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Vol. 103, No. 19

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Growing Community nity Media receives PPP loan PAGE 4

Cannabis licenses delayed PAGE 6

MAY 6, 2020

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Proviso East Marching Band to get newly designed uniforms D209 school board approved purchase of new uniforms in March

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Proviso East Marching Band will soon be marching to the beat of a different look. At a regular meeting on March 10, the District 209 board unanimously approved a $58,190 bid for Romeoville-based The Bandmans Company to make 100 new uniforms for the popular band.

Cletis Seals, the band’s director, told board members during last month’s meeting that the band’s current uniforms were designed in 2002, with the district having purchased filler uniforms in 2012.

“The majority have been in use since 2012,” Seals said. “Speaking with many uniform companies, the average lifespan of band uniforms is 10 to 15 years.

That’s for marching seasons, but our band performs year-round. They go through a lot more wear and tear than they should.”

Seals said that many of the uniforms have had to be stitched up multiple times, “some to the point where we were told they can no longer be repaired.”

During the March meeting, Seals showed board members a pair of uniform pants that ripped right before the first football game of the year this past season.

Seals said that Bandmans is the same company that has made the band’s uniforms in the past.

See MARCHING BAND on page 7

PHOTO BY ALEX ROGALS

PLAYING ON

In honor of May Day, Jon Langford played live from Forest Home Cemetery as part of the Historical Society of Forest Park’s virtual tour of the Haymarket Monument. Visit facebook.com/forestparkhistory for more.

Village finances suffering due to COVID-19 shut-downs At least 30 to 40 percent less revenue expected for several months

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Village Administrator Tim Gillian, who’s been in his position for over a decade and served as a village commissioner for 12 years prior to that, says

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

he’s never seen the village face a financial crisis like it faces now.

“There have been some tough financial situations, but nothing like this where we’re looking at an almost complete stoppage of everything,” said Gillian.

College students show resilience PAGE 12

While it’s difficult to get a precise idea of how dire the situation is – revenue received in March, for example, is partially comprised of receivables from previous months – Gillian said it’s a See FINANCES on page 14

Local businesses ready for Mother’s Day PAGE 13

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Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Oak Park and River Forest Mental Health Boards are here to help!

We provide access to resources and services to for the Oak Park and River Forest Communities Students can text us at: 844-670-5838 District 90 Text: Safe District 97 Text: Hope District 200 Text: Care

Download our new COVID-19 resource guide at: bit.ly/oprfguide

Visit The HUB for a complete list of resources

Sponsors:

In Partnership with:

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

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Basking in the glory of MJ

orship services are among the many casualties of coronavirus.

We can’t attend but still watch online. Millions of us are attending remote worship services on Sunday nights, centering on the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have been a religion for me since the franchise was founded. Now The Last Dance allows us to bask in their most glorious years.

I also study my “bible,” a 672page biography titled, Michael Jordan, The Life by Roland Lazenby. What strikes me most is Jordan’s solid upbringing. James and Deloris Jordan had a rocky relationship, but they instilled self-discipline, moral values and a fierce drive in their five children. Homework had to be finished before they could play sports. Bedtime was 8 p.m.

No one could leave the house without permission.

This last rule was enacted after 2-year-old Michael wandered into the street. Michael tested his parents to the limit. As a toddler, he stepped on a live wire and was almost electrocuted. At the age of 4, he narrowly missed cutting his toe off with an axe. He also had a near-drowning experience in a pool.

These mishaps aside, MJ excelled at Little

League before developing his basketball skills. His parents made it a point to attend his games, or any other event involving their kids. They were ideal parents for youth sports.

They never complained to coaches or referees.

MJ’s middle school basketball coach once asked James to tell Michael to shoot more. James said he wasn’t comfortable giving his son advice about basketball. When he finally did, Michael scored a preposterous 40 points in a 24-minute game. When I watch MJ as an adult, I see many of the bedrock values instilled by his parents.

We don’t watch The Last Dance, though, to pick up parenting tips. We’re simply reliving the thrills of the greatest era in sports we’ve ever witnessed. Like I said, my worship of the Bulls goes back to Chet Walker’s head fake. I stuck with the Bulls through thick and mostly thin. When Jordan came along, my kids became instant converts.

One year, I rushed to Chicago Stadium to buy tickets the first day they went on sale. I wanted two tickets for my son Joe’s birthday. The best I could do was score two “obstructed view” seats in the upper deck.

It was the hardest secret I ever kept but I didn’t say a word about the tickets for five months. Finally, on game night I placed the

JOHN RICE

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tickets under Joe’s dinner plate. When he cleared the table, he was speechless. The Bulls handily beat the Milwaukee Bucks that night and Jordan scored his usual 30 points.

During the Jordan era, my friends and I worshipped the Bulls on a nightly basis. We taped the games and met up later to watch them. We prided ourselves on not knowing anything about the game until tipoff. Watching the Bulls was our entire social life. After MJ left for good, we were among a handful of Bulls fans still watching.

We didn’t expect them to win games; all we asked was that the Bulls score 20 points per quarter. Once they only scored 49 for the entire game! Whether the team was good or bad, we always had a great time attending Bulls games. This season, we sat behind the basket and distracted opposing players with our clappers.

Now we’re wandering through a sports desert and The Last Dance is our lush oasis on Sunday nights. To paraphrase a Simon & Garfunkel song, “Where have you gone, Michael Jordan? A nations turns its lonely eyes to you.”

■ John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com

T I M E . . .

South side of town

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Senior Editor Bob Uphues 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 Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn

Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich 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 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: $25 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years.

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Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print

by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K

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This photo from 1935 features the Suburban Oil Co., located at the south end of Forest Park at 7340 15th Street. It was in operation for nearly 50 years.

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. @ForestParkReview

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Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

Local police finding few problems with mask enforcement

Businesses adjusting to state-wide requirement

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Although both Forest Park and River Forest have already been requiring masks in some public spaces, wearing face-coverings became mandatory across the state on May 1, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order took effect.

Enforcement of the masking requirement, according to police chiefs of both towns, has been met with few problems.

Forest Park’s Police Chief Tom Aftanas said that his department is treating it similarly to social distancing requirements.

“We will remind people of the governor’s order,” said Aftanas in an email. “The police department will start with verbal reminders and will issue local ordinance citations if needed. An arrest for violating the order will only be done as a last resort.”

He said no businesses had called the department needing help enforcing the regulation, but that police would intervene if need be.

“It is up to the management of the business to deny entry [to someone without a mask],” said Aftanas. “If management denies entry to a person and that individual ignores the order and enters a business, a person can be arrested for criminal trespass to property.”

Anyone wishing to report a violation should call 9-1-1, said Aftanas, but he added that “it seems that most customers are tak-

PHOTO BY ALEX ROGALS

MASKS MANDATORY: Beginning May 1, the state of Illinois is requiring all employees and customers at essential businesses to wear face coverings. That includes Forest Park’s Walmart at 1300 Desplaines Ave. ing this seriously and wearing masks.”

In River Forest, Police Chief James O’Shea said they’ve received three or four calls from people concerned about lines outside stores not being managed properly.

“In those cases,” said O’Shea, “offi cers assisted in asking people to keep six feet distance” and reminded them to wear masks.

In addition, O’Shea reported that the po-

lice department received one call from a business needing assistance with an individual refusing to leave the store after entering without a mask.

“Officers calmed the situation and provided a mask to the customer,” said O’Shea.

And despite officers assisting in managing mask-related situations, no social distancing or mask requirement citations have been issued, said O’Shea, and no related arrests have been made.

“Residents and those who come to River Forest to shop, run, bike, walk or use other services have been very kind, supportive and understanding of the governor’s and village president’s executive orders,” O’Shea said.

As for businesses, Walmart reported in an April 17 memo that all employees would be required to wear masks at all locations beginning on Monday, April 20. This includes the Forest Park location.

Rebecca Thomason, senior manager of corporate communications of Walmart, said the company is taking safety seriously.

“Maintaining customer and associate safety remains our top priority,” said Thomason in an email. “We encourage customers to be especially mindful of one another during this unprecedented time and adhere to recommendations that we all use face coverings while in public spaces.”

Walgreens, as well, is making sure both employees and customers are protected.

“We are working with a number of vendors to provide face covers for our store team members, which they are required to wear while working in accordance with CDC guid-

ance,” said Molly Sheehan, senior manager of corporate media relations for Walgreens.

“Customers are asked to wear face covers before entering the store in accordance with CDC guidance and local health laws, except where doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age,” said Sheehan. “We instituted new front door signage instructing customers of the face cover requirement.”

Last week, Walgreens in River Forest, 7251 Lake St., closed temporarily on April 30 for a deep cleaning due to an employee of the store possibly being infected with COVID-19. The store has since reopened.

According to Sheehan Walgreens was notified that a team member of the store was being evaluated for COVID-19. As a result, the store was temporarily closed by Walgreens to clean and disinfect the premises.

“When notified of a confirmed or presumed positive COVID-19 case, we take actions meeting or exceeding recommendations from the CDC, OSHA, public health officials and other credible sources while following federal, state and local health advisories,” said Sheehan in an email. “Our clinical and safety teams work closely with our field and store leadership to respond accordingly, which may include identifying and contacting individuals who may be at risk in order to self-quarantine or self-monitor their health, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the location or impacted areas of the store. Cleanings may require temporarily closing a store.”

The store reopened in the evening of April 30.

DEAR READERS

Growing Community Media receives PPP loan from U.S. Funds to be spent on payroll, rent, utilities Pleased to share news today that Growing Community Media, the nonprofit entity that publishes the Forest Park Review and three other community newspapers, has received a loan from the U.S. government’s Paycheck Protection Program.

PPP is an initiative aimed at supporting small businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic shutdown which has resulted.

The loan amount is $242,500, an amount calculated based on GCM’s payroll. The loan was made through Byline Bank. Under terms of the federal program, portions of the loan used to fund payroll, rent and utilities over the next 60 days can be forgiven. The balance of the loan will have to repaid over

time at a 1-percent rate of interest.

We are appreciative of this funding at a time when advertising revenue, our most important revenue source, has been decimated by the pandemic’s direct impact on local businesses. We thank local merchants and nonprofits that have continued to share their messages with readers through our print and digital news channels.

And, as we come up this July on our company’s 40th anniversary, we assure our many friends and partners in local business that we will be there for them as we all gradually and safely reopen our lives into what will be a changed world.

We continue working hard to tell our readers that we need them to help pay for our independent community journalism. Whether that is a print subscription or a digital membership, we will thrive in the mid-term only if readers pay their share.

It is gratifying that only a few months

into our new nonprofit incarnation that nearly 1,000 organizations and individuals have signed on as donors and digital members.

And, we will intensify our efforts to bring more donors and foundations into our cause of providing the essential glue in each of our seven neighborhoods.

This PPP loan is a critical bridge for us. But we still need to build the road on the far side of that bridge. It is a new road, different from the one that has brought us through nearly 40 years. Like all of our colleagues in local journalism we are inventing this road even as we drive it.

While we are grateful for this PPP loan, it does not feel entirely natural for a newspa-

per to accept a loan/grant from the federal government. The founders of this great nation intended it to have a free press. It is separate from government, and actively adversarial.

When earned, there is a respectful tension with that government.

That said, this is an extraordinary and difficult moment. Be assured that we are aware of our responsibility to serve as a watchdog on local government and will, to the best of our ability and resources, continue to fill that key role.

Our thanks to each of you in these hard days.

Dan Haley, publisher

Growing Community Media

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

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Car stolen at gunpoint by masked males

Three teens or young men wearing ski mask face coverings approached a man returning home on the 500 block of Elgin Avenue, pointed a handgun at his head, and demanded his car keys. They stole his car and phone. The man, who was bringing food home from a restaurant on May 1 at 7:36 p.m., said the three offenders came up to him after he’d left his car and was walking toward his house.

“Give me your keys! Give me your keys!” yelled one of the men. The offenders searched his pants pockets, taking his keys and cell phone. They were unable to retrieve the wallet from his pocket.

They took his car and fled the scene, heading northbound on Elgin and making a righthand turn onto eastbound Adams Street.

The victim’s wife, who witnessed the crime through the window, came outside and reported that a gray/dark grey four door sedan drove very slowly past their residence immediately after, and the driver rolled down his window and looked directly at her and her husband. She pulled her husband toward the house in fear.

Ceramic elephant stolen from front yard A grey colored clay/ceramic elephant, approximately 18 inches tall, was stolen from a home on the 600 block of Grove Lane

on May 1 at 3:30 a.m. The victim, who purchased the elephant approximately a year ago for around $40, was able to see the crime on his Ring doorbell surveillance system.

The offender, wearing dark colored clothing, took the elephant and walked away.

Man driving stolen car steals snacks, gives middle finger A man stole a bottle of Sprite, a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and a bottle of Tahitian Treat Fruit Punch from Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., on May 3 at 10:31 a.m. When the store employee asked him to pay, the offender stuck up his middle finger and walked out. The license plate of the car he was driving was run and showed the vehicle was stolen out of Cicero. The items had a total value of $8.17.

Attempted garage break-in A resident on the 400 block of Hannah Avenue returned home from a trip on May 3 to discover pry marks and shoe prints on the side door of his garage. He said the marks looked like they were made from a crowbar. However, although the door lock seemed to have been broken, the door was not breached, and nothing appeared to be missing after an initial search.

Police administer Naloxone

A police officer administered one dose of Naloxone to an unconscious person in the parking lot of Thornton’s, 601 Harlem Ave., on May 3 at 10:33 p.m. The officer also performed a sternal rub. The person was unresponsive but breathing and had symptoms of an opioid overdose. After a few minutes, he began responding. The fire department arrived on the scene, took over medical care, and transported the man to a hospital.

so the only thing stolen was a watch, valued at approximately $15. There was no sign of damage to the doors, and she is unsure if she left it unlocked.

• On the same block, and reported on the same date, another car was burglarized. A resident called the police when she discovered $10, in $2 bills, missing from her car, which was parked in the rear of the residence. She said she always leaves her car doors locked.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, April 27-May 2, 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.

Cars burglarized • A GPS, USB stick, remote control, and pair of sunglasses, all valued at around $200, were stolen from a car on the 1000 block of Circle Avenue on May 1. The owner called police when he went into his car to go to work and discovered the items were missing. He believes he left his car unlocked, and there were no signs of forced entry.

• Police took a report over the phone on April 27 when a woman realized her car had been ransacked. Her car, on the 1100 block of Lathrop Avenue, was parked in the rear of her residence. She had not been in her car in about a week, and when she entered it, she discovered the driver’s side door ajar and the inside rummaged through. She said she never leaves much of value in her car,

Compiled by Maria Maxham

Tip hotline Anyone with information regarding the cases mentioned in this report, or on another matter, is encouraged to contact the Forest Park police department’s hotline at 708-615-6239.

Information may be left anonymously.

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Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

Ten new COVID-19 cases since last week Cook County reports Forest Park with 70 infected

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Despite ten new cases of COVID-19 since last week, Forest Park’s total of 70 cases still leaves the village at a rate lower than several surrounding communities.

According to the Cook County Department of Public Health, as of 7 p.m. on May 4, Forest Park’s rate of infection was 494 per 100,000 people.

The rate is essential in order to put into perspective how widespread the illness is since populations vary significantly from municipality to municipality Other nearby towns, listed by rate per 100,000

people, are below. The data is current as of May 4 at 7 p.m.: • River Forest: 34 cases or 304 out of 100,000 • Maywood: 251 or 1042 out of 100,000 • Berwyn: 598 cases or 1055 out of 100,000 • Broadview: 96 cases or 1210 out of 100,000 • Bellwood: 245 cases or 1285 out of 100,000 • Melrose Park: 430 cases or 1692 out of 100,000 In Berwyn, Broadview, Bellwood and Melrose Park, more than 1 percent of the population has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the data from the county.

As a whole, the county reported 16,683 cases and 664 deaths as of May 4.

Cook County COVID-19 information can be found at ccdphcd.shinyapps.io/ covid19/ and includes all cases under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Department of Public Health. It excludes Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and Stickney Township.

State offers COVID-19 nutrition support for children Students receiving free or reduced-cost meals eligible

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

According to Proviso Township, the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is now available for families of school-age children who need money for food.

The program, offered through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and funded by the USDA, provides money for food for children, 3-17, and for high school students, 18 through 22, who would receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program when school is in session.

Families already receiving SNAP do not need to apply for the P-EBT benefits, which will automatically be loaded into their Illinois LINK account.

The benefit is a daily meal cost, based on the number of school days in the month for each eligible child. For March, there were 10 school closure days. For April, there were 22. March and April benefits will be combined into one payment of $182.40 per child.

In an April 20 press release, Gov. J.B. Pritzk-

er talked about the importance of the roughly $112 million that will go to Illinois families.

“No child should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, especially during a public health emergency,” said Pritzker. “Expanding SNAP benefits for children who are home from school will help more families stay safe and healthy.”

IDHS secretary Grace B. Hou said, in the same statement, that providing extra support to Illinois residents is of critical importance.

“IDHS has and will continue to apply for waivers that provide additional food assistance for children and families in our state.

This waiver was so important for us to secure and we are happy to announce them.”

Dr. Carmen Ayala, state superintendent of education, also spoke about the necessity of providing assistance to families.

“We have made the meeting of students’ nutritional needs one of our highest priorities throughout our COVID-19 response,” said Ayala. “We have worked with Illinois school districts over the past several weeks to update our counts of students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals, since many families’ financial circumstances have changed. We want the maximum number of Illinois families who are experiencing hardship to be able to benefit from this additional financial assistance.”

Third Forest Park resident dies of COVID-19 62-year-old woman passed away May 1

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

A third Forest Park resident has died of COVID-19, according to information released by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The deceased was a 62-year-old woman who died at Rush University Medical

Center in Chicago. She had underlying health issues including obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

She passed away on May 1.

The previous two deaths were men, an 86-year-old who died on March 30 and a 32-year-old who died on April 6. Both had preexisting conditions. The former’s included heart disease and diabetes, and the latter’s obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.

Information on COVID-19 related deaths in Cook County can be found at the medical examiner’s website, maps. cookcountyil.gov/medexamcovid19/.

Marijuana dispensary licenses postponed Originally scheduled for May 1, awards on hold due to COVID-19

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Whether Forest Park will be home to a recreational marijuana dispensary will take a little longer to be determined.

Despite at least one investor interested in opening shop in town, it is unknown when licenses will be awarded.

Although originally planned for May 1, the awarding of 75 new recreational marijuana dispensary licenses to Illinois investors has been delayed due to COVID-19.

On April 29, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) released a statement addressing the delay. The statement said that the issuing of licenses will be suspended for the duration of the state’s disaster proclamation or until the IDFPR announces a new date for awarding licenses.

“IDFPR will provide a public notice announcing the new date when licenses will be issued and will seek to do so as soon as feasible,” said the statement.

According to Toi Hutchinson, senior advisor for Cannabis Control, “The Pritzker administration remains committed to creating a legal cannabis industry that reflects the diversity of Illinois residents. We recognize that countless entrepreneurs were looking forward to May 1 and the next step it represented for Illinois’ adult-use cannabis industry. How-

ever, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in the application review process. This executive order will help ensure that we continue to build out this industry in a deliberate and equitycentric manner.”

The new adult-use dispensary licenses represent the first opportunity for those not already operating medical marijuana dispensaries to enter the market.

Recreational marijuana was legalized in the state on Jan. 1, at which time licenses were given to some medical marijuana dispensaries who wanted to also sell recreational products.

According to the Chicago Tribune, in the first three months of sales this year, $100.2 million was spent on legal weed.

Investors hoping to get in on the burgeoning market will have to wait a little longer, however.

Due to the current pandemic, recreational dispensaries already open have been forced to change the way they operate. Med Men in Oak Park, for example, is no longer open to in-person shopping for recreational pot. Instead, customers can shop online and then pick up their product at the store via curbside pickup.

Illinois also recently pushed back application deadlines for other recreational marijuana-related businesses, such as craft growers, which many dispensaries were anxiously awaiting. Since all marijuana sold in Illinois must be grown here, shortages in some products have occurred. The deadline for businesses wishing to cultivate was pushed back until the end of April, and although the plan was to award them in July, it’s unknown at this point whether that will be delayed as well.

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

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D209 board waives community service diploma requirements Due to COVID-19, class of 2020 seniors not required to complete service hours

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t just affected milestones like prom for District 209’s class of 2020. The crisis has also prompted the D209 school board to waive the community

service requirement for graduating seniors.

On the recommendation of Supt. Jesse Rodriguez, the board voted unanimously on the measure during a regular meeting on April 14.

Typically, board policy requires all students in Proviso Township High Schools District 209 to complete 40 hours of community service in order to earn their high school diplomas. Students are usually encouraged to complete ten hours a year, with many students finishing the requirement in the spring of their senior year, according to a board memo on the matter.

But Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home

home measure, which took effect March 21, banned all public gatherings of more than ten people and prohibited all non-essential business activity in order to slow the spread of the virus.

“With the inability to go out into the community to complete service hours, some seniors will not meet the requirements to earn their diploma in May,” the board memo states. “Delaying their graduation will prevent them from proceeding with post-secondary educational and workforce plans.

Therefore, a wave of the community service hours requirement is needed to protect their graduation status and hold them harmless

for a situation that is [out of] their control.”

Board hires interim communications director During its April 14 meeting, the D209 board also promoted Noemi Mendieta to interim director of communications and community outreach. She temporarily replaces former director Cynthia Moreno, who resigned to take the director of communications position at Leyden High School District 212.

Mendieta has been a community resources coordinator at D209 since 2014, according to her LinkedIn profile.

MARCHING BAND New uniforms from page 1

S ’ T A H ME T O S H W TO E N SE

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“They have done quality work in the past,” he said. “They will personally come out and measure our students.”

Each uniform will come with a custom coat, bibber trousers, a shako hat, custom plumes, a reversible shoulder cape, a plastic hat box and a garment bag, according to the bid document.

During the March meeting, Seals addressed concerns from board member Theresa Kelly about the uniform sporting black trim.

“Since I am a Pirate for life, I’m used to blue and white — [the new uniform] is beautiful, it’s gorgeous — I’m just used to my blue and white,” Kelly said, jocundly.

“Black is not part of Proviso’s colors.”

Seals said that he decided to go with black trim because it’s more durable and more resistant to stains and wear-and-tear.

“We had white pants donated by Hampton University several years ago, but every time we’ve worn those pants they were immediately dirty and had to be cleaned, and some have stains that can’t be taken out,” he said. “Going with black will help preserve the life of the uniform.”

SCREENSHOT

NEW LOOK: The Proviso East Marching Band is getting custom-made uniforms designed

by The Bandmans Company.

8

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

Ancient stories told through new media

Churches respond to COVID-19 crisis

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Pastor Bill Teague has been telling his members at Hope Tabernacle that we are living in changing times and that even after we get rid of the virus, life won’t be the same.

Every pastor in Forest Park seems to assess our present moment in history the same way, i.e. that these are unprecedented times and that “normal” is not what we’ll get back to.

One change is that every faith community in town is sending out their worship services online instead of gathering in person. Hope Tabernacle meets virtually on GoToMeeting. You can worship with Living Word’s pastor, Dr. Bill Winston, on YouTube streaming on ROKU. Forest Park Baptist Church gathers for worship and meetings online with Zoom.

Pastor Pongsak Limthonviratn said St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church uses LiveStream on LINE for worship and Zoom for their Wednesday Bible studies. Fr. Stan Kuca reported that 90 people attended the virtual Mass at St. Bernardine Catholic Church which was streamed on YouTube last Sunday. You can worship virtually with St. John Lutheran Church on YouTube.

One way Pastor Maurice Streeter maintained social distance was to distribute communion to parishioners “curbside” on April 6.

Somewhat to their surprise, Forest Park pastors reported that the online attendance at their streaming services has been very good. Pastor Teague said his attendance is even greater than when they were holding services in person.

Although the medium of online apps might convey the message that times are changing in significant ways, Forest Park faith leaders are reaching back to stories thousands of years old as the basis for the messages they are streaming.

Pastor Teague has avoided the Pollyanna promise that before we know it everything will be fine and back to normal in a month or two while at the same time assuring his people that the way to “get through this” is to put their lives in God’s hands.

One of the stories he has used is the one about Noah, who survived not a pandemic but a flood that covered the earth by following God’s instructions to build an ark.

Another story is about Abraham and Sarah getting pregnant when he was 100 years old and she was 90, and setting out on a faith journey to an unknown destination simply trusting in God’s leading.

Rev. Teague chuckled as he noted the people of Israel complained that all they had to eat on their freedom journey was the same

old manna day after day — a lesson for those who complain about inconveniences like wearing masks when they go out in public.

Pastor Leonard Payton reached back to the history of St. John Lutheran in a message posted on the congregation’s website.

He pointed out that God had brought the congregation through World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, which killed five St. John members, the Great Depression, World War II and every crisis up to the present time.

He quoted psalm after psalm to frame that long history in terms of the faith of the congregation and to encourage his people to rely on that “faith of our fathers” to get them through the current pandemic.

Elder Sean Blaylock also referred to the

psalms to explain how the members of the Forest Park Baptist Church were receiving both the comfort and the courage to get through this difficult time, quoting Psalm 91 in particular: You who live in the shelter of the Most High, Who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust.

Fr. Stan Kuca, St. Bernardine’s pastor, said, “The message is very simple: We are the Easter people and we believe that the risen Lord is with us in our hardships in the same way he was present in the lives of those who first believed after His resurrection.”

FILE PHOTO

PRAYING STILL: Although churches in Forest Park are closed for in-person masses and celebrations, religious leaders and parishioners, including those at St. Bernardine, are finding ways to pray.

Distance learning continues at D91 Summer school will most likely be done remotely

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Although school’s out – physically – for the rest of the school year, remote learning continues. To ensure students and parents were getting as much as possible out of dis-

tance learning, District 91 sent out a survey to parents and guardians.

In a message to parents on May 1, Superintendent Lou Cavallo thanked everyone who completed the Remote Learning Survey.

“As you are aware,” said Cavallo in his correspondence, “District 91, like all other districts in Illinois, had to switch to a new way of educating our youth very quickly with little time to play. I am very proud of our teachers and administrators for their hard work and creativity to create our Re-

mote Learning Plan but we want to do it better.”

Input from the survey will be used during planning days on May 1, 15 and 29, during which there will be no online instruction for students while teachers work collaboratively to improve instruction.

Cavallo also addressed summer school.

“We are also currently working on what summer instruction will be like given the likelihood that we will not be able to hold our normal in-person summer programs,”

said Cavallo. The district, he said, will take guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and Governor J.B. Pritzker, but he said he suspects any summer programming will also be done remotely and the district is planning for that eventuality.

Finally, Cavallo said that students’ personal belongings are being collected and packaged, and the schools will arrange for staggered pick up of these items. Information will be communicated to families soon.

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

May 6 - 12

BIG WEEK Virtual Book Club Join the Reading Awake Book Group for a virtual discussion of “Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression� by Studs Terkel.

The ebook is available through Hoopla: hoopladigital.com/title/11836345 The audio version is available, chapter by chapter, on the Studs Terkel Radio Archive for free at: studsterkel.wfmt.com/programs/hard-timesdemo.

Anyone interested in participating in this book discussion over Zoom should email slavin@fppl.

Exercise with the Park District of Forest Park

A force for good The Forest Park Public Library has put together a list of organizations helping people during this challenging time. Find out how you can help at fppl. org/2020/04/10/orghelp.

Library TV The library has launched FPPL TV, where you can watch how-to videos on library-related issues such as accessing resources or enjoy story time for kids. Find out more at https://tv.fppl.org.

9

10

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020 paid advertisement

These local restaurants are all OPEN during the current shelter-in-place order Check out their menus online, call them for delivery, carry-out, or curbside pick-up.

Now is the time to support local business!

Barclay’s American Grille

1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park Classic American cuisine: burgers, BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, steaks and chops Our Menu: barclaysamericangrille.com/wp-content/ uploads/Barclays-Pick-up-Delivery-Menu.pd Call 708-848-4250 for Curbside Pick-up Delivery is available through Grubhub and UberEats 4pm - 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday Pre-order your Mother’s Day Family Meal!

Visit: barclaysamericangrille.com/wp-content/uploads/Mothers-Day-Family-Dinners.png

Blackout Baking Co. (office) 842 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Bite-size gourmet cookies Our Menu: Blackoutbakingco.com Order from our website for FREE local delivery or nationwide shipping. Always accepting orders.

Delivery and ship day every Tuesday.

Call 872-222-9519 Local PERK! 20% OFF our new DIY Cookie Box with code ‘FOOD2GO’

Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708-524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week

Counter Coffee Air Roasters

7324 Madison Street, Forest Park countercoffee.com FRESH Coffee, Eco-Friendly, Air Roasted each day in store, hand crafted beverages, and pastries (gluten free & vegan options available). Whole bean coffee and single use pods roasted for you when you order!

Mobile order online at Countercoffee.com, call ahead, and walk-in available. We can ship coffee to all 50 states. 708-689-8896 Open daily from 7am - 4pm

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park Italian Menus: Cucinaoakpark.com For Pickup, call 708-848-3434, curbside pickup is available For Delivery go to DoorDash or Grubhub Every night 4pm – 9pm

Eastgate Café 102 Harrison, Oak Park

La Notte Ristorante Italiano 118 N Marion St, Oak Park

Q-BBQ 124 N. Marion St, Oak Park

American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday

Fine Authentic Italian Our Menu: LaNotte-op.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-948-7576, or text 773-817-2858 or order online Delivery also available on UberEats and Doordash 2pm - 9pm daily Limited time offer -$100 Gift Certificates for just $80

BBQ Our menu: Q-bbq.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-628-3421 or order online. Open every day 11am - 8pm Delivery available with ChowNow and DoorDash NOW OFFERING FAMILY PACK SPECIALS! Go online or call for more info

George’s Restaurant

145 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Our Menu: Georgesoakpark.com/menu Serving breakfast and lunch for pick-up. One soup per day. All items won’t be available. Call ahead for availability.

For Pick-up call 708-848-4949; Delivery available through Door Dash and Postmates 8am - 3pm Monday - Sunday

Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Postmate.

Sunday - Thursday 12-8pm Friday and Saturday 12-9pm

Happy Apple Pie Shop

226 Harrison, Oak Park happyapplepie.com Sweet and savory pies, special orders Our menu is posted on our Facebook page and Instagram, or call us.

Call 708-606-0037 to arrange for No touch take-out, Curbside Pick-up, and Free Delivery Wednesday-Friday 11:30am to 6pm, Saturday Noon5pm.

Jerusalem Café

1030 Lake St., Oak Park Our Menu: Jerusalemcafeoakpark.com/menu Middle Eastern cuisine For Pick-up and Deliver call 708-848-7734 Delivery is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDas. 11am – 9pm Daily

Kettlestrings Tavern

800 S. Oak Park Ave Contemporary American Our Menu: Kettlestringstavern.com/eat For Curbside Pick-up, call 708-613-5044 Delivery is available through GrubHub Mon 3pm - 8pm; Tues - Thurs 3pm-8pm; Fri - Sat 11am–8pm; Sunday 10am-8pm

Mexican Republic Kitchen

7404 Madison St., Forest Park Mexican Cuisine Our Menu: Mexicanrepublickitchen.com/s/order For Curbside Pick-up order online at our website or call 708-689-0850 Delivery available via Uber Eats, Grubhub or Doordash. Tuesday- Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm Daily Specials Everyday

Old World Pizza 7230 W North Ave, Elmwood Park Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Our Menu: Originaloldworldpizza.com For Pick-up, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery and Contact-less Delivery call 708-456-3000, or fax 708-456-4580 Mon 3:30pm – 9pm; Tues – Thurs 11am –9pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 9pm

O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee) Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP Delivery also available on GrubHub Available Daily 11am – 10pm

Puree’s Pizza & Pasta 1023 Lake St, Oak Park Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, panini, wraps Our Menu: Pureespizzaandpasta.com/ For Curbside Pick-up, take-out and Delivery, call 708-386-4949 Available Daily 11am – 9pm

Scratch Restaurants Scratch Kitchen & Lounge 733 Lake Street • 708-434-5643 District Kitchen & Tap 220 Harrison • 708-434-5289 American/burger/sandwich/salad/mac n cheese Our Menu: Scratchfp.com For Pick up/curbside (rear entrance), call 708-434-5643 Sun - Thurs 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat 11am - 1am

The Little Gem Café 189 N Marion St. Oak Park American Bistro Our Menu: Thelittlegemcafe.com/menu For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-613-5491 Tues - Sun 3pm - 9pm (closed Mon) Delivery is also available from Doordash

Trattoria 225

225 Harrison Street Our Menu: trattoria225.com Italian/ Vegetarian/ Seafood For Pick-up and Delivery call 708-358-8555 or use Grubhub 5pm – 8pm Monday- Saturday

Tre Sorelle Ristorante 1111 Lake St., Oak Park Homemade Pizza, Italian cuisine Our Menu: Tresorelleoakpark.com For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery call 708-445-9700 Delivery also available with Grubhub, Uber Eats Mon - Thu 11am - 9pm; Fri 11am - 10pm; Sat 3pm - 10pm; Sun 3pm - 9pm

Starship Restaurant 7618 Madison St., Forest Park Gourmet sub sandwiches, homemade soups, catering and individually wrapped items for safe distribution Our Menu: Starshiprestaurant.com For pick-up and delivery, call 708-771-3016 or order online Mon thru Sat. 8am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm

Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

! o G ! o p T U s d k o c i o P G bside

11

paid advertisement

16 Suitcases

Cur

Divine Consign

108 N. Marion St, Oak Park 708-628-3677

1800 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside 708-386-3366

Specializing in contemporary women fashion, accessories and gifts.

New and Nearly New Furniture and Decor Purchase online or call (708)386-3366 for appointment.

16suitcases.com

Offering: Online Shopping, Concierge Service, Virtual Shopping Parties You can order online or call 708-628-3677.

We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Delivery and shipping throughout the US. Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5 Take 20% off your entire purchase use code SPRING20

Al-Mart Furniture & Bedding 7045 W. North Ave. Oak Park 708-383-5909 Almartfurniture.com

Bedroom Furniture, Sofas, Sectionals, Desks, Book Cases, Dinettes, Recliners, Mattresses and all other home furnishings and accessories.

Order on our website or call us at 708-383-5909 or email us at almartfurniture@gmail.com to schedule a showroom appointment. For curbside pick-up: Pull into the alley behind our store and we can load into your vehicle. We are also offering free delivery to your front door on most items. Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM Extra 20% off everything we carry!

Bead In Hand 145 Harrison Street, Oak Park 708-848-1761 Beadinhand.com

We have DIY bead kits for sale on our website, including kits for Mother’s Day gifts.

Kits are available now!

Orders can be placed on our website Curbside Pick-up is available 1-3pm daily except Tuesdays and Sundays, and at additional times as needed. Customers can knock on our door or call from their car and we’ll bring their items out.

CarefulPeach Boutique 1024 North Blvd, Oak Park 708-383-3066 CarefulPeach.myshopify.com

Wine, bath and body, jewelry, home goods, kitchen and hostess gifts, puzzles and childrens items, all with a French Flair!

Call our shop, direct message us on Facebook or Instagram, and order thru our Shopify website.

Curbside Pick-up is available: Just give us a call when you are outside, and we will bring your package to your car, all touchless! We also offer free local delivery to Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30-6, Sun 12-5 Buy a case of wine, even mixed, 15% off! Check out our 25% OFF Daily Peachy Items on our website or social media.

Divineconsign.com

Curbside pick-up is available. Just pull up and call us.

Hours: Tues - Sun 1-5

Edible Arrangements 107 N Marion St, Oak Park 708-848-4840 Edible.com

Fruit baskets, chocolate strawberries, fruit smoothies, balloons, cookies and cheesecakes

Order on our website or call us. Pay for your order online or by phone, then call when you arrive and we will bring it out to you. We also offer next day free delivery (except holidays) Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri. 9-5 Sat and 10-3 Sunday (For Mother’s Day we are open Sat and Sun 7-7)

Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park 708-445-8077 Fitzgeraldsstationery.com

Greeting Cards, Stationery and Gifts

Call in or email your order to colleen@fitzgeraldsstationery.com, or shop on our online store.

When you arrive, knock on our front door or call us and we will bring your order out to you.

Complimentary local delivery (Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Forest Park)

Garland Flowers 137 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 708-848-2777 GarlandFlowers.net

Flowers, loose and arranged, green plants, blooming plants, garden plants

Order by phone or online Call when you arrive and we will bring your order out to you. We also deliver!

Hours: Mon – Sat 9-3 Beautiful selection of Mother’s Day arrangements and plants

Lively Athletics 109 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 708-358-0605 Livelyathletics.com

Athletic apparel and shoes for women, athletic shoes for kids

To order: Call us, email us, Facebook message us... anything! We’re so excited to take your order!

For curbside pick-up, pull up outside our store and give us a call. We’ll run your purchase to your car, or leave it right outside our door. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 $5 off any curbside shoe purchase (adult or kid) with code WednesdayJournal

Oak Park Jewelers 101 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park Oakparkjewelers.com

Jewelry store

These local retailers are all OPEN during the current shelter-in-place order Check out their offerings online, call them for curbside pick-up.

Now is the time to support local business!

Call 708-383-9695 or email info@oakparkjewelers. com to set up a virtual appointment and/or arrange curbside pick-up.

Local Delivery is also available.

Hours: Tues – Fri 11-4

Olive & Well 133 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 708-848-4230 Oliveandwell.com

Olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and related products

Call us to place your order and arrange for pick-up.

When you are outside, call us and we can bring out your order.

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 11-3

Sear’s Pharmacy 1003 Madison St, Oak Park 708-386-6304 Searsrx.com

Prescription Medications, Over-the-counter medications, Vitamins

Call ahead with order and payment info. Call when curbside, and we will bring your order out to you.

We also offer Delivery Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-2; Sun Closed

Paulson’s Paint 7400 Madison St, Forest Park 708-366-4288 Paulsonspaint.com

Paint, Tools and Sundries (including Emulsifying Agents and Denatured Alcohol to clean and sanitize)

Open regular operating hours under the Paint Store exemption from the Shelter-In-Place Order as an Essential Business. Customers can come into the store which is cleaned and sanitized repeatedly throughout the day. Our staff has also been directed to wait on customers from a distance of ten feet.

We are also taking phone orders and can bring the materials to the curbside or our parking lot. We have been spraying boxes and cans with alcohol sanitizer for immune-compromised customers.

Hours: Mon - Wed 7:30-5:30; Thurs 7:30-8:00; Fri 7:30-5:30; Sat 8:00-5:00; Sun 10:00-3:00 Multiple sales and specials are ongoing. Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select gallons are on sale and the purchase of one gallon gets lower sale pricing on the New Corona Pro-Pack brush/roller combos.

Only She 115 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park 708-406-6717 Onlyshe.com

Women’s clothing boutique

Go to our website and click on “shop looks.”

Check out our BOX IT BABY! Program -- we pay shipping coming and going, and we charge after you have made your selections. Call the store anytime and leave a message—we will respond. Email us at info@onlyshe.com, we will send pictures. You can also contact us on facetime, skype, what’s app, and zoom.

Call to arrange Curbside Pick-up beginning May 4th.

Hours: Mon - Friday 11-3 20% off entire store

Sugarcup Trading

Sugarcuptrading.com

A whimsical well curated children’s boutique specializing in fashion, accessories, books, specialty toys and gifts.

Offering: Online Shopping, Concierge Service, Virtual Shopping Parties You can order online or call 708-524-5336.

We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Delivery and shipping throughout the US. Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5

Team Blonde Boutique, Eco Spa, and Salon 7442 W. Madison, Forest Park 708-771-5590

Teamblonde.com Clothing, gifts, jewelry, handbags, bath & body products, hair care products To order, go to our website, email us at blondes@ teamblonde.com, or call. We offer curbside pick-up and delivery. For curbside pick-up, pull up to our front or back door and call to let us know you arrived.

Hours almost anytime, by appointment.

Mention this ad for 15% off your first curbside purchase

Ten Thousand Villages 121 N Marion St, Oak Park 708-848-4572 land-line 708-737-3156 mobile

Tenthousandvilllages.com/oakpark

We are a cultural gift shop selling an assortment of fair trade items from jewelry, home decor, musical instruments, planters, garden accessories, cards, coffee, tea, chocolate, wall decor, clothing.

Look online, then call the store to place an order. You can also DM us if you see something you like through our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Curbside pick-up is at our side door on Westgate.

Call us when you arrive.

Hours: Tues, Fri and Sat 10-4pm

Trends Consignment Boutique 810 North Blvd, Oak Park 708-434-0801 Trendsoakpark.net

Women’s clothing & accessories

Shop on our website and through our social media posts.

If you have a special request, virtual shopping appointments are also available. Join us for our LIVE shopping parties on Facebook.

Tues-Thurs at 8pm. When you have placed an order, you can request curbside pick-up by emailing Amanda@trendsoakpark.com. Curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday starting at noon

Tulipia Floral Design 1044 Chicago Ave, Oak Park 708-524-1323 Tulipiafloraldesign.com

Floral arrangements and gifts

Order on our website or call us at 708-524-1323 . For curbside pick-up, call upon arrival and we will bring out your order. We also deliver. Hours: 10-5

110 N. Marion St, Oak Park 708-524-5336

Each of these businesses paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!

12

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

College students show resilience during pandemic

Heroes Work Here Thank You Caledonia Senior Living Heroes and thank you to all the essential workers in our community.

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

Keep practicing, listening, and sharing the gift of music.

Curbside pickup of your favorite coffees, teas, smoothies and treats.

Curbside pickup of your favorite beverages. We are here for you.

Online: FriendlyMusic.Community Call: (708) 749-1932 Visit: 6731-33 Roosevelt, Berwyn

Human interaction is what they miss most

a schedule.”

Natalie Carrera, Patricia’s cousin, is 20 years old and majoring in informatics at Dominican.

“Taking online classes for certain subBy TOM HOLMES jects,” said Natalie, “definitely poses an Contributing Reporter inconvenience and makes it more difficult.

Since the classes at Dominican are small, Sasin Tuangiaruwinai (aka Pun) is a you are able to ask questions and receive junior at DePaul University where he is help in person from your professors.” majoring in Management Information SysFinancial issues have also been a chaltems. When he learned that the campus was lenge. “I cannot work as many hours to help shutting down because of COVID-19 and pay for my tuition,” said Patricia, adding, that he would have to attend class lectures “I am the only individual in at home online, he immedimy household who has not ately saw the irony in that been laid off as a result of COexpectation.

VID-19. Not only am I working For Pun, you see, home is to pay my tuition, but also to in Thailand, 8,568 miles away pay more bills than I am used from Forest Park, where he to at home.” has been living for the last The challenges facing Pun, four years while going to Patricia, Natalie and Sophia school. He acknowledged that are real, but there are colit could be worse because PHOTO PROVIDED lege students in this area who he has a place to shelter in, are dealing with more urgent what St. Paul Thai Lutheran SHELTERING IN PLACE: problems. Barrington Price is Church calls its Student Cen- Sasin Tuangiaruwinai, a Dominican’s vice president ter, where he has been living college student at DePaul for Student Success and Enwith four other Thai students. University, has been shelgagement.

In contrast to Pun, Patricia tering in place at St. Paul “Your readers might be Carrera is complying with the shocked,” he said, “when they stay-at-home order where she Thai Lutheran Church’s hear how many of Dominican has lived her whole life. The student center with four University students are liv24-year-old is currently work- other Thai students. ing close to the edge, that 46.2 ing on a master’s degree in percent of them are eligible for mediation at Dominican University while Pell grants, which are only available to stubeing employed doing domestic violence dents from low-income families.” work at a behavioral health agency. She is He told stories about students who are struggling to combine working from home homeless when not staying on campus, so and going to school in the same space. when the dorms were closed, the stay-at-home “It is exhausting,” she said. “While workorder became a real issue. He said there is one ing from home, I’m in front of a computer situation where both a student and his parfor an eight-hour shift, and then I punch out ents are in the hospital with the corona virus. to complete online homework for another There are also students whose families several hours. My eyes are screaming at me depend on them as bread winners. “I think by the end of a day, and I miss human interabout 17-, 18-, 19-year-old students,” he said, action more than ever.” “who told us about losing employment and That human interaction piece is what all their employment was key to their family’s the students interviewed said they were ability to pay rent and purchase groceries.” missing. “I enrolled back in this master’s “We are absolutely in crisis planning program,” she said, “because I missed mode,” Price said of the faculty and staff school and the human interaction in classat Dominican as they scramble to support es. I missed feeling like a student and the joy their students “and have been in that place that I always felt in learning.” for a number of weeks.”

Sophia Preys also misses the human inAs is true for all hard times, some people teraction but added that keeping in touch on learn things about themselves. Natalie, for Zoom and FaceTime is better than nothing. example, said, “Emotionally I feel like I The freshman at Drake University, who is took my everyday life for granted. Reflectmajoring in accounting and management, ing back to the times I didn’t really want to has found online learning to be a challenge. go to work or school on certain days makes “Technology can be frustrating sometimes,” me realize how I would rather be doing that she said, “and I don’t think I’m learning as right now.” much or as well as I did at school in person.”

Patricia gave a shout-out to her profes“Now that it’s been a few weeks,” she addsors, calling them “heroes.” ed, “and I’ve gotten used to online learning, Price lauded students saying, “We have it isn’t as hard anymore and I’m getting betsome of the most resilient young people I’ve ter at being productive at home and forming ever met. I’m so proud of them.”

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

Chamber teams with Energy Tees to raise funds All local businesses eligible to participate in T-shirt initiative

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The COVID-19 crisis has forced businesses to adapt and change and come up with creative ways to survive mandated shutdowns.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce has been working to provide support to the local business community.

One of the chamber’s latest efforts is a Tshirt fundraising program, developed by the chamber in collaboration with Energy Tees, itself a Forest Park business at 1401 Circle Ave. Christine Westphal Barnard, the chamber’s community outreach director, said Energy Tees approached the chamber with a fundraising idea to help local businesses, a program open to any business, community organization or nonprofit.

Energy Tees will print T-shirts with business designs or slogans and sell them in an online store. The shirts cost $20, half of which goes to the T-shirt company with the other half going directly to the business.

“This is a great example of a business/ chamber partnership at work,” said Barnard. “This program brings needed work to Energy Tees and money in the pocket for the businesses. It is a great program and a real example of #forestparkstrong.”

Jonathon Biag and Dexter Cura, owners of Escape Factor on Madison Street, are joining the T-shirt fundraiser.

“As a participant of the chamber’s T-shirt fundraiser, the purchase of every T-shirt will not only help us keep our doors open, but it will help promote Forest Park as being a great place to live, eat, shop, and play,”

they said in an email. They also expressed how much being a part of the Forest Park community has meant to them and their business.

“What we love about being in Forest Park is the sense of community and how they’ve always welcomed having such a unique business for everyone to experience and enjoy.” In a recent online competition, Escape Factor was voted the fifth favorite escape room in the country; they attribute doing so well to the votes of locals and Facebook followers.

Katherina Valleau, of Exit Strategy Brewing, is also excited about the team-up between Energy Tees and local businesses.

“The fine folks at Energy Tees have been not only generous but creative with their ‘love local’ initiative,” said Valleau. “This collaboration brings local businesses together through T-shirts, which we all love and need!”

Valleau said it wasn’t a hard decision to sign up for the program.

“For us at Exit Strategy Brewing, this team-up was a no-brainer,” she said. “Supporting another local business while getting our brand further out into the community hits the mark for us in the current climate of business. We, the local small businesses, are all scared (we might use different terms, but the bottom line is that this lockdown is scary with regard to our individual and collective future) and working together makes getting through these crazy times a little easier.”

Barnard said the chamber is “actively promoting this program with our business community” and will take an active role in promoting shirt sales.

Businesses currently with product in the store include Healy’s, Exit Strategy, POP Pediatrics, Famous Victory, O’Sullivans, Forest Park Emporium, 209 Together, Core Strength Personal Training, Pet Emporium, Escape Factor and a combined Park District and Forest Park Public Library offering.

Peruse offerings at www.ilovelocal.store.

13

How about a designer mask for Mother’s Day? From concierge gifting to gardening, FP has plenty

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, and the current pandemic will force celebrations slightly different from other years. For example, brunch in a restaurant, a popular way to honor mothers and grandmothers, isn’t possible this May. But local businesses are still gearing up for the day, with restaurants offering special menus and shops providing gift certificates and curated presents.

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce reached out to some local businesses to see what they have going for Mother’s Day. Here’s a sample:

Gardening Both McAdam Landscaping and Empowering Gardens are officially reopened for in-person shopping as of May 1, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker added landscaping and gardening centers to the list of essential businesses.

At McAdam, all people entering must wear masks, and socialdistancing is required. And for those who don’t want to shop inperson, delivery and contact-free curbside pick-up are available.

“We are stocked and will continue to get new material each week,” said McAdam Landscaping on their Facebook page. “Being stuck at home doesn’t have to be so bad, so stop in to start your next garden project.”

Empowering Gardens also requires social-distancing and masks and asks that customers “be courteous to others” by limiting visits to 15 minutes or less. They suggest bringing a shopping list or doing research before shopping. They also request that only one family member per household come at a time and that customers line up so only three are allowed in at a time.

Sweets It’s hard to go wrong with something sweet. Forest Park has several options, including La Maison de Bonbon, Brown Cow and Twisted Cookie. La Maison de Bonbon (facebook.com/LaMaisonDeBonbon) has their special French cremes in stock. Brown Cow (facebook.com/browncowicecream) offers ice cream, cakes and other tasty treats. And Twisted Cookie (facebook.com/twistedcookie) has special Mother’s Day cookie baskets.

Meals If you don’t feel like cooking but want the nice dinner with no hassle, local restaurants have specials for the day, available for pickup or delivery since eating out isn’t an option.

At Smallbatch, a special menu includes prime rib, ham and meatloaf at smallbatchq.com/menu.

O’Sullivan’s is serving up a family pack that includes steak, veggies salad, garlic bread and more at facebook.com/osullivanspublichouseFP. Charlie’s Restaurant on Roosevelt Road has its full brunch menu available for carry-out and curbside pickup. Check out facebook.com/charliesrestaurant.forestpark.

A complete list of restaurants currently open in Forest Park is available at the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce Facebook page at facebook.com/forestparkchamber.

Gifts Team Blonde, not open to customers to shop in-person, has its boutique options available online and is offering a new service: concierge gifting. Owners Heidi Vance and Jayne Ertel have curated some items that would make great gifts at teamblonde-101287.square.site, including a candle sporting the phrase, “Mother of the damn year.” Yup. A fresh haircut or color is a great way to celebrate, and even though salons aren’t open right now, Macdaddy is offering gift certificates, which can be redeemed once personal grooming services are allowed to serve clients again.

“Boy, are mom’s deserving this year,” says Macdaddy on their Facebook page.

“A day to themselves and a little sprucing up when this is all over is just what they’ll need.”

And what could be more useful these days, as well as commemorative of this very different Mother’s Day, than a designer mask? You can get one from Takara, facebook.com/Takara-Designs-180511918659001.

14

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

Restaurants, previously closed, have reopened

Forest Park staples serving food once more

be gloved and masked and the cashier, who may handle cash, will never touch food items or packages.

“We are a dine-in, family-owned restaurant where we know our customers by name,” said Politis. “We have customers telling us they are tired of trying to make their own French toast and grits at home. It is such a good feeling and nice to know the people wanted us to come back.”

Madison Park Kitchen (MPK), 7525 Madison St. in Forest Park, opted to shut down operations in response to Pritzker’s March 16 announcement closing restaurant dining rooms. At the time, Marigo Doulas, manager of MPK said, “employees are in shock and very upset, but we had no other choice.”

As the COVID-related closures were extended well beyond the initial two-week window, the restaurant prepared to reopen with modified hours for carry-out only. The popular breakfast spot is now open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and offers their full menu of breakfast and lunch time choices.

“It’s perfect! We love it!” said Doulas of the restaurant re-opening.

Doulas went on to say business has been good in the mornings, but slower in the afternoon. MPK staff members hope their rotating soup menu and entrees like Greek Chicken, spanakopita and Ribeye Steak with Mushrooms will draw in customers looking for a late afternoon fix.

In addition to reopening, MPK was approved for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the federal government.

The restaurant is waiting for the funds to hit their accounts.

Scratch Kitchen and Lounge (SKL), 7445 Madison St., reopened for carry-out and delivery on Tuesday, May 5, thanks in part to a PPP loan granted to Scratch Restaurant Group. Owner Patrick O’Brien credits his nine-year relationship with Forest Park Bank and their close relationship with the Small Business Administration for his success in securing the loan.

Many of Scratch Restaurant Group employees had been laid off, including those working at the Forest Park location, but the PPP loan allowed O’Brien to hire back SKL workers which aids in properly utilizing PPP funds.

On April 27, O’Brien announced on Facebook: “OK, let’s do this. We have been getting a ton of requests to offer pick-up and delivery at our Forest Park location. So, this week we are cleaning, scrubbing and disinfecting. Restocking and preparing for your safe, touchless pick-ups and deliveries.”

To celebrate the reopening SKL is hosting a mac n’ cheese challenge. Customers are encouraged to mix and match their ideal macaroni and cheese using their favorite ingredients available on the SKL menu. Kits are designed to be assembled at home. Winning combinations could earn a $50 SKL gift card and a month-long spot on the SKL menu.

The Junction Diner and Starbucks have also reopened for carry-out and delivery in Forest Park.

barely operating. normally contracted by McAdam As for income taxes, as unemLandscape, now being done inployment grows, the village will house. get less. And utility taxes are Gillian declined to discuss the problematic too. possibility of layoffs. But he said “If people have to choose behe’s been talking with the viltween buying groceries for their lage’s labor groups about concesfamily or paying a utility bill, it’s sions, including limited overtime not hard to see where the money and more flexibility between job will go,” said Gillian. “People are functions, which would allow emin a tough spot right now.” And ployees to move fluidly between because of the pandemic, turning tasks, thereby ensuring necessary off most utilities for failure to pay, jobs, which might fluctuate due to VILLAGE changes in how village services ADMINISTRATOR including the water bill, has been suspended. are provided, are being fulfilled.

Parking revenue, too, has dried Gillian said someone with an office job, for example, would be able to assist up. The commuter parking lot near the CTA with senior services if need dictated under line used to have between 300 and 500 cars a loosening of job restrictions under certain a day at $5 per car, said Gillian. “Now, you drive by and there are about six cars there,” contracts.

Most of the biggest sources of revenue for he said.

Ticketing for night parking has been susthe village have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including sales tax, income pended, as has permit parking, which was tax, utility taxes, commuter parking, and “a good monthly revenue.”

Fines for not having new vehicle stickers parking permits.

With businesses closed, sales taxes are aren’t being enforced right now, and Gillian down. Walmart and Portillo’s, two of the said he’s not sure when the village will devillage’s biggest sources of sales tax rev- cide to require the stickers. enue, are still open. “Thank God they’re As for metered parking, which had only still here,” said Gillian. But car dealerships, been in effect for about two months before another source of income for the village, are paying was suspended due to the pandemic,

was bringing in $25,000 to $30,000 a month, revenue that stopped abruptly when the village suspended it.

And even when the pandemic is “over,” things won’t go back to normal immediately.

“It won’t be like a light-switch turned on again when the economy opens up,” Gillian stated. “It will take a long time for things to catch up.”

“Let’s say the governor says, ‘Open up the economy in June!’” said Gillian. “Our local businesses and the village council might decide to say no to requiring people to pay to park right away because the businesses will want it to be as easy as possible for customers to shop again.”

Gillian said while he’s not happy that other towns are going through similar crises, it helps to know that Forest Park isn’t alone.

“It’s somewhat comforting that all towns are in the same boat right now,” said Gillian. “Wealthier communities might have more reserve, but nobody’s doing well through this.”

And Gillian is talking daily with Leticia Olmsted, village finance director, and the department heads, constantly looking for ways to save money and see Forest Park through the pandemic and its financial effects on the town.

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats

Forest Park restaurants like Louie’s Grill, Madison Park Kitchen and Scratch Kitchen and Lounge are re-opening for carry-out as the mandated dining room closures were extended by Gov. J.B. Pritzker through May 30 in Illinois.

Initially restaurant owners thought they were grappling with a two-week closure and many opted to temporarily close, but the shelter in place order extensions have forced some restaurant owners to reconsider their decision.

After being closed for six weeks out of an abundance of caution Louie’s Grill, 7422 Madison St. in Forest Park, has re-opened and offers their full menu via curbside pickup Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Louie’s Grill has been around for 22 years and co-owners Ellen Politis and her husband, Louie, care deeply about the health and safety of their staff and customers.

“We are excited to be back, but people need to take this virus seriously,” said Politis, “We all need to make adjustments until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. We are committed to making our customers happy by providing good food that is served safely.”

Louie’s Grille is a tried and true dine-in es-

FINANCES

Revenue decreased from page 1 “huge problem.”

“Between all the models we’ve looked at, it’s apparent that village revenues will be down 30 to 40 percent in March, April, May and June,” Gillian said.

That’s with the village still operating with almost-normal expenses, 70 percent of which is payroll. Gillian said overtime and community center expenses are down right now, but for the most part, everything else has remained the same.

“We’re trimming expenses wherever we can,” said Gillian. The recent hiring of a contractor to create and maintain a village Facebook page, although an additional expense, was done only after ending a $12,000 annual contract with CodeRED, the system the village previously used for disseminating information to residents. The Facebook contractor only costs $375 a month for the first year, less than half of the amount of CodeRed. Other cost savings include cutting out new planting for the spring and summer, as well as monthly landscape maintenance,

FILE PHOTO

BACK IN BUSINESS: Louie’s, which has been shut since the start of the pandemic, reopened last week. tablishment and was not set up for carry-out business prior to COVID-19. The diner does not have a POS system and cannot process credit card payments over the phone. Despite these challenges, Politis and her staff have worked out a system designed to keep both customers and employees safe and healthy.

Customers are not allowed to enter Louie’s Grill, but will be assigned a number after placing an order by phone. A courier will bring your order out of the restaurant and a cashier will take payment to guests waiting on the sidewalk; all employees will

TIM GILLIAN

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

15

OPINION O U R

L

V I E W

COVID’s havoc on village finances

ike a lot of small towns, the finances of Forest Park’s municipal government have long been fragile. Cash reserves are undersized and being a non-home rule community based on a smaller population, it leaves the village with limited options on growing revenue.

When a global pandemic sweeps in and fully disrupts a full range of traditional revenues — parking fines, sales taxes, parking permits, utility taxes — it causes fiscal pain that is immediate and lasting. Right now, in a frank interview with the Review, Village Administrator Tim Gillian reports internal projections showing overall revenue to the village down 30 to 40 percent in March, April, May and June. And that does not suggest any sort of magical turnaround come July.

It also does not reflect added costs specifically tied to the local response to COVID-19. Will some of those costs be eventually reimbursed through FEMA? That is anyone’s guess as aid to states and cities seems to be a friction point for a federal government jealous of the good work being done locally in so many places, including Forest Park.

So far with revenues in freefall, efforts at village hall have focused on around-the-edges cuts to costs. Spring and summer public plantings are gone, other landscaping has been shifted from a contractor to the public works staff, overtime is down, costs at the community center have been curtailed.

It helps. But it is nowhere near enough to balance the books.

A crisis of this magnitude has also led to informal conversations between village leaders and union leaders to ease some work rules that strictly defined job roles. That would be a good thing for a village so thinly staffed. More flexibility would be welcome.

That said, hard days are ahead. Hard choices are ahead.

Sacrifice is ahead.

Listen to Ellen. Not that Ellen It is good to see more Forest Park restaurants re-opening for curbside deliveries. We report this week that Louie’s Grill, Madison Park Kitchen and Scratch Kitchen and Lounge are back in business. We also note that Junction Diner and the local Starbucks have previously reopened.

If Forest Park is going to eventually get back to life — and we believe that is a long way off — it will need its diverse and spectacular array of restaurants and bars to lead the way.

Meanwhile, we are going to listen to the advice of Ellen Politis. With her husband Louie, she owns the Madison Street grill we all love. They have jerry-rigged a system of ordering, delivery to your car, a cashier who never touches food or packaging, designed to keep both their staff and their customers alive and well fed until the dining room eventually reopens.

Says Ellen, “We are excited to be back, but people need to take this virus seriously. We all need to make adjustments until there is a vaccine for COVID-19. We are committed to making our customers happy by serving good food that is served safely.”

Dead on. This virus is real. It is deadly. And we need to respect the virus and love ourselves enough to take good care.

P

A purple position on reopening

astor Walter Mitty and his good friend Michael Rosenthal have gotten into the habit of talking on the phone every morning at 10. It’s not as pleasant as meeting at Bernie’s or Zaphne’s coffee shops, but a big part of coping with this crisis, they decided, is finding a place where they could see their emotional coffee cup as half-full.

Yesterday morning, after commenting on the weather and the trees starting to leaf out, it was Michael who got down to a more serious topic.

“Saturday afternoon I bumped into Zaphne at the grocery store and, of course, I asked her how she was doing. Walt, I thought she was going to start crying right there in the produce section.

“She told me she was really scared, that she was running out of cash for basics like rent, and if she wasn’t able to reopen her Retro Coffee Shop by the middle of the month, she might have to go out of business.”

Mitty sighed and tried to regain his composure.

Both he and Michael had grown fond of the young entrepreneur and empathized with her plight.

“Damned if you do and damned if you don’t?”

“I think so, Walt. I mean I tried to imagine myself in her shoes. She’s really caught on the horns of a dilemma. Stay closed and do her part to flatten the curve and risk losing the life savings she invested in the business, or open up and risk spreading the virus.”

The two friends remained silent for a long time as each tried to imagine walking in Zaphne’s black Converse All Stars for even a day.

Mitty then brought up the owner of the Poplar Park Military and First Responder Center. “Michael, did you hear about what Sarge put up last Friday in the front window of his store? It was a big banner and in bold letters: LIBERATE POPLAR PARK and under that a Don’t Tread on Me flag.”

Michael couldn’t help laughing. “That’s Sarge for you. And Walt, did you hear about Johnny Christian?”

Now it was Mitty’s turn to laugh. He knew that Michael knew that he often tuned in to the Rev. Johnny Christian’s Holy Hour of Holy Power on Sunday evenings, and he knew Michael was referring to the mega-church’s pastor deciding to continue holding live in-person services in defiance of Gov. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order.

“I did, Michael, and I listened to Rev. Johnny’s sermon two days ago. With his typical dramatic flamboyance he said if supermarkets can stay open because they provide an essential service, then he was going to keep God’s house open because he provided an essential service as well. Man does not live by bread alone.”

“That’s Rev. Johnny for you,” said Michael with a chuckle. “What the reverend doesn’t get is that you can hear God’s word on Zoom but you can’t get a loaf of bread through your computer screen.”

“At the other end of the spectrum,” said Mitty, “last week a guy from the New York Times reported that while the U.S. would have 30,000 COVID-19 cases at

that time, China would have only eight.

The guy acknowledged that the communist government there trampled on the civil liberties of its citizens but added that a strong, centralized approach was making a remarkable difference.”

Michael said, “Wait a minute, Walt.

You know what we’ve just done? We’ve drifted away from empathizing with Zaphne and her complicated situation and spent the last 20 minutes talking about people like Sarge and Xi Jinping who are at the extreme ends of the political continuum.”

Mitty thought for a moment and said, “I guess you’re right, Michael. Maybe we tend to frame the question of when and how to reopen as if it were a debate between two opposite poles. Like it’s either I’ll do whatever I want and Big Brother can’t tell me what to do on one end or we need an executive with unlimited powers like in China at the expense of civil liberties.”

“You know, Walt, what you just said made me think of the abortion debate. I read that a significant majority of Americans polled were opposed to abortions, but a majority of those same people don’t want Roe v.

Wade overturned.”

“What’s your point?”

“Well, maybe most people in this country see both sides of a lot of issues. Take abortion. On the one hand, most people see something sacred about a fetus even when it still looks more like a tadpole than a human; on the other hand, they don’t trust the government to make decisions like that, so most of us come down somewhere in between no abortions ever and it’s only up to the mother.

“Most, from what I’ve read, want to keep abortion legal but limit it to the first trimester.”

“And your point is that in the middle — between Bernie’s die-hards and Trump’s Base — there is a great middle in America that is really not as polarized as the media makes us think?

“Right.”

“Maybe, my friend,” Mitty agreed, “most of us aren’t bright red or bright blue. Most of us are a kind of purple, aren’t we? You know, most of us come down somewhere in the middle.”

“And maybe,” Michael added, “that’s why most of us don’t look at the reopening of the economy from ideological points of view but as an experiment. Like we’re trying to find a middle way between the needs of business and the health of our people, understanding that there will be collateral damage no matter how we move forward.”

TOM HOLMES

Visit us online at www.

ForestParkReview.com

16

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

O B I T U A R I E S

L E T T E R S

Mickey Simonetta, 93

Illinois is counting on you

Jazz musician and educator Dominic “Mickey” Simonetta, 93, a resident of Forest Park for 60 years, died on April 24, 2020.

A strong man of faith and Chicago sports enthusiast with a remarkable sense of humor, he was best known as a jazz drummer, percussionist, and educator.

Of his home in Forest Park, he said he would “not want to live anywhere else.” He possessed a deep love for his family with concern and compassion for others. Those close to him will remember him for his sharp wardrobe, countless jokes and one-liners, and that prominent smile.

Born in Chicago in 1926, his interest in music originated after listening to jazz great Benny Goodman and was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra. During World War II, he played with the 130th Army Ground Force Band.

Later, he went on to study percussion instruments and harmony at the Midwestern Conservatory of Music. In 1955, he toured Europe for five weeks with the Bill Russo Band. He also received a Certificate of Esteem from the U.S. Department of Defense for volunteering his services.

He began playing hotels, nightclubs and lounges while enrolled in the music education program at DePaul University. He recorded and played at the Blue Note with Lennie Tristano and worked with Earl Garner at the London House. For three years, he disc-jockeyed a jazz show for patients at Hines V.A. Hospital.

He played alongside jazz legends Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and vocalist Andy Williams and also backed such comedic legends as Joey Bishop, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Buddy Hackett, and Jack E. Leonard at the Black Orchid Nightclub.

At Mr. Kelly’s, he recorded with prominent jazz vocalists such as Billie Holiday, June Christy, Anita O’Day, and Jeri Southern. In addition to playing on

studio recordings and his original compositions, he was named a top drummer in DownBeat magazine and was also listed in the Encyclopedia of Jazz.

Due to his extensive knowledge in music education, Mr. Simonetta started teaching for the Chicago Public Schools in 1960 after graduating from DePaul.

He began his teaching career as a band director at Marshall High School before moving on to Steinmetz High School.

He retired after 18 years at Lake View High School where he served as an inspiration for many music students. Throughout his time there, he amassed numerous superior ratings and All-Conference City Championship awards. In 1987, he was recognized as the “Employee of the Year” at Lake View.

Throughout his career, he also taught countless local students and maintained a studio at Lyon & Healy.

After retiring, he was a substitute teacher at Morton East and Morton West high schools. At the age of 93, he continued to conduct private music lessons.

One of his favorite sayings was: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.”

Mickey Simonetta was the husband of Evelyn (nee Waters) for 54 years; the father of Anthony (Nicki), Johnny, and Mariann (Chris) Beach; and the brother-in-law of Jean. He was Papa to Richard (Lauren), Dominic (Brittany), Katie Beach, Cristiano and Kelly Beach; the great-grandfather of Viviana; and uncle, cousin, and friend to everyone he met.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Caterina (nee Rondinella), his brother John “Bobby,” John Ginino, his sisters-in-law Maye Henry and Faye Carter, and Maria (nee Vaiti).

A private burial took place on May 1, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Marshall and/or Lake View High School’s music programs, your local school music program, and/or your local PADS shelter.

During these disturbing times, it is difficult to imagine what it will be like to gather again in worship, celebration, and bereavement.

While that future remains elusive, the need for strong communities, good schools, safe roads, and fair representation will remain the same.

The results of Census 2020 will indeed shape our future.

Think of your community: Census results help determine how money is allocated to prevent child abuse and to provide housing assistance for older adults, to show where schools, clinics, food assistance, and community mental health services are needed, to fund libraries.

Business owners will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions.

Think of your local schools: Census results help determine how money is allocated for the Head Start program, school lunches, grants that support teachers, and for special education.

Think of your morning commute: Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, subways, and other public transit systems.

Think of your government: The results of this once-a-decade count determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and is used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

While these are unpreceded times, it is more important than ever that we do our part to ensure a fair census count so that when this is behind us, whatever that may look like, Illinois will have the resources needed to strengthen and rebuild our state.

If you haven’t done so, please take a few moments to complete the census. You can respond in English by calling 844-330-2020 or in Spanish by calling 844-468-2020; to respond online or for help in other languages, go to https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html.

Stay safe, stay strong and please be counted!

Beverly Graham

President, League of Women Voters OP-RF

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HELP WANTED Village of Riverside Janitorial Employment Opportunity The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking responsible, motivated and hardworking applicants who work well in a structured environment. This is a part time position for janitorial work located throughout various municipal properties. Applicants can expect to work approximately 30 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff. Regular hours are Monday thru Friday 7:30am-4:00pm.

Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, trash removal, general surface disinfection, replenishing supplies, restroom maintenance, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must have access to a vehicle to be used for commuting between facilities for purposes of cleaning. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.

Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Public Works Department located at 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Public Works Department. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Pay rate is $15/ hr. There will be $50/mo. stipend for the use of applicant’s personal vehicle.

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BERWYN: 2 BR,gorgeous Apt w/ granite kitchen countr top. All appls.

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DOWNTOWN OAK PARK SUBLEASE We are looking to sublease our beautiful, spa-like ofďŹ ce. Our ofďŹ ce is already set up and is available for sublease in downtown Oak Park.

This ofďŹ ce is perfect for a physician, anesthetist, masseuse, and/or acupuncturist. Space is available immediately. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule a tour of the ofďŹ ce.

Ask for NikI. 708-613-4417 Nikimoreno33@gmail.com

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro.

Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up.

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OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofďŹ ces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiďŹ ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays.

Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old fashioned glasses 708-386-6160

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

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Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342

18

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

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In accordance with the requirements of Section 612(a) (10) of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEA 2004”), Riverside Brookfield High School will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation on Friday, May 22, 2020, at 10:00 AM at Riverside Brookfield High School, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Il 60546---Due to the Pandemic this meeting will be held via Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss how students with disabilities, who attend private schools or are home schooled within the district boundaries, will be served by District 208 during the 2020-21 school year.

Parents and private school administrators who would like to attend should contact Sheila Jercich, Director of Special Education, at jercichs@rbhs208.net Zoom invitation will be forwarded prior to the meeting.

847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111 847-888-9999

Published in RB Landmark 5/06, 5/13/2020

PPE

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed Proposals from qualified consultants at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 for the following: Village of Oak Park REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT/EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Bid Number: 20-126 Proposal forms may be obtained from the Village of Oak Park website, http://www.oak-park.us/ bid. Proposal documents may be viewed at the Public Works Customer Service Center at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 P.M.. Information is also available from the contact person, Water and Sewer Superintendent, James Eggen, jeggen@oak-park.us . All questions must be submitted in writing via e-mail. The deadline for questions is 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Any addenda for this bid will be issued by 3:00 P.M. on Friday, May 22, 2020.

The successful bidder will be required to provide a certificate of insurance as set forth in the bid package. This contract shall not be subject to the provisions of the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS130/1 et seq.).

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. All Bidder’s are required to check the Village website for any Addenda issued by the Village. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, to consider an application for a variation from Section 10-7-3(F)2(a) (Fence and Wall Location in Residential Districts) of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance to allow a 4-ft aluminum fence in the street yard in the R1-A Single-Family Residence District.

Due to the ongoing public health emergency, and based on the authority provided by Executive Order 2020-07, issued by Governor Pritzker on March 16, 2020, as most recently extended by Executive Order 2020-33, dated April 30, 2020, and in accordance with Executive Order 2020-32 issued by Governor Pritzker on April 30, limiting public gatherings and suspending the Open Meetings Act physical presence requirement, this meeting will be conducted electronically. It will be streamed live via Zoom and on Riverside Television, where it will be available on YouTube’s Riverside TV channel. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing. Video of the public hearing will subsequently be posted and made available to the public on the Village website.

Application No.: PZ20-001 Petitioners: Shelly & Bart Richards Property commonly known as: 711 and 715 Arlington Road PINs: 15-25-416-029-0000, 15-25-416-030-0000 The variation is sought from the following Section of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance: Section 10-7-3(F)2(a) (Fence and Wall Location in Residential Districts), which states that fences and walls shall be prohibited in street yards, except where the street yard adjoins a nonresidential use or along 26th Street, 31st Street

or York Road, subject to further review by village staff.

The Petitioners seek this variation to build a 4 ft. aluminum fence that encroaches approximately 12.5 ft. into the required street yard from Lindberg Road.

Copies of the variation application are available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546.

Copies may also be obtained by emailing the Village’s Community Development Director Sonya Abt at sabt@riverside.il.us or by telephone at 708-447-1241 ext. 238, or the Village Clerk at 708-447-2700 at any time prior to the meeting.

Public comments are welcome on the proposed variation that is the subject of the Public Hearing when received by email or in writing by the Village Clerk prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Emailed comments may be sent to Community Development Director Sonya Abt at sabt@riverside.il.us. Written comments may be submitted via U.S. mail or in the dropbox outside of Township Hall to the attention of Village Clerk Cathy Haley at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. Emailed and written comments timely received will be read into the record during the public hearing. While emailed or written comments are encouraged, public comment may also be made during the hearing by participating through Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing. If you have questions regarding communication to the Commission during the meeting, please contact Community Development Director Sonya Abt at 708447-1241 ext. 238.

The public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 6th day of May, 2020.

Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, to consider an application from the Village of Riverside for text amendments to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance regarding Planned Unit Developments.

Due to the ongoing public health emergency, and based on the authority provided by Executive Order 2020-07, issued by Governor Pritzker on March 16, 2020, as most recently extended by Executive Order 2020-33, dated April 30, 2020, and in accordance with Executive Order 2020-32 issued by Governor Pritzker on April 30, limiting public gatherings and suspending the Open Meetings Act physical presence requirement, this meeting will be conducted electronically. It will be streamed live via Zoom and on Riverside Television, where it will be available on YouTube’s Riverside TV channel. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing. Video of the public hearing will subsequently be posted and made available to the public on the Village website.

The Village of Riverside is proposing text amendments to add a new Chapter 13 (Planned Unit Developments) of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 10). These amendments include the creation of procedures and requirements for Planned Unit Developments to allow flexibility in the application of the standards of this zoning ordinance based upon procedural protections providing for detailed review of individual significant proposals that are in the public interest and provide a public benefit, adding Planned Unit Developments as Special Uses in Sections 10-4-5 (Use and Bulk Requirement Tables) Table 2: Residential District Permitted Uses and 10-5-9 (Use and Bulk Requirement Tables) Table 4: Business Districts Permitted Uses and make such other conforming chang-

Published in Landmark May 6, 2020

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2020-21 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend.

If you have would like to join the meeting, please email Dr. Kennedi Dixon at kdixon@oprfhs.org or Marilyn Thivel at mthivel@oprfhs. org to request the Google Meet information.

Published in Wednesday Journal 5/6, 5/13/2020

www.ForestParkReview.com

PUBLIC NOTICES es to other sections of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance as may be necessary.

Application No.: PZ20-002 Petitioner: Village of Riverside Text Amendments will be Applicable Throughout the Village Copies of the proposed text amendments are available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. Copies may also be obtained by emailing the Village’s Community Development Director Sonya Abt at sabt@riverside.il.us or by telephone at 708447-1241 ext. 238, or the Village Clerk at 708-447-2700 at any time prior to the meeting.

Public comments are welcome on the proposed text amendments that are the subject of the Public Hearing when received by email or in writing by the Village Clerk prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Emailed comments may be sent to Community Development Director Sonya Abt at sabt@riverside.il.us.

Written comments may be submitted via U.S. mail or in the dropbox outside of Township Hall to the attention of Village Clerk Cathy Haley at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. Emailed and written comments timely received will be read into the record during the public hearing. While emailed or written comments are encouraged, public comment may also be made during the hearing by participating through Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID and access code will be made available on the Village’s website prior to the hearing. If you have questions regarding communication to the Commission during the meeting, please contact Community Development Director Sonya Abt at 708447-1241 ext. 238.

The public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 6th day of May, 2020 Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission

Published in Landmark May 6, 2020

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2020 Street Improvement Program This project includes the replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalk and driveway aprons, hot-mix asphalt surface removal, frame/lid adjustment, resurfacing, and other associated work.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, May 1, 2020 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at: Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

ALL BIDS SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE GREEN DROP BOX IN FRONT OF VILLAGE HALL. The bid proposals will be collected at 10:00 am and opened at that time. Due to COVID19-related closures, Village Hall is not currently open to the public. The bid opening will be live-streamed on the Village’s YouTube channel at www. youtube.com/villageofriverforest.

Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

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

Published in Wednesday Journal 5/06/2020

P

Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

INC., REALTOR

19

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

9346 LANDINGS LN

317 ELGIN

1338 MARENGO

Bright two bed two bath on 4th. fl. with balcony in gated community w 24 hr. security guard. Ceramic tile fl. in kit and dinette.

Complex offers outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

Elevator building w/inside heated garage. coin laundry on 1st.fl. In Des Plaines, close to shopping, schools and highway.....................$149,900

2,450 S.F. OF LUXURY! Center unit! 4 floors of living!

Enormous master with a soaking tub and enclosed shower, walk in closet, and a private balcony. 2nd fl. offers 2 additional large bedrooms, walk in closet, storage, and full bath. 1st fl is all oak flooring, living room with a fireplace and eating area, and an eat in kitchen. Bedroom #4 is located in the fully finished basement with a family room area, and full bathroom. 1 space garage. This is the LARGEST TOWNHOME on the market IN FOREST PARK!! ....................................................................................................$389,000

First floor apartment completely remodeled with 2 bedrooms and duplex 3rd. bedroom and half bath and family room in the basement.

Second floor is two bedrooms and one bath. Outside parking for 4 cars.

Projected rent for 1st floor between ...............................$1375 & $1450

D L SO

D L SO

D L SO

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Forest Park Review, May 6, 2020

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