when all this unspools at the board table with a batch of angry neighbors adding their voices, it is clear that what we have here is a failure to communicate. We don’t expect, or want, Farmington Foods to go anywhere. Forest Park is historically a mix of manufacturing and residential. We believe the village needs to help Farmington Foods grow as it explains in its bid to modestly expand its facility. But Farmington needs to take this hard shot at its practices as serious worry. Co-existing is the necessary reality. Homeowners and renters chose a neighborhood next door to a meat processing plant. That plant didn’t locate on Industrial Drive; it chose a neighborhood filled with people entitled to a night’s sleep.

Supt. Henderson’s silent treatment

he Review sent a reasonable batch of questions to the superintendent at the Proviso Township High Schools asking about the plan to bring food services back into the district rather than contracting with a vendor. We’ve been covering this issue for a few years now, ever since everyone at District 209 concluded the outside vendor’s food was putrid. There is seldom such consensus on an issue in education. But this food was terrible and the vendor had to go. Now Supt. James Henderson is taking the surprising step of bringing food prep and service back in house. In an era of outsourcing, it is a surprise and that’s why it is an interesting story to cover. What’s not surprising is the long harangue of a response from the district’s communication professional saying Dr. Henderson will no long talk to the Review about food service or any other topic. He doesn’t like our critical coverage and he chooses to ignore our positive stories about the district. We were surprised that the harangue also knee capped the district’s former superintendent, not a typical approach. But Henderson’s approach is rarely typical. We’ll keep reporting on the Proviso schools. That’s our job.

Spring laundry

or the past year I have been realigning my dreams to reality, so it seems fitting to welcome this spring with a quieter more introspective cleaning. To facilitate this, I have been walking and observing the subtle changes in Forest Park on foot, day to day. The long-awaited blooms from the volunteer gardeners along Harvard Street have started to reveal themselves this week, and they are delightful. The canopy of showy pinks and whites of the magnolias, cherries, urban pear trees are out exploding with color. Although rare in some manicured yards, I am delighted (and so will the bees be) by the bright yellow dots of dandelions that are so bright and happy in the green grass. The years of hard disciplined work that comes from patient, focused leadership at Proviso High Schools is showing through the completion of long neglected physical plant changes that are considerate of students using them and their function for the future of the community. The brave models of change, driven by the community are showing their results. The measured, “trust the process” sweat has brought forth a new day. Along the Desplaines River, like a secret garden, there have been lots of celebrity birds dropping in. The Kingfisher, wood ducks, blue winged teal, coopers hawk and herons are just some of the sightings. Plus, the active beavers are busy whittling the trees and reorganizing the paths at night, leaving their craft to be seen in the daylight. I have a new- found kinship with the beaver. Just like me, they stay close to home, have been whittling away at projects at night and still have some of the fat layers from

winter they are carrying around. Unfortunately, I don’t always have a glass-half-full view, but inevitably it always comes back to me when it gets lost. Lately I have been struggling to absorb all the pride and suspicion, to absorb that the hate and fear that seems to be present but at arm’s length is now just acceptable. In the wake of hate is ruined relationships and trust. I know I cannot control what other people think or how they act. I have a small cup for drama, and once it overflows, I walk. I am walking through my “spring laundry” and working to identify the tulips in the world that are courageous, humble and graceful despite storms of defensiveness and pride. I do not want to be on the team crusading for mistrust, or the team crusading to put people down or the team that is too defensive to respect another point of view. We can make all sorts of predictions, but we cannot foresee how a path might change in a year or two or how deep the Desplaines will be this summer or if there will be another business shutdown from COVID-19. This spring, I have plenty of laundry to take care of. My circumstances have me staying close to home, focused on my family. Since my boys were little babies in my arms I have imagined and hoped so much about this year, when they would both graduate. The dreams and hopes I had are not playing out the way I thought they would. I can either be patient and measured or be dramatic and emotional. So I walk, looking for the path of being patient and measured, so I have as clear of a path as I can to weather the challenges in my life.

JILL WAGNER

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

L E T T E R

O B I T U A R Y

Don’t lift the ban on rent control Sounds good, doesn’t it? Lower rent. The truth about rent control everywhere it has been enacted is it drastically reduces supply of rental units and causes massively high rents. It drives out smaller housing providers and sends responsible developers looking elsewhere. It is a failed experiment and almost all states have a ban in place for this reason. In Forest Park and surrounding areas, housing providers are tiny landlords. They are your friends and neighbors who own the three-flat on your street. Characterizing housing providers as “big business” is misinformation. Placing limits on the price of housing without placing limits on costs (my water bill doubled this year) afflicts your community with housing which cannot be maintained. The answer instead is to provide more housing supply, thereby lowering rents and raising our tax base. Of more help would be addressing income inequality. Some of our poorest pay more than half their income on housing. It’s awful, and rent control will make it worse. Forest Park’s plan to lower rental housing density also contributes to high

BLOTTER from page 15 pockets. She slipped out of her jacket and ran back toward the bar, at which time a female companion of the victim, seeing her friend’s distress and learning of what had happened, approached the suspect and punched him twice in the face before retrieving her friend’s belongings. The suspect was last seen fleeing north on Desplaines Avenue from Madison Street. He was not located by police.

Disturbance at Dunkin Donuts A police officer rode with a subject in the ambulance and stayed with him until he was admitted to a hospital after being called to Dunkin Donuts, 7200 Circle Ave., on April 15 at 11:05 a.m. The man, currently experiencing homelessness, was inside the restaurant saying he would kill everyone and grabbing at his waistband as if reaching for a gun, but he did not have one. He then went outside and began walking aimlessly in the middle of heavy traffic on Harlem Avenue. He willingly got into the ambulance and was transported to the hospital.

Open alcohol on Madison Street ■ A man with an open bottle of D’USSE VSOP Cognac was standing in front of Forest Park Liquors, 7429 Madison St., on April 16 at 1:11 a.m. Police stopped and told him if he didn’t throw away the bottle, he would

Ernest F. Dost, 93

rent levels. Rents rise when supply is low, much like the supply issue behind our current skyrocketing purchase prices. Even Chicago recognizes that more housing means lower rents with their ADU program which encourages building of Accessory Dwelling Units (like coach houses and basement buildouts) to create more rental units, changing the supply and demand equation. Similarly, asking new developments to have less units which are larger is misinformed. No evidence exists that 3-bedroom units attract better neighbors than 1-bedroom units. The new proposed development at Harrison and Thomas is an example. By insisting on less and larger units, we once again raise rents by hampering new development and raising the cost of building new units. Also relevant is that Forest Park is not a home rule community and will not be able to enact a rent control law. Let’s use facts, basic economics, and a little common sense to address lack of affordable housing. PROTECT AFFORDABLE HOUSING—contact your State legislator today to oppose HB 116.

Vicki May

be given a local ordinance citation. But the man said he’d just bought the bottle and didn’t want to get rid of it. Instead, he allegedly said, he’d put it in his car. Police once again told the subject he needed to throw the bottle away, “as I was trying to give him a break,” wrote the officer in his report. Again, the man refused. As the officer got out of his car, the man took a chug from the bottle and then poured its contents into a garbage can before disposing of the bottle as well. He was issued a local ordinance citation for open alcohol. ■ Two men walking east on the 7300 block of Madison Street on April 16 at 11:33 p.m. were spotted with a clear plastic cup and a red plastic cup containing suspected alcoholic beverages. Police made contact with them and told them to get rid of their beverages, which they did. They were both issued local ordinance citations. ■ A man was holding a clear plastic cup containing an alcoholic beverage on April 17 at 1:22 a.m. on the 400 block of Thomas Avenue in Constitution Court. He was issued a local ordinance citation for open alcohol. ■ Police issued citations for no valid registration and for open alcohol to a man drinking in his vehicle on the 400 block of Thomas Avenue in Constitution Court on April 17 at 11:44 p.m. ■ On the 7400 block of Madison Street, police stopped a man with a “plastic cup completely full of an alcoholic beverage,”

skiing, canoeing, and camping, and for a time he enjoyed leading group outings Ernest F. Dost, 93, of Forest Park, died with the Sierra Club, American Youth on April 8, 2021, after a short illness. Hostels, and Forest Trails Hiking Club. Born in Chicago to German immigrants His children remember him for his “love on March 8, 1928, Ernie of nature, sense of justice, joined the Army immecuriosity, and thirst for diately after graduating learning.” from Lane Tech High Ernie was the husband School, and this afforded of Marcia Dost and fahim the opportunity to ther of Eric W. (Patty) live and travel in GerDost, Monica (Norman) many after the war ended Weisz, Margaret Dost, there. When he returned, and Andrew Dost. He was he worked in Chicago the grandfather of Holly and liked to make time Dost, Gemma Dost, Eric for travel, once riding a R. Dost, Michael Dost, motor scooter the whole Signy Weisz, Thor Weisz, of Route 66 and back, and and Ingrid Weisz, and years later visiting many great-grandfather of Ava national parks with his ERNST F. DOST Schneider. He is survived family. He attended and received a degree from as well by many nieces, nephews, and the Illinois Institute of Technology and friends. He was preceded in death by a worked for many years as a civil engineer. son, Ernest F. (Angela) Dost, Jr., and sibErnie lived in Oak Park in the 1960s and lings Margaret (the late Richard) Moore 70s and moved to Forest Park in 1979. He and Bernard (the late Geraldine) Dost. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the was known in town for riding his bike well into his eighties and for his efforts in family is planning a small private burial. recycling. He always carried a plastic bag A larger celebration of Ernie’s life will be to pick up trash, whether in town or on lo- scheduled when it is safe for family and cal hiking trails. He loved hiking, biking, friends to gather.

according to the police report, on April 18 at 12:43 a.m. When the police car pulled up alongside the man, he immediately dumped the contents out onto the sidewalk. He was issued a local ordinance citation for open alcohol.

Graffiti ‘artists’ target train cars again On April 15, police were called for graffiti to three train cars that had occurred during the previous night. The train cars were out of service in the far west end of the tracks along I-290. CTA employees suspect that the offenders were dropped off on I-290 by an accomplice, where they climbed the fence, tagged the train, and then were picked up again. A CTA employee at 711 Desplaines Ave. reported graffiti on a train car on April 18. Exactly when the incident occurred is uncertain, but it possibly happened over the weekend. Unknown offenders spray painted “PHIDSR” in black, orange, blue, pink, yellow and white spray paint and “NEEN” in blue, purple, black, green, red and white spray paint. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, April 12-18, 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

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

CLASSIFIED

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Let the sun shine in... Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 / 7 / 365 ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE VILLAGE OF STICKNEY, COUNTY OF COOK, STATE OF ILLINOIS TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 at 6:00 PM Notice is given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Stickney will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., at the Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402 to take public comment and testimony concerning:

LINE TO A POINT IN THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD THAT IS 50 FEET WEST OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THENCE EAST IN THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD THAT IS 50 FEET WEST OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

An application submitted by the WT Group, 5722 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192, on March 30, 2021, to the Village of Stickney Zoning Administrator requesting a special use permit to operate a Gas N’ Wash with a gas station with a convenience store, an automobile wash and restaurant at the property located at 3800 South Cicero Avenue, Stickney, Illinois, 60402. (PINs: 16-33-400-038-0000).

ALSO EXCEPTING THAT PART TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN CASE 87L50570 DESCRIBED AS COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 33 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN THENCE ON AN ASSUMED BEARING OF SOUTH 89 DEGREES, 49 MINUTES 53 SECONDS WEST ON SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY PROLONGATION OF THE WEST LINE OF CICERO AVENUE; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST ON LAST DESCRIBED LINE 84.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 44 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 57 SECONDS WEST ON A LINE WHICH INTERSECTS THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 34.00 FEET OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 AT A POINT DISTANT 50.00 FEET WEST OF THE WEST LINE OF SAID CICERO AVENUE, A DISTANCE OF 39.66 FEET TO A LINE 28.00 FEET WEST OF AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE IF SAID CICERO AVENUE, THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST ON THE LAST DESCRIBED LINE 101.08 FEET; THENCE NORTH 06 DEGREES 08 MINUTES 48 SECONDS EAST 261.50 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF CICERO AVENUE SAID POINT BEING 417.0 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST 1/4; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES

The Legal Description for the property is as follows: THAT PART OF THE EAST 383 FEET OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, WHICH LIES SOUTH OF A LINE DRAWN AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EAST LINE OF AFORESAID SOUTHEAST 1/4 THROUGH A POINT IN SAID EAST LINE WHICH IS 552.11 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF OF AFORESAID SOUTHEAST 1/4; EXCEPT THE EAST 50 FEET THEREOF TAKEN FOR CICERO AVENUE AND THE SOUTH 34 FEET THEREOF TAKEN FOR PERSHING ROAD, AND ALSO EXCEPTING THAT PART DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE WEST LINE OF AFORESAID CICERO AVENUE AND THE NORTH LINE OF AFORESAID PERSHING ROAD, THENCE NORTH IN THE WEST LINE OF AFORESAID CICERO AVENUE, A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO A POINT, THENCE SOUTHWEST IN A

00 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID CICERO AVENUE 333.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. This request will be heard at a public hearing held at the Village of Stickney, Village Court Room, located at 6533 W. Pershing Road, Stickney, IL 60804. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will also be broadcast via Zoom.us. The Zoom meeting ID is as follows: Meeting ID: 312 915 7558 Passcode: 768782 All persons in attendance (in-person or virtually) at the foregoing hearing shall have an opportunity to give testimony, be heard and ask questions about the project. Further information regarding this application is available through the Zoning Administrator, Josh Brniak (708749-4490), whose office is located at the Village of Stickney Village Hall located at 6533 West Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402. Any person wishing to give testimony or public comment at the hearing may present said comment or testimony at the hearing (in-person or virtually) or they may submit their comments or testimony at least one (1) hour before the hearing to the Zoning Administrator, Josh Brniak at jbrniak@ villageofstickney.com. Any changes related to the location or manner of attendance of the hearing resulting from any local or national emergency, including but not limited to COVID-19 related state, federal and local restrictions or other emergency declarations by the Village President, the Governor of the State of Illinois or the President of the United States of America, shall be posted on the Village’s website. Publication Date this 21st day of April, 2021. Village of Stickney Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Landmark April 21, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, Petitioner and CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ, Respondent, Case No. 2021 D 002918. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, CARLOS BLADIMIR LOPEZ MUNOZ Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, DIANA ITZEL COSS y LEON, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before May 12, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28,2021

NOTICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Date: Time: Location:

May 6, 2021 6:00 PM 320 Chicago Ave. Oak Park Subject Property Address: 6545 West North Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Proposed Development: Development and Construction of a New three story, 15 unit rental apartment building with 15 ground floor parking spaces. The applicant is requesting zoning relief for the following: 1.) Increase in density from 12 allowed dwelling units to 15 dwelling units. 2.) A reduction in side yard from a required five feet to zero feet. 3.) Exemption from having a load berth. 4.) Exemption from having Public Art. 5.) A reduction in rear yard at ground floor parking garage from ten feet to zero feet. Purpose of Hearing: Pre-Planned Development Submittal Discussion Contacts: Craig Volpe CMV Development 312-213-4499 Published in Wednesday Journal April 21, 2021

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: Y21006573 on April 9, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of GRAF JANITORIAL AND MAINTENANCE with the business located at: 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID L GRAF 1047 DUNLOP AVENUE COACHHOUSE BEHIND 1045 DUNLOP, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA. Published in Forest Park Review April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

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: Y210006472 on April 1, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOULA’S with the business located at: 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: RENEE ELENA HAAS 632 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal April 14, April 21, April 28, 2021

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.CALVIN L. SMITH, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Defendants 2020CH06802 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 18, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 13, 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: Commonly known as 813 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-328-0050000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The

Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-12025 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH06802 TJSC#: 41-438 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 # 2020CH06802 I3166754

Commonly known as 615 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 19-024425 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3166929

Corporation. 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(g1).IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. 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, Megan K. Gajewski, KELLEY KRONENBERG Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 216-8828. Please refer to file number CM19055. 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. Megan K. Gajewski KELLEY KRONENBERG 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800 Chicago IL, 60601 312-216-8828 E-Mail: Mgajewski@kelleykronenberg.com Attorney File No. CM19055 Attorney ARDC No. 6276927 Attorney Code. 49848 Case Number: 19 CH 12066 TJSC#: 41-551 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. I3167637

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. JOANNA SENTER AKA JOANNA D. SENTER; NICHOLAS M. SENTER; POPLAR BANK FKA BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA; Defendants, 19 CH 8670 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-06-323-025-0000.

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FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS INDENTURED TRUSTEE FOR ANGEL OAK MORTGAGE TRUST I, LLC 2018PB1 Plaintiff, -v.ECHELON INVESTMENT CORP., PATRICK OCENAS, SERENA VICTOR Defendants 19 CH 12066 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 5, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 18, 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: Commonly known as 817 S. CUYLER AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-124-0200000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $691,465.75. Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The amount owed also includes 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. 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 certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales

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

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

INC., REALTOR

(708) 366-8989 7342 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130

928 S. Kenilworth Ave. Oak Park ....................$275,000

SOLD!

1028 Beloit Forest Park ....................$289,000

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!

A PA R T M E N T / O F F I C E SUBURBAN RENTALS

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

Apartment listings updated daily at:

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.

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

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.

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!

R E N TA L S OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean ofﬁce. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-3838574.

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

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!

ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice. Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult. Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

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

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

Limited availability!

Forest Park Review, April 21, 2021

189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400

HomesInTheVillage.com

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Chicago $159,300 1BR, 1BA Laurie x186

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Mike Becker

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