Forest Park Review 051221

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GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA, NFP ForestParkReview.com Vol. 104, No. 19

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REVIEW MAY 12, 2021

D209 votes on administrator contracts PAGE 5

Library ditches fines PAGE 12

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Village mulls shutting bars at 11 p.m. after Madison St. incident Crowd of 50 reportedly refused police orders to disperse

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Forest Park’s village council will hold a special meeting on May 12, at 7 p.m. to discuss further amending the hours for liquor sales within the village, following a May 9 incident where police say a group of around 50 people refused to disperse for more than half an hour, blocking traffic and verbally and physically harassing officers.

The proposed amendment would require all bars and restaurants to close at 11 p.m. every day for 30 days. After that, bars with food sales accounting for at least half of gross annual receipts (and holding a Class A liquor license) would be allowed to stay open until 1 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends. Taverns without food service would continue to close at 11 p.m. through Labor Day. The 11 p.m. closing time would correspond with the regular police shift change, Mayor Rory Hoskins told the Review, meaning twice the personnel would be available in the event that extra officers were needed while bar patrons are dispersing.

Hoskins added that the size of Forest Park’s police force may not be sufficient to deal with the See MADISON STREET on page 13

Photo provided

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS: Along with the village of Forest Park, District 91 celebrated Kindness Week, an annual event, during the last week of April. Read more on page 9.

Aperion criticized after resident attacked Son of victim calls nursing home ‘chamber of horrors’

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

A press conference was held outside Aperion Forest Park, 8200 Roosevelt Rd., on May 6 in protest against the nursing home for failing to protect resident Claudette Russell, who was allegedly hit in the face with a White Diamonds perfume bottle

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 THIS Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

by another resident on May 2. The attack left her with a bruised and swollen left eye and left cheek, according to observations in the associated police report and photos supplied by her son.

Press conference organizer Eric Russell, who is Claudette’s son, is the executive director of Tree of Life Justice League of Illinois. The organization and Russell are no strangers to the media or to Forest Park. In 2017 Russell participated in a press conference on behalf of the family of Marco Gomez, who was shot and killed by a Forest Park police officer. Gomez drove a stolen car directly at the officer, who feared for his life and shot

Chamber plans community events PAGE 4

See APERION on page 11

D91 elects officers and swears in new members PAGE 8

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

Perfect Weather graced the 38th Hunger Walkathon West CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday May 2nd. The Planning Team wishes to thank and bless the Team Captains and Participants who raised money for this annual event and the businesses and individual donors who supported them.

Due to COVID concerns and to keep gathering numbers low, we did not hold a centralized walk but each team captain arranged an event for their team. Photos from various teams are included here.

Recipients of the money raised in 2021 include hungry and hurting people served by international relief and development programs of Church World Service and the following ten local agencies: Beyond Hunger, Cluster Tutoring Program, First Baptist Church of Melrose Park Food Pantry, Forest Park Food Pantry, Housing Forward, Pine Avenue Food Pantry, Proviso Food Pantry, Quinn Center of Saint Eulalia Hunger Ministries, St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry and Vision of Restoration Food Pantry. These agencies provide services in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood and Melrose Park. We are pleased to report that the amount raised to date is over $86,000. The 2020 Walk raised $100,000. The need continues and donations of any size are still welcome.

It’s not too late to donate! Just visit our website: hwwcrop.org and press the “DONATE NOW” button THANKS TO:

SILVER LEVEL:

The following Businesses that provided financial and/or in-kind support:

CLO Marketing, Inc. Bernie’s Saw and Supply, Inc. Chosen Ones Learning Center

GOLD LEVEL:

BRONZE LEVEL:

Farmington Foods / Big Shoulders Smoke House M & M Property Management REM, Inc. / Ideal Facilities Services Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Team Captains and Walk Planning Team* Members Delrice Adams Lauren Brightmore Marty Colchamiro* Bill Cragg Joanne Despotes* Ted Despotes* Meghan Dowdle Mary Lou Dwyer* Karen Dylewski Susan Fleming Brent Friesen Harriet Hawkins* Jerry Hills Rev. Tom Holmes* Frank Hughes Erik Johnson Laura Kliewer Ted Lietz Marcus Love Linda Martens Charlaine McAnany Maxine McGhee Michael McKee* Margie McKenzie Nick Menninga* Martha Minnich

Downtown Oak Park Excel Environmental, Inc. Forest Agency Insurance Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co.

Mohr Oil Co. Storino, Ramello & Durkin Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.

ALL OTHER BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS:

JCS Construction Louie’s Grill McADAM Landscaping Todd & Holland Tea Merchants Yum Thai Pinyo, Inc.

Christopher B Burke Engineering, Ltd. Classic Cinemas, Lake Theater David King & Associates, Inc. Elite Tire and Auto

Cynthia Mobley Karen Murphy Rev. Kathy Nolte John O’Rourke* Amy Stearns Leon Williams Douglas Wyman* Liz Young Craig Zeller

Participating Teams (in addition to recipients): Ascension Church OP Euclid Ave United Methodist OP Fair Oaks Presbyterian OP First Baptist Church OP First United Church of Christ FP First United Church of Oak Park First United Oak Park Youth First United Methodist OP Good Shepherd Lutheran OP Pilgrim Congregational OP Social Media St. Catherine-St. Lucy OP St. Christopher Episcopal OP St. Paul Thai Lutheran FP Unity Church of Oak Park

The CROP Team wishes to acknowledge and thank

Wednesday Journal, Inc.

for their many years of outstanding generosity and continual community support!

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

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rinking at a bar during the day rarely appeals to me. I tried it back in 1994 and it didn’t go well. I went alone to one of the Madison Street joints. I didn’t know anyone there and didn’t exchange a word except to order a pint. It was an older crowd. They were mostly retired guys, with ideal schedules for day drinking.

The Urban Dictionary defines day drinking as consuming alcohol between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. I already knew the pitfalls of day drinking but decided to give it another try. I went to one of the Madison Street joints to deliver extra copies of the Review to a reader who had requested them.

This time I knew the bartender, who had been a grade school classmate of my sister.

I also knew several other guys from my grade school days. We reminisced about Ursuline nuns, classmates we knew and other warm memories of Catholic school. It’s been said that connecting with childhood friends is a plumb line to the past.

These were the kind of guys who were familiar with plumb lines. Many of them were retired tradesmen. It was fun spend-

Day drinking

ing a lazy afternoon watching a Cubs game. The conversation was animated but we didn’t solve all the problems of the world. We couldn’t even solve the problems of Forest Park. A restaurant owner and one of her servers came in and discussed the disturbing incidents that have recently plagued Forest Park.

Mostly we kept the conversation light and poked fun at the Cubs who looked like they were going to blow the game. More people came in that I knew, including my second cousin who I had never met. I fit right in with this grayhaired age group.

It got even friendlier when a colleague from the newspaper stopped by. I rarely see anyone from the Review, so it was a pleasure to revive the camaraderie we used to enjoy. We talked shop and vowed to revive our weekly meetings in the newsroom to discuss story ideas and plan articles. In the meantime, the reader I was waiting for was still an hour away.

This left me little choice but to order another pint. Something magical happens when you day-drink your third beer. The bar isn’t boring. It’s the greatest place

JOHN RICE

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L O O K

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REVIEW you’ve ever been. The daytime atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. I once conducted a survey of bartenders in town and found the happiest ones worked the day shift.

Their job gives them the chance to socialize with regular customers and friends.

They don’t worry about rowdy patrons or breaking up fights. I wondered whether day drinking might also be a good fit for me.

After all, I’m retired and every day feels like Friday. It’s also good to get out and see people, rather than isolate at home. Even watching baseball is more fun when you’re surrounded by fans.

The Cubs pulled out a win and the woman I was waiting for finally arrived.

It was approaching 6 p.m., the cut-off for day drinking. I had easily conversed with the retired guys, as well as some younger acquaintances. I didn’t feel quite ready to join the “Jeopardy” crowd, though, which is another cool day-drinking activity.

I feel fortunate to live in Forest Park, where there are so many daytime hangouts.

Most of these joints are an easy walk from my home. So I’m going to give day drinking another try. If you’re looking for retirees to watch sports with, or answer game show questions, I guess I’m now one of those guys.

T I M E . . .

CENTENNIAL PARADE, 1956 Thousands of Forest Park residents and suburbanites lined the streets to watch the Centennial Parade when the week-long 100th birthday celebration came to a close in June 1956. The three-hour parade started at the Naval Ordnance parking lot (now Living Fresh and the Forest Park Mall), traveled east on Roosevelt Road, turned north on Circle Avenue, then west on Madison Street, then south on Desplaines Avenue to the Centennial Grounds at the park at Beloit Avenue and Harrison Street. The Great Lakes Band in this photo was one of the many prominent features during the parade.

Other acts included the Centennial Queen, Judi Rose and her Court of Honor, the Shriner Motor Scooters, the 20 drum and bugle corps, the Kiltie Band, and many floats from businesses and organizations in town.

Jill Wagner

Editor Maria Maxham Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Strategist James Kay Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $28 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years.

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

REVIEW Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alexa@oakpark.com.

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

Under-the-radar ministry to the hungry and homeless St. Bernardine’s St. Vincent de Paul Society fights food insecurity

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

If we were playing a word association game and the words “homeless” and “hungry” were brought up, Forest Park residents would probably mention Housing Forward or the Community Center Food Pantry or maybe the CROP Hunger Walk. But St. Bernardine’s Vincent DePaul (VDP) group has also been serving the needs of that population for years, albeit pretty much under the community’s radar.

Karl Gawlas, a St. B parishioner who currently heads up the VDP group said, “The St. Bernardine/St. Vincent de Paul Society conference has been around for 90 years, adjusting to serving the needs of the community as needs change.”

The VDP group has for years been operating a non-perishable food pantry to distribute bags of groceries to clients who come on Saturday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m., but the ministry has responded creatively in several ways to the increased needs brought

about by the pandemic.

Before the COVID virus made social distancing at the overnight shelters impossible, St. Bernardine members would prepare dinners once a month for the homeless who were being sheltered at the St. Mary of Celle site in Berwyn. In addition, VDP would also fund and order toiletries and clothing (Tshirts, underwear, socks, etc.) to provide to the clients there.

For the past year because of the virus, Housing Forward has had to change its service model from nightly shelters housing over 40 guests in a gym or social hall, a setting that does not allow for social distancing, to housing the guests in individual rooms at the Write Inn and other locations.

VDP has changed its service model along with Housing Forward. The group now networks with a nonprofit called Project22:NINE which, according to its website, has “found a way to repurpose highquality, healthy, fresh pre-cooked meals — the overproduction of subscription meal programs — to the kitchens and pantries that needed them most.”

Each week, VDP receives pre-packaged complete meals from Project22:NINE, and acts like what Gawlas describes as a “middle man” distributing the meals to the residents at the Write Inn and to various Chicagoland social service agencies, churches, food pan-

tries and soup kitchens, including the Forest Park Food Panty and the St. Bernardine/ VDP food pantry on Saturday mornings.

In addition to distributing the meals received from Project22:NINE, St. Bernardine volunteers provide bags of groceries from their modest food pantry housed in the rectory, as well as, at times, financial aid.

“Clients,” said Donna Gawlas, who coleads VDP, “might need help with rent, energy bills, etc. Members of VDP would visit a client’s home and do intake to accommodate needed financial assistance on an occasional basis.”

If a client expresses financial hardship, intake of information is conducted, asking for specific documentation for direct payment of a bill to the vendor. VDP members determine need and payment, while respecting client privacy and confidentiality. No money is given to an individual. Clients served have come from Forest Park and surrounding communities.

In addition to the food received from Project22:NINE, the St. Bernardine Vincent DePaul group relies on donations of food and money from parish members and the community. An example, said Donna Gawlas, is parishioner Ed Nutley from Ed’s Way, who has been very generous and supportive to both donate food, but also help order food that VDP can purchase to re-stock the food

pantry.

The VDP group has also partnered with the Forest Park Public Library at the corner of Desplaines and Jackson which has transformed their former book box into a snack pantry. St. B’s volunteers deliver items from their food pantry when the supply at the snack box is low.

“This,” Karl Gawlas noted, “helps the transient population near the end-of-theline train tracks.”

Aware that the need for food in these times is especially great and resources are relatively small, Karl and Donna Gawlas said, “Our outreach needs expansion to identify where the prepared food can go, including building our shut-in base. In addition, a volunteer base can grow with the outreach expansion. Currently St. Bernardine/VDP has a small group of members and a handful of dedicated volunteers.

“Overall, St. Bernardine/VDP has a wellstocked pantry to give to those in need. The grass roots, under-the-radar ministry can be expanded with shared knowledge of who might be in need and who might volunteer to help serve.”

Contact the St. Bernardine office at 708366-0839 during the 8 a.m.to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday office hours to leave a message or get further information.

Chamber of Commerce leads business comeback Group looks ahead to summer, fall and winter

By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

A rising tide, goes the saying, lifts all boats. The mission of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce is to promote a rising tide in this village’s business community, i.e. to promote the business community as a whole in the hope that each business will benefit.

It’s been an ebb tide for most business owners during the pandemic, but Laurie Kokenes, the Chamber’s executive director, senses the tide is turning and shared ways in which her group is, to switch metaphors, leading the economic rebound.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade St. Patrick himself might get a little disoriented when he learns that this year the parade named after him will be celebrated in Forest Park on Sept. 18 instead of March 17.

It’s the kind of move the Chamber has been making for 14 months now, i.e. making lemonade out of life’s lemons.

Chamber board members like to repeat the fact that the parade brings thousands of people to Madison Street and is

an example of the conviction that what’s good for the whole community is good for each individual business.

Luncheons One benefit of Chamber membership is the monthly networking luncheons held on a rotating basis at member restaurants. Kokenes said, “We are excited to announce that our first in-person luncheon since the stay-at-home order will be in O’Sullivan’s beer garden on June 9.”

Flowers Kokenes said that last year the Chamber raised funds to fill all the flower pots on Madison Street and Roosevelt Road with spring and summer flowers. This year, she said, the village will be planting summer flowers and has asked the Chamber to work with Empowering Gardens to source the flowers for fall. “We’ll need to raise some money to pay for the flowers,” she said, “but we’re excited to support their mission.”

Art Stroll The Chamber and the Forest Park Arts Alliance will be hosting a family-friendly art stroll the first Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning June 3. Each month, local artists and their art will be located inside different busi-

nesses where folks can meet the artists and purchase art.

The goal of Chamber programming? “The event is designed to bring people to Forest Park and showcase the host businesses as well as shops and restaurants along the way,” Kokenes said. The August stroll will be held on Roosevelt Road. For this and all events, watch the Chamber’s Facebook page for more details.

Back to “normal” in the fall The following events are expected to be held, said Kokenes: Casket Races – Oct. 23 Wine Walk – Nov. 6 Holiday Walk – Dec. 3

On the drawing board Sidewalk Sale: “We’re just beginning to discuss the event with merchants,” said Kokenes, “so we can get everyone involved and make it a really big deal.”

Golf Outing: This combination fundraising and networking event has often been done with the Oak Park Chamber.

Like the sidewalk sale, the event is still in the research stage.

Jobs List/Job Fair: “We are reviewing the available options for managing and promoting job openings for our members,” said Kokenes. “Currently they are being posted on our Facebook page and are being widely shared, and the posts are getting a decent reach.”

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

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D209 hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinic for students May 19 event, in partnership with Jewel-Osco, to be held at Proviso West

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Proviso Township High School District 209 is partnering with Jewel-Osco in hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students on May 19 at the fieldhouse

at Proviso West High School, 4701 Harrison St., Hillside. The second dose will be administered on June 9.

Appointments for D209 students aged 16 and up can be scheduled online at https://tinyurl.com/fnffw54t. Students will receive the Pfizer vaccine and will be excused from classes for the day.

“This is an exciting opportunity and it gets us one step closer to returning to full, in-person learning,” wrote D209 Superintendent James Henderson in an email to families.

More D209 information is available on the district’s website at www.pths209.org.

List of administrators up for vote on D209 website East principal gone; PMSA principal reclassified

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On May 11, the Proviso Township High School District 209 school board was scheduled to vote on employment contracts, including those in excess of $150,000. D209 has posted the list online at www.pths209.org/ Page/4489.

These contracts include those for administrators, such as principals, and the list reveals a new administrative structure, which includes grade level principals, although a description of that position is not included.

Notably absent from the list is the current principal of Proviso East High School, Dr. Patrick Hardy. If approved by the board, the new principal at East will be Rodney Hull, with a salary of $161,718.24 and benefits package of $32,129.52.

At Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA), the new principal, if approved, will

be Elizabeth Martinez, with a salary and benefits the same as Hull’s, above.

William Breisch, the current principal at PMSA, is being recategorized as a grade level principal, with a salary of $125,535.48 and benefits of $32,129.52.

For Breisch, the reclassification means a cut in salary. His 2019-2020 salary listed on the district’s website was $136,036 with benefits of $31,141. (The 2020-2021 salary list was unavailable on the morning of May 8 on the district’s website, though by law the district must post updated salary information for public employees).

Dr. Bessie Karvelas, principal at Proviso West High School, is staying in her role because her contract specified that she could not be reclassified.

The Review doesn’t have information yet on what the position is, but the agenda indicates that the board will be voting on eight grade level principals between the three high schools. So far, it isn’t clear which high schools the principals will be assigned to.

In addition to Breisch, other grade level principals who currently work with the district are: Fred Aguirre (currently listed as assistant principal at Proviso East on the district website), Brandon Alexander (cur-

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rently listed as principal of Educational Services) and Joseph Kosina (currently listed as assistant principal at Proviso West).

Grade level principals new to the district (not currently listed on the district’s website) are: Latoya McIntosh, Shaylon Walker and Albert Brass.

Kisha Lang is also on the list of potential grade level principals to join D209 for the next school year. Lang formerly worked in the district as East’s assistant principal for educational services, joining the district in 2011.

Lang is named in a 2014 lawsuit filed by a Proviso East security manager against the district for retaliatory discharge, according to previous Forest Park Review reporting.

In the lawsuit, the former employee accused Lang of using district employees to perform personal errands, and Taylor claimed he was fired in retaliation after informing others of what Lang was doing.

Amid recent talk of outsourcing the IT department, the potential appointment of Michael Pritchard as directory of technology for the district is noteworthy. His proposed base salary is $146,017, with $32,129.52 in benefits.

Pritchard served as senior IT project

manager at Normandy School District in Missouri from 2008 to 2011. Henderson served at that district as chief of staff during those years.

For the most part, all current administrators who are on the proposed list of employees for the 2021-2022 school year are taking a salary cut.

One exception is Dan Johnson. During the 2019-21 school year his base salary was $150,620. In September 2020, he was appointed by the board as assistant superintendent for Human Resources with a salary of $170,000, according to previous reporting in the Review.

His proposed new position, deputy superintendent of operations, would come with a base salary of $176,245.36. He served as interim superintendent after former superintendent Jessie Rodriguez left while the board was doing a search for a new superintendent.

Another exception to salary cuts is Stephen Ngo, currently listed on the district website as a social studies division head at Proviso West. If appointed, Ngo will serve as “coordinator 1 – social studies,” with a base salary of $126,766.22. During the 2019-2020 school year his base salary was $75,000.

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Woman plays Slayer to retaliate against Tap Room A woman on the 7300 block of Madison Street was issued citations for loud music and excessive noise on May 5 at 12:58 a.m., although the tickets will be mailed to her because she would not open the door to police.

According to the police report, the woman has called the police many times to complain about noise from Forest Park Tap Room, which is across the street from her residence. On May 5, police discovered she had set up a speaker system on her balcony, which faces Madison Street, and was blasting “heavy metal rock music, which could be heard from over a block away,” according to the police report.

Officers attempted to get her attention by calling her, but she did not answer her phone. They then flashed squad car lights and shone their spotlights at her apartment, but according to the report, she ignored them.

An officer finally made contact with her via her building’s intercom system. She told police she would continue to blast music every night until the bar across the street was stopped. “Do your f***ing job,” she allegedly told the officer.

Police later received a video of the incident. “One can hear what is believed to be Slayer’s song ‘Angel of Death’ coming from the offending balcony,” reads the police report.

Crowd outside Tap Room uncooperative, refuses to disperse Police were called to Forest Park Tap Room, 7321 Madison St., for a noise complaint on May 1 at 12:38 a.m. The reporting officer observed a large crowd of people exiting the bar, and according to the police report, it appeared that the bar was closing early for the night. “The crowd poured out onto Madison Street, and subjects were screaming and walking out into the street, disregarding oncoming traffic,” reads the police report. Several subjects were allegedly verbally fighting. According to the police report, Forest Park police “attempted to disperse the large group, but they were uncooperative and took approximately 20-30 minutes to disperse.”

Arson the cause of Harlem Ave. apartment fire Police and fire fighters determined that arson was the cause of a fire in an apartment building on the 1200 block of Harlem Avenue on May 5 at 3:23 p.m. Forest Park fire and police units responded to a fire alarm activation at the building. Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn and North Riverside fire departments also responded. The Forest Park Fire Department extinguished flames on

the first and second floor staircase landing.

Some apartment doors were forced open to ensure residents were evacuated. A Grace Accelerant Hydrocarbon Detection monitor was employed to determine if accelerants may have been used to start the fire. The detection monitor positively indicated on the “pour” markings in at least three different locations. Pieces of burnt carpet as well as a control sample were photographed and collected into evidence.

Portillo’s employee assaulted A 17-year-old employee of Portillo’s, 7740 Roosevelt Rd., was assaulted by a 43-yearold customer, who was charged with battery and assault on April 30. The incident occurred at 3:40 p.m. when the customer asked the employee if her food was ready yet. The employee told her it was still being prepared and would be a few more minutes. The customer allegedly began to “aggressively” ask about her order taking too long, then started yelling obscenities at the employee, who decided to ignore her and turned away. At that time, the customer threw a milkshake at the back of the employee’s head.

Open alcohol on Madison Street Three women in a car parked on the 7400 block of Madison Street were given local ordinance citations for open alcohol when police found them drinking in the vehicle on April 30 at 11:44 p.m. Open bottles of Remy Martin Cognac and Dusse Cognac were found in the back seat, as well as three clear plastic cups containing a dark liquid, suspected to be alcohol. The alcohol was disposed of on scene.

On May 2 at 12:32 a.m., a man outside Forest Park Tap Room, 7321 Madison St., was given a local ordinance citation for open alcohol when he was caught with a clear plastic cup containing a dark liquid, suspected to be alcohol.

On May 2 at 1:43 a.m. a woman outside Mugsy’s, 7640 Madison St., was given a local ordinance citation for open alcohol when caught with a plastic cup with suspected alcohol in it. She told police she had just left the bar.

On May 4 at 12:43 a.m. a woman outside at 7421 Madison St. was given a local ordinance citation for having an open glass bottle of Smirnoff.

Unknown male sits in resident’s back yard at night A woman on the 500 block of Elgin Ave. reported that for the past few months, an unknown male has been entering her back yard during the night and sitting on her

lawn furniture. Overnight between May 4 and 5 he allegedly ate a meal and left a mess on the resident’s lawn and patio, leaving his trash behind. The resident has set up cameras and the subject has been caught on tape, which has been provided to the police.

Woman displays gun in McDonald’s drive-thru A woman with a valid FOID card and Conceal Carry License told a man who approached her car in the McDonald’s drivethru lane that she would shoot him if he came near her. The incident occurred on May 4 around 12:50 p.m. A man called police to report a woman with a gun. He said he’d been in the drive-thru lane at the restaurant at 420 Desplaines Ave. The car in front of him was not moving, so he drove his car around it. He said the woman in that car began to honk at him. He exited his car and approached her to calm her down, when he saw that she was holding a gun. He went back into his car.

The woman told police that when the man pulled his car in front of hers, got out, and began to approach, she was afraid for her safety and held her firearm, telling him she’d shoot if he came near her.

The man did not wish to sign criminal complaints against the woman, and the matter was an incident-only report.

60-year-old Walmart security guard assaulted Police were called to Walmart, 1300 Desplaines Ave., when a 60-year-old security guard was punched in the head by a customer on May 4 at 10:55 p.m. The security guard reported that with the store closing for the day in five minutes, when three customers approached saying they needed to purchase worms he told them they couldn’t enter.

According to the police report, they “became irate,” ignored the security guard and pushed past him into the store. The guard called police and locked the door when the three tried to exit the store, because he wanted them inside when police arrived.

One of the three forced the shopping cart loading door open, exited, and punched the security guard in the forehead. He fled the area but was stopped by police.

The suspect said he had arrived at Walmart at 10:40, with 20 minutes to go inside and buy worms. He admitted ignoring the security guard and forcing his way out through the shopping car loading area after purchasing the worms. He said he punched the security guard because the guard was trying to grab the suspect’s girlfriend, and

he was trying to protect her. He said he regretted his actions.

The reporting officer contacted the state’s attorney’s office and requested approval for aggravated battery since the security guard was 60 years old but was denied. Video footage of the incident has been inventoried.

The suspect was processed for battery.

Police taser man who refuses to stop fighting Two men were arrested and one tasered by police on May 5 at 12:42 a.m. Police were waved down by someone who reported a fight and a man bleeding from the face near Circle Avenue and Madison Street. Reporting officers observed a man walking in the street. While talking to him, another man approached, and the first subject “aggressively ran at” the second subject with his fists clenched. Police gave the first subject several verbal commands to stop, but he did not listen, instead raising his fists and pulling back his right arm as if about to punch the other subject. The officer removed and deployed his Taser, which stopped the altercation. Both men appeared extremely intoxicated, according to the police report. They were each issued local ordinance citations for public fighting and public intoxication.

CTA train car defaced A train car in the “jungle” of the train yard at 711 Desplaines Ave. was defaced with spray paint. The damage was reported to police on April 30 at 2:30 a.m.

iPhone stolen at library A Forest Park Public Library patron left her iPhone 7 on the charging station unattended on April 23 around 1:15 p.m. When she returned, the phone was missing. The subject was caught on video but has not been identified. The theft was reported to police on April 30.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, April 30-May 6, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Maria Maxham

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

7

Pritzker: Broader reopening to begin this week

By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker said last Thursday that Illinois will enter the “bridge” phase to full reopening on Friday, May 14. And barring any reversal of current trends, Phase 5, or full reopening, will begin on June 11.

He also announced that residents can now obtain COVID-19 vaccines from their physicians’ offices, rather than just designated vaccine sites, as public health officials continue to confront hesitancy within many communities to accept the vaccines.

Thursday’s announcement came as the state reached a new benchmark of having 55 percent of adults age 16 and over, and 80 percent of people age 65 and over, having received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, the daily number of new cases, hospitalization rates and intensive care unit usage have all been falling or leveling off.

“This good news comes with a caveat,” Pritzker said. “We have all seen throughout this pandemic that this virus and its variants have proven to be unpredictable. Metrics that look strong today are far from a guarantee of how things will look a week, two weeks, a month from now. We saw that last August, and again last March.”

Under the bridge phase – a transition phase between the current Phase 4 mitigations and the virtually complete reopening of Phase 5 – certain capacity limits will be eased at various kinds of events. Restaurants, for example, will be allowed to increase from 25 to 30 percent of capacity, as long as people maintain six feet of distance from one another, while offices, personal care facilities and retail service counters can increase from 50 to 60 percent of capacity.

When the state reaches Phase 5, Pritzker said, virtually all mitigation restrictions will be lifted, although the state will still follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding wearing masks in large, crowded situations and maintaining safe social distancing.

Although Illinois has succeeded in getting a large percentage of its adult population vaccinated, IDPH reports that the daily rate of vaccinations has been declining as large segments of the population have been reluctant to receive their shots.

As of Thursday, the seven-day rolling average of daily doses administered stood at 70,063, down from a peak of nearly 133,000 per day in mid-April. But with the supply of vaccines now large enough to provide vaccines to anyone who wants one, Pritzker said he hoped that making them available through physicians’ offices will make it more convenient for more people.

“This is about making it as easy as possible for those who have not yet gotten vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19,” he said.

Still, there remain pockets of society that remain hesitant, whether that be for cultural, political or religious reasons, and the

Pritzker administration is continuing its public relations campaign to reach out to those communities.

According to IDPH data, Sangamon County, which includes Springfield, has the highest rate of vaccination with nearly 39 percent of its population fully vaccinated. But in Alexander County, which includes Cairo at the southern tip of Illinois, only 11 percent are fully vaccinated.

Joining Pritzker at Thursday’s news conference was Dr. Rodney Alford, an African American pediatric and internal medicine specialist at Iroquois Memorial Hospital and

a trustee of the Illinois State Medical Society.

“I myself belong to that community that has vaccine hesitancy,” he said. “I belong to the Black and brown community. I belong to the conservative Christian community. I belong to the urban community. I now live in a rural community. But I am not hesitant to live without fear. I am truly free.”

Although the rate of spread of the virus has been declining, IDPH continues to report a steady stream of new cases each day.

On Thursday, the agency reported 1,778 new confirmed and probable cases over the previous 24 hours and 40 additional deaths.

The preliminary seven-day statewide average case positivity rate for cases as a percent of tests performed stood at 3.0 percent, the lowest it has been since March 27 As of late Wednesday night, 2,055 people in Illinois were reported hospitalized with the disease, including 483 patients in intensive care units and 243 on ventilators.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

D91 elects officers At a May 4 meeting of the Forest Park elementary schools District 91 board, new and reelected members were sworn in and officers were determined.

In the April 6 election, Kyra Tyler was reelected, and L’erin Cross, John Lyons and Steven Rummel were newly elected to serve on the board.

The board voted on May 4 to reappoint Tyler as president; Shannon Wood was select-

ed as vice president and Monique CottonYancy as secretary.

Board members Kimberlee Rostello, Mary Win Connor and Eric Connor did not run for seats during the April 6 election and have now left the board.

The next D91 school board meeting will be on June 11. Visit fpsd91.org for more information on the district.

Maria Maxham

D91 BOARD: (from left) John Lyons, Kathryn Valleau, L’erin Cross, Kyra Tyler (president), Shannon Wood (vice president), Monique Cotton-Yancy (secretary), Steven Rummel

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9

‘Kindness is Contagious’ COVID-19 can’t stop D91’s annual community celebration

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The theme of Forest Park’s elementary school District 91 Kindness Week this year was “Kindness is Contagious,” referencing the pandemic that’s affected all aspects of life but making it clear that the sense of community within the schools and village isn’t going anywhere.

Because of the pandemic, Project Kindness was a little different this year, but the school district found ways to spread the sentiment within the schools and throughout the community. As in past years, the village council voted to issue a proclamation declaring Kindness Week within Forest Park; this year it was from April 26-30.

In previous years, students designed labels that were distributed to businesses, which in turn distributed them to customers. But because of the pandemic, this year “Kindness Kits” were handed out to students who are attending in-person and available for pickup for kids doing remote-only learning. Each kit contained a poster template and colored chalk, and students were encouraged to write messages of kindness on the sidewalk in front of their homes.

Local businesses weren’t left out; they received posters to display in their windows.

Kindness Week, which was first celebrated in town in Feb. 2019, was originated in Forest Park by Betsy Ross teacher Amy O’Connell.

She’d seen the idea of Project Kindness on Instagram, a project in which students designed labels with sentiments related to kindness including “Smile” and “Have a great day.” The labels were printed and distributed to local businesses, which shared them with customers.

Photo provided

KINDNESS DURING COVID: District 91 brought Kindness Week to the community once again, although in a slightly different format, during the annual celebration. | Photo provided

10

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

After year’s absence, circus returns to North Riverside mall

Circo Hermanos Vazquez will run until May 24

By BOB UPHUES Senior Editor

After a one-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Circo Hermanos Vazquez has returned to the east parking lot of the North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, from April 30 through May 24.

The Circo Hermanos Vazquez, which has units that tour both Mexico and the United States, was a hit during its first swing through North Riverside, drawing thousands of visitors during its 40-show residence in April 2019.

“It’s like a brand new start,” said Glenn Lindholm, general manager of North Riverside Park Mall on the circus’ return. “It’s a good event for us and it’s a good event for the community.”

While it’s difficult to know just how much additional foot traffic the family-friendly circus brought to the mall, the village reported taking in gross revenues of about $38,500 in 2019 mainly via North Riverside’s amusement tax, which takes a 5-percent cut on all ticket sales.

The village also derived revenue from its

places for eating tax through the sale of food and drinks at the circus.

Circo Hermanos Vazquez has scheduled 36 shows this time around – they won’t be offering a matinee performance on Saturdays – but they will perform daily. From Monday to Friday, shows are at 7:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are two shows, at 5 and 8 p.m. On Sundays, the circus hosts three performances, at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.

Tickets are not cheap – general admission for kids 2-10, seniors, military and disabled are $25, while adult general admission is $30.

There is also preferred seating for adults that can go as high as $60 per ticket, but if you order online through the circus’ website (circovazquez.com) there are discounts.

Circo Hermanos Vazquez’s vivid pink and blue big top tent will be located south of Olive Garden/Miller’s Ale House in the mall’s east parking lot, and signs will direct vehicles and visitors where to go.

While the circus will again feature a range of performers, from dancers to trapeze artists to clowns, there are some changes in 2021. The circus no longer includes animals, and in recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, inside the big top both audience members and workers must wear face coverings.

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

APERION

Resident’s son protests from page 1 toward the vehicle, according to previous reporting in the Review.

Russell, who described himself as a “police accountability advocate,” said he’s angry that the attack against his mother isn’t being investigated as a hate crime despite the fact that his mother’s attacker allegedly called her the n-word.

“The police are not being cooperative about calling it a hate crime,” Russell said.

Deputy Police Chief Ken Gross told the Review that that the case is currently being investigated by the Forest Park Police Department’s criminal investigations division.

“Upon investigating this event, if it is determined to be a hate crime that charge could be added along with other charges should the Cook County ASA office approve,” Gross said. “The difficulty with this incident is the suspect is a dementia patient being housed in a nursing home for dementia among other ailments.”

Russell’s mission is also to call attention to the alleged mishandling of the incident

by Aperion, which he said was a “chamber of horrors” for his mother.

“How is a dementia patient allowed to go aimlessly through the building?” asked Russell, referring to the man who allegedly hit his mother.

The police report from the incident, which refers to the occurrence as an aggravated battery, indicates that Russell’s mother was taken to the hospital for her injuries after telling police who hit her. Aperion staff told the police that the aggressor, also a resident of Aperion at the time, was a dementia patient.

According to the police report, “Aperion staff members were slightly uncooperative with R/O [the reporting officer] while R/O attempted to gather information regarding the incident.”

Russell told police that the man who hit his mother had been hostile to his mother on earlier occasions and that he had requested previously that they move her to a different floor in the building.

Research into this incident and other recent events at Aperion revealed a long list of recent deficiencies at the nursing home.

Another aggravated battery occurred in March, when an 80-year-old man was allegedly punched in the head and mouth by his 55-year-old roommate, causing him to lose his balance and fall, resulting in separation of his hip joint and the need for hip replacement surgery the following day.

An Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) investigation of that March incident found that Aperion was in violation of regulations requiring “freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation,” which states that the resident has the right to be free from abuse and neglect, among other things.

In response, Aperion put in place a plan of correction, documented on the IDPH website.

Other problems noted by the IDPH during 2020 and 2021 include failure to update a resident’s plan of care after a fall; failure to provide required neurological checks after a fall; failure to follow resident plan of care by not providing assistance with repositioning and passive range of motion exercises; failure to provide adequate staff; and failure to regularly provide assistance with bathing.

Aperion Forest Park had put a corrective plan in place for all violations, as indicated on the IDPH website.

Regarding the May 2 incident, Frederick Frankel, general counsel for Aperion, said in an email, “Unfortunately I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. All incidents and allegations are however investigated and reported as required under the law.”

At the May 6 press conference outside Aperion, Russell was joined by Dr. Matt Harrington, founder of Lines 4 Lives, Ameena Matthews, Lashawn Littrice and Tio Hardiman, president of Violence Interrupters.

Photo by Maria Maxham

IN PROTEST: (from left) Matt Harrington, Eric Russell and Tio Hardiman spoke at a May 6 press conference at Aperion Forest Park, 8200 Roosevelt Rd.

11

Sponsored Content

Hit the trail to Oak Park’s Craft Beer Breweries In case you didn’t know, May 10-16th is American Craft Beer Week.

Eric C. Wagner President & CEO of Visit Oak Park

That’s a great thing if you live in and around Oak Park, because we have four world-class breweries to help you get a taste of what’s on tap.

And just in time, Visit Oak Park’s new Oak Park Craft Beer Trail is here to help you celebrate even more.

The breweries in Oak Park are each unique in their own way. Whether you pack them all into a day, or take a more leisurely pace, they’re sure to play a part in a perfect day out in Oak Park. So lace up those sneaks, and hit the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail with us.

One Lake Brewing, located in a renovated bank on the corner of Austin and Lake Street, has built a reputation on its flavorful beers and tasty food. But something else that brings folks in is their spacious rooftop deck. Here you can enjoy great food and drinks. Their beer menu consists of amazing flavors, like the OLB Lager Beer, their version of the classic everyday American backyard lager, or the Lando IPA, along with many other interesting mixes. Their food menu is filled with fun eats like hop corn, which is popcorn mixed with amarillo hops, coriander, and orange. And their mac and cheese made with rotini, mornay sauce, and herbed panko crust will put a smile on your face no matter how old you are. This summer you can even enjoy the Brews n’ Bahhs event in conjunction with GlennArt Farm, which includes an hour of playing with their fun-loving goats before settling back with a flight of craft beers on the rooftop of One Lake Brewing. Not a bad way to spend your afternoon.

Next up is the Oak Park Brewing Company. Here you’ll find a fun beer house with board games, and a library full of books from famous authors. But these unusual bar trappings shouldn’t be your only draw inside. After all, Oak Park Brewing Company has a stellar line-up of craft beers on tap. Enjoy crowd favorites such as their Helles Lager Saison, Rye IPA, English-style Porter, Sour Brown Ale, Mibock Witbier, or a refreshing Kolsch. And what goes better with all this beer than food, which the Oak Park Brewing Company has in spades. Fill up

on deep-dish pizzas, burgers, wraps, or even their hardy appetizers.

Back on the trail is The Wild Onion Tied House. This one-hundred-year-old building used to be a theater house, but today it’s entertaining people with what’s on the menu, not on the silver screen.

There’s an ever-changing list of seasonal beers. Currently on tap is a Barrel-Aged Salted Caramel Porter, as well as a Barrel Aged Peanut Butter Porter; both of which sound as delicious to taste as you would think. There’s a lighter Beggars Brown Brown Ale, and a Back Pocket DJ Cream Ale for those looking to have a few more.

From Milk Stouts, to Ciders, Hefe-Weizens, and even Hard Seltzers, The Wild Onion Tied House knows a thing or two about the art of crafting beer. Their seasonal food menu is as colorful as their beer menu.

Enjoy a cheesesteak sandwich with beer cheese sauce, fried chicken and waffles, even pastrami bite appetizers or cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries. There’s so much food and beer to order at The Wild Onion Tied House, you might get tongue-tied ordering.

Finally, it’s not a craft beer trail without Kinslahger Brewing Company. While the taproom is currently closed, you can still order their tasty ales online. Pick up a few cans of their famous Prohibition Pilsner, or their well-balanced Dunkel beer. And if you like a heavier German beer, you’re in for a treat with the Mediator Dopplebock. Enjoy a Chicago Common with its rich chestnut red color, or a Baltic Porter with its opaque brown color and creamy body taste. While you wait for the tap room to reopen, you can try Kinslahger’s latest brew creation down the street on Roosevelt Road at the new Babygold Barbecue, located at the famed FitzGerald’s. Their new Babygold Coldbeer – named after the owner’s first child – pairs perfectly with all their smoked meats for some awesome “Berwyn-style” barbecue.

The fun at Oak Park’s craft breweries doesn’t have to end when American Craft Beer Week is over. Later this month, you’ll be able to download a new digital pass for the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail on Visit Oak Park’s website so you can enjoy great deals and discounts all year long. Keep checking VisitOakPark.com for more information. In the meantime, see you soon on the Oak Park Craft Beer Trail.

Cheers!

12

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

Following national trend, Forest Park library goes fine free Move made to remove barriers to access, foster equity

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

The Forest Park Public Library (FPPL) is going fine free, which means patrons will no longer be charged fines for overdue items.

The move, according to the library, is important because getting rid of fines “removes barriers to accessing the library and helps provide a more equitable experience for all people in the community.”

In 2019, the American Library Association (ALA) passed a resolution that added a statement to the organization’s policy manual establishing that “the imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services.” The resolution encouraged libraries to take a hard look at overdue fines and “actively move towards eliminating them.”

The FPPL’s page on the no-fine decision says that penalties like fines work against the library’s goal to encourage people to use and enjoy the facility.

“Being fine free improves the checkout process by allowing our staff to focus on more positive interactions with patrons.

We want people to be excited about coming to the library, rather than worried about whether or not they owe a fine,” reads the library’s web page on the topic.

Many libraries nationally and locally have gone fine-free permanently or temporarily during the pandemic, including Oak Park Public Library, Chicago Public Library and the River Forest Public Library, according to FPPL. But how does being fine-free work, and what, exactly, does it mean?

First, patrons will no longer be charged overdue fines on any times checked out from the FPPL. This extends to patrons from other libraries checking out FPPL items. It also includes items owned by other libraries but checked out at FPPL. Second, items will still have due dates, and patrons are still responsible for returning books, movies and other borrowed items. If there’s no hold on an item, like when another patron wants to check it out, the item will be renewed automatically up to two times.

Third, patrons will still be motivated to return items on time. For one thing, the sooner you return a book, for example, the sooner someone else can read it. But if altruism doesn’t help get items back, there will still be some repercussions for keeping an item too long. For example, people with 11 or more items overdue by one or more days OR bills totaling $25 or more will have their accounts blocked, and they won’t be allowed to check anything out until the items are returned and/or their accounts paid.

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between fines and fees. Fines for late return of items won’t be charged any longer.

But fees, to replace an item, for example, are still part of library policy.

If your account gets blocked because you

have 11 or more overdue items, as described above, after 42 days, you will be billed to replace the materials you haven’t returned.

Upon returning the items within one year, however, the block and bill will immediately be removed from your account.

All existing fines for overdue FPPL items will be removed, but this doesn’t include replacement fees for missing or damaged items.

According to the FPPL, research shows that eliminating fines for overdue items actually does not affect how fast people return materials. “Return rates actually tend to stay the same before and after libraries go fine free,” writes the FPPL.

And those worried that without fines, libraries won’t be funded can rest easy.

“Fines are not supposed to create usable income for the library,” said the FPPL. “They are intended to encourage patrons to return their materials in a timely manner so they can be recirculated.”

In fact, the FPPL says that late fees represent less than .05 percent of the library’s overall operating budget.

“We have determined that the fines are mostly serving as a deterrent and contribute to inequity. Since the income is not essential to our operations, we don’t need to recoup it. We see this as a win-win,” stated the FPPL.

Thirty-one D209 students named as State Scholars Award recognizes GPA and SAT/ ACT performance

By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Thirty-one students from Proviso Township High Schools District 209 have been recognized by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) as 2021-22 State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement. The designation of the 2021-22 school year refers to the year the students will begin postsecondary education.

Several factors play into the formula used to determine which students are awarded as State Scholars, including ACT and SAT performance and either sixth semester class rank (from schools that rank) or the student’s unweighted GPA (from schools that do not rank).

According to the ISAC, students receiving the award have performed in the top half of their high school class at the end of the third semester prior to graduation and/or scored

at or above the 95th percentile on the ACT or SAT. State Scholars from D209 are listed below.

Proviso East High School Karen Antunez Cynthia Martinez Anthony Rojas Destiny Singleton

Proviso West High School Deyonna Givens Skyy Guerra Jacqueline Moreno Asael Rios Natalie Sanchez Jayce Silmon

Proviso Math & Science Academy Andrew Abeldano

Fernanda Aguirre Jaydon Chalichemala Justin Chalichemala Jose Contreras Yirenny Cordero Hugo Covarrubias Jose Guerrero Sophia Haraus Alexis Herrera Josephine Kryczka Hannah Liotta Eli Lopez Terrene McKennie Saba Mohiuddin Eduardo O’Campo Maia Paderon Miguel Saucedo Miles Smith Mario Tabares Abigail Yi

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

MADISON STREET Bar hours my be cut from page 1 large crowds that have been gathering on Madison Street.

“Our officers showed amazing restraint,” Hoskins said, referring to the incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 9, when officers were reportedly harassed while trying to arrest a man for allegedly choking a woman and to break up a fight. Even after the arrest, the crowd refused to disperse for 30 minutes, necessitating assistance from two other police departments to break up the group.

“It speaks to their professionalism,” Hoskins said of the officers on duty that night. “Our officers want to protect the department’s reputation and the integrity of the village. We need to protect our officers and not put them in a vulnerable position, where they are dealing with evolving norms regarding policing while doing what’s best for Forest Park.”

Forest Park has recently taken steps to try to curb what village officials have called “unruly” behavior on Madison Street. On April 26, the village council voted 4 to 1 to cut bar service by an hour. New signage reminding people of noise rules has been displayed along the street. Burkhardt Court is being blocked off at Madison Street to prevent “tailgating,” and police are patrolling the streets. But those measures apparently have been insufficient to stop fighting and disturbances.

The May 9 incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when, according to police, a crowd that grew to around 50 people blocked Madison Street, fighting, littering, shouting obscenities, harassing police officers and refusing to disperse for at least half an hour. Oak Park and River Forest police units responded to assist Forest Park officers.

According to the police report, at 1:25 a.m. police stationed on Madison Street heard a group of people arguing at 7503 Madison St., outside Urban Pioneer Group.

“The situation is rapidly evolving into a potential disturbance,” the report stated.

Officers approached the group of about 25 people, in the center of which people reportedly were pushing each other.

It seemed that the attention of the crowd was focused on a man who had his hands wrapped around a woman’s neck, apparently choking her, police reported.

Although police made their presence known and grabbed the man’s arms, he allegedly continued to choke the woman, according to the report.

The man then reportedly resisted arrest, allegedly pushing one of the officers in the chest. After police took the man to the ground and tried to handcuff him, he reportedly fought them.

Meanwhile the crowd of about 25 people had surrounded the officers, “actively yelling obscenities and contacting [them],” according to the police report, while the man

continued to fight attempts to take him into custody.

It took three minutes and five officers to get the man into handcuffs, police reported, as some in the crowd reportedly grabbed at police officers’ duty belts and vests. Two Forest Park police officers’ squad car keys were lost during the incident. Ultimately, police were able to place the man they arrested into a squad car and take him to the police station.

The group of people had now shifted into the street, and Oak Park and River Forest units arrived to assist with the crowd, which was growing increasingly aggressive, according to the report. As a Forest Park officer attempted to disperse the crowd, some-

one allegedly threw a cup of ice at him.

The crowd, which according to police had grown to about 50 people, some of whom had exited an event at Urban Pioneer Group, blocked traffic on Madison Street for about half an hour, ignoring all commands from police to disperse.

According to the police report, officers prevented at least three other fights from starting, and the street “was littered with an abundance of food, garbage, hair accessories, and various other items.”

The man police arrested remained uncooperative, at one point reportedly telling police, “I can choke my girl, that’s my b**ch.”

He was charged with five counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer and one

13

count of battery for attacking the woman, whose identity police were unable to confirm. He was bonded from the station by a friend.

This is not the only time in recent weeks that a crowd has gathered and refused to disperse, according to police. On May 1 outside Forest Park Tap Room, 7321 Madison St., a large crowd exiting the bar refused to disperse for 20-30 minutes, according to the police report from the incident. Subjects were yelling and walking into the street, apparently with no concern for oncoming traffic.

According to Hoskins, Urban Pioneer Group will be cited for failing to provide security and for breach of peace after Sunday morning’s incident.

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at New Star Elmwood Park mainstay serves up Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Hibachi

In 1977 May was named Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month — a time honoring the contributions of Asian Americans to help advancement of our country and enrich our communities. For more than 65 years, New Star, 7444 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up authentic Chinese cuisine.

Thirty years ago, Jinny Zhao took Food Writer her first job at a south side Chinese restaurant. Eventually she bought the place and grew the staff from five to more than 150 before retiring.

Thankfully, retirement did not stick for the dedicated restaurateur -- Elmwood Park and surrounding communities have benefitted ever since.

“I retired for 6 months,” said Zhao with a laugh, “being retired is terrible for me so I bought this New Star.”

She left her more leisurely lifestyle behind and purchased New Star, 7444 W. North Ave., in 2015 and immediately turned her attention to updating the Elmwood Park mainstay. New Star has been serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1954 and

MELISSA ELSMO

remains a destination for both occasions and everyday fare. Zhao is proud to carry on the New Star traditions started by the Moy family decades ago and expanded the cuisines available at the North Avenue establishment.

“I feel pretty lucky to be here every day,” said Zhao. “Because I have this business, I try to honor my customers everyday by making them happy.

Zhao capitalized on the restaurant’s longevity in Elmwood Park and helped update New Star for a new generation by adding Thai, and Japanese offerings to the expansive menu. Traditional American-style Chinese dishes, like egg foo young, sweet and sour shrimp and BBQ pork fried rice continue to satisfy longtime customers, but colorful maki rolls, spicy Thai noodles and fiery hibachi shows are attracting a new generation of customers to New Star in Elmwood Park. Transforming the outdated and under-utilized banquet room into a vibrant hibachi venue has drawn eager diners of all ages to the North Avenue establishment.

As the COVID fog begins to lift, Zhao admits she is proud to have ushered her staff through the pandemic safely and is happy to see people flocking back. In recent weeks, the restaurant has been bustling with hun-

TERIYAKI SALMON: New Star’s generous portion of glazed teriyaki salmon comes with a bowl of miso soup, garden salad and California Maki.

TRAVEL TO THAILAND: The generous portion of vegetarian Thai basil noodles or spicy fried rice come with soup and an order of fresh spring rolls or crab Rangoon.

FRESH SPRING ROLL: Fresh Thai crepes filled with bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled eggs, and cucumbers and topped with plum sauce.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Japanese miso soup meets Chinese egg drop soup on the same table at New Star in Elmwood Park..

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

15

CARRYOUT | CURBSIDE PICKUP DELIVERY | DINE-IN | OUTDOOR PATIO

7514 W North Ave. Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (708) 716-3390 gringoandblondie.com

SWEET AND SOUR SHRIMP: Lovers of American-style Chinese dishes will appreciate crunchy shrimp doused in an orange-hued sweet and sour sauce. Lunch portions are served with egg drop soup and an egg roll. gry diners and Zhao is especially thrilled to see children selecting toys from the wall as they enter the restaurant.

“We like to offer something special for the children to keep,” said Zhao. “These are very high-quality toys, and the Legos are very popular.”

No matter if you have children in tow or not, New Star offers vibrant, high-value

@gringoandblondie

/gringoandblondietaqueria

lunch and dinner menus ranging to from “old-style Chinese cooking” to updated takes on classic dishes. An Asian flavor adventure awaits when you take a seat at New Star where Jinny Zhao demonstrates a respect for her restaurant’s rich history and celebrates its future one meal at a time.

All photos, Melissa Elsmo

Thanks to Melissa’s passion and experiencing our coffee first-hand by “cupping”, we thank Oak Park Eats for the positive exposure!

- Jacques, Kribi Coffee, Forest Park

Enjoy a cup at KribiCoffee.com Jacques Shalo, Kribi Coffee

HEAD TO JAPAN: The Japanese “pick three” maki special comes with both a warming bowl of miso soup and a green salad.

Discover more culinary delights at OakPark.com

Keep up with Melissa Elsmo and what she’s cooking up at: ForestParkReview.com/category/forest-park-eats/

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

May 12-19

BIG WEEK A Virtual Salute to Jonathan Miller

Forest Park Bulk Item Pickup and Electronics Recycling

On Saturday, May 15, from 7 to 8:15 p.m., enjoy a virtual tribute to the group’s founding artistic director who stepped down in 2020 after 27 seasons. The evening will feature personal testimonials and video performances from Chicago a cappella’s past concerts that Miller created and led, such as Shakespeare a cappella, The Birds and the Bees, Love Stories and A Cappella en Español. Hosted by current and former members of the ensemble, including Kathryn Kamp of Forest Park. $15. Tickets: chicagoacappella.org

Bulk Items: From Monday, May 17 to Saturday May 22, public works personnel will be out removing bulk items off the parkways.

Electronics Recycling Program: From Monday, May 17 to Saturday, ay, May 22, residents (ID required) can drop off electronics in person at the public works headquarters, 7343 15th St. in Forest Park.

Visit forestpark.net for details on what items will be accepted. Call 70-366-2323 for more information.

Forest Park Community Cleanup Dancing at a Distance: “After Hours” at Kribi Performed and filmed at Kribi Coffee in Forest Park, “After Hours” is a MOMENTA of Oak Park digital dance video in a series for these times. “After Hours” is choreographed and performed by Connor Cornelius. See more here: momentadances.org/dancing-at-a-distance

Safe Spaces: How to Talk about Mental Health at Home On Wednesday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., join Maywood’s nonprofit The Firehouse Dream, whose goal is to normalize mental health in communities and homes, for Safe Spaces, an online discussion for parents and caregivers on how to begin or deepen safe conversations about mental health in the home. Topics include identifying depression, when to get help, and more. Two experts in the mental health field and two parents will be part of the dialogue. Questions can be submitted in advance.

Learn more at https://www.thefirehousedream.org/safespaces.

The village, led by the public works department, is sponsoring a community-wide clean up event on Saturday, May 22. Check-in is at 8 a.m. behind the Roos, 7329 Harrison St. Clean-up begins at 9 a.m.

Volunteers 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and masks are mandatory. Volunteers must register in advance. Visit forestpark.net for details or call 708-3662323 for more information.

FRED Parent Support Group On Tuesday, May 18, join FRED for a virtual parent support group.

FRED is a free, independent support group for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults with mental illness and resulting behavioral problems. FRED has more than 260 members from throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, many residing in the Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest area. Meetings are held virtually on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. To learn more, join FRED, get meeting info and more go to fredparentsupportgroup.com.

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

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18

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

OPINION O U R

Living in this post-truth world

V I E W

To our readers A response to our ‘Turbulent bars’ editorial

By FOREST PARK REVIEW Staff

There has been a large and somewhat heated response on Facebook to last week’s Review editorial which was headlined “Turbulent bars.”

We want to make a couple of points.

How do our editorials happen?

It is a collective process within our small staff. Each week the Review offers one or two editorial opinions on local issues.

They’re unsigned because, by long tradition in the newspaper industry, they are intended to reflect the long-term editorial view of the newspaper itself rather than an individual editor, reporter or publisher.

These days at the Review, ideas for the editorials come from Maria Maxham, our editor; from Dan Haley, publisher; or from another reporter or freelancer. Most often the topics come from reporting we’ve done recently in the Review. Haley writes the editorials and they are then edited by Maxham and at least one other editor in our newsroom.

Some of the Facebook comments have mistakenly assumed that Maxham wrote this editorial. Not the case. Haley wrote this editorial and has written the Review editorials for several years.

Was this editorial racist?

The response from Facebook commenters would say yes. A majority of the commenters accuse the Review of being racist toward Black patrons of local bars. A subset of critics suggest the Review is racist for even suggesting that race is a factor in the complicated issues of crowds, noise and nuisance this spring on Madison Street.

We don’t believe our editorial is racist. We’d urge commenters to go back and read it again — or for the first time.

Here’s a link: forestparkreview.com/2021/05/05/turbulentbars/.

First, as the editorial acknowledges, the challenges around bars in Forest Park this spring are complex. A portion of the crowds come with the belief — mistaken, we believe — that we are living in a post-COVID world. Time to party. First warmer spring weekends always turn out a crowd and that means more alcohol, more shouting, more celebrating, more energy, more fights, more litter — just more activity in general at closing time.

That makes neighbors inevitably grouchy and leads to more complaints for a variety of reasons.

Taking all that as a given, the editorial also made this point: Forest Park has put up with a lot of rowdy, carousing white college students for decades with a wink and a “head on home now” attitude.

The reaction this spring feels different to this newspaper’s editorial staff and we believe we need to allow that the focus of residents’ complaints coming on three bars with largely Black clientele has an element of race attached. But we understand that race may not be the sole, or even the dominant, element.

That’s it. We’re not blaming anyone. We’re saying that, like everything else in a country infused with systemic racism, there is a racial component to this discussion. We’ll do better if we factor that into possible solutions.

In place of Alan’s regular column, while he adjusts to the new deadlines, we thought we would look back at how he was coping with the pandemic last year: hy do people keep using the phrase “when things return to normal”? Things aren’t going back to the way they were, ever. That’s OK though: if you’re dealing with quarantine right, you won’t want them to.

Take restaurants: We loved going out to eat. There’s nothing more relaxing than going out for a nice meal. No mess, no fuss.

You pick out what you want to eat and someone else does all the work. Couldn’t be improved upon!

This is, it turns out, incorrect. We’ve been cooking the restaurant foods we miss at home. It’s a weekend thing now: “What would we love to go out for today if restaurants were open and we thought being near other breathing humans was a good idea?”

The restaurant replacement project is going swimmingly. I made the best onion rings I’ve ever had. We made the most amazing fried shrimp. I have remorselessly murdered nine lobsters; I even bought a Chinese cleaver to dispatch them more effectively. I made mapo tofu. My sourdough starter has been turned into waffles, pancakes, sandwich bread, crumpets, popovers, amazing pizza crust, and soft pretzels.

I know what you’re thinking, but all parties involved have lost weight. I don’t know what Sysco or whoever is putting in the restaurant food but home-cooking-wise I’m not worrying much about calories and the predicted (by me) effect of gaining 75 pounds in quarantine has not materialized. So yeah, restaurant meals — especially “I don’t feel like cooking after Pilates; let’s just eat somewhere” and the assumption that a restaurant is a foregone special treat on weekends — are probably a thing of the Before times.

W

So are movies: I loved giant-screen blockbusters, but I cannot think of much that sounds less soothing right now than sitting in a dark room with people I do not know and breathing for three hours. I am sad about James Bond, Furious 9, Wonder Woman, and a disaster movie called “Greenland,” the trailer for which appeared to feature people trying to outrun comet fragments in pickup trucks. I won’t be going to the movies until there is a vaccine or something though; I sit near people for more than five minutes right now and I can just about see them exhaling virus. It’s like watching Dementors inhale souls at Hogwarts, but in reverse.

The gym: The gym, alas, is under the same constraints as movies. I could probably handle it outdoors, but I am not sure I trust all of the other clients of my gym to be avoidant of exposure, and I keep seeing the headline “200th Case of COVID-19 Linked to Suburban Fitness Center” in my head.

I’m sure a lot of you are nodding while the rest of you are rolling your eyes. That’s another thing I haven’t figured out how to handle: Living in this posttruth world, half of you are convinced I am right and sensible and are nodding vigorously while gleefully planning on sending this column to your intra-family enemies, subject-lined “THIS,” while the other half of you are certain I am not only wrong but in a total handwringing namby-pamby panic over what is essentially a vanishingly small chance of catching a mild cold. All of you are 100 percent backed up by your own experiences and news sources. I don’t actually know if I am being sensible and prudent or if I am being a scaredycat. Used to be you could figure these things out with a little effort; now there are zillion-dollar industries dedicated to ensuring you never have to read anything you don’t want to read.

(Except this, I guess.)

ALAN

BROUILETTE

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

L E T T E R

T

T O

T H E

E D I T O R

O B I T U A R Y

Demand affordability from developers

he Plan Commission meeting scheduled for May 3 was postponed because of the regional cable outage most of the village experienced. So I will take this chance to publicly demand of the commission and the village — and I urge my neighbors to do the same — to consider the effects of the proposed Harrison & Thomas development on the affordability of housing in our village. (The fact that we are so dependent on one cable provider is an issue worth discussing, too, but maybe another time.)

For those who do not know, developers are proposing to build an apartment building across from our park district’s tennis courts, at Harrison and Thomas. The developers are the current owners of the lot, and have let it fall into disrepair in recent years. Perhaps thinking that Forest Park would then jump at the opportunity to convert the lot, the developers first proposed a large apartment complex full of studios and one-bedrooms. They have since reduced the number of apartments slightly and turned the plans into one-bedroom (27 units) and two-bedroom (21 units) apartments. But what the plan still lacks is a glaring omission: there are zero guarantees about the affordability of these apartments.

To continue the tradition of Forest Park being a welcoming and affordable place to live, the Plan Commission must be intentional in requiring that new developments satisfy two criteria: (1) providing mixed-income housing, and (2) providing larger units. One possible solution is to dedicate half of the units to affordable housing and to sacrifice some one-bedroom units for 3-bedroom units. This is not

to ensure that we get “better neighbors,” as property manager Vicki May recently wrote in the Review; rather, it is to make sure that families can continue to live — and afford to live — in Forest Park.

Meeting the 50% quota should not be difficult for the developers and should not dramatically affect their profits.

Recently, for example, a 100% affordable development was approved in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most rapidly gentrifying areas in the city. The development is expected to open later this year or early next year. The developers of the Harrison Street apartments can split the units dedicated to affordable housing between public housing and income-restricted housing.

For example, a quarter of the units can be run by the Housing Authority of Cook County, while another quarter can be restricted to people making up to 50% of the median income of Forest Park.

The Plan Commission has a very important mission ahead of it, considering the rapidly rising prices in Forest Park. That mission is to make sure to do what is right for the community and what is right for our neighbors, not what is right for real estate professionals and property developers.

Our town has been a multiracial, working-class town and we should fight to keep it as such. We have seen what happens, time and again, when people who have lived in a neighborhood for a long time suddenly face rapidly rising prices and flashy new developments. I have nothing against flash, but we need substance too.

Tamer Abouzeid is a Forest Park resident.

TAMER ABOUZEID One View

19

Kathleen Feulner, 71 St. Catherine-St. Lucy parishioner Kathleen M. Feulner, 71, of Oak Park, formerly of Forest Park, died on April 23, 2021 following a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia. Born on Aug. 15, 1949 in Chicago to Tony and Lois Feulner, she grew up in Cicero, attending St. Frances of Rome School, Immaculate Heart of Mary High School, and Loyola University where she was awarded a degree in Political Science. She had a long and successful career working for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

She enjoyed traveling around the world with friends and family and made friends wherever she went. An ardent volunteer at St. Catherine/St. Lucy Church, she helped wherever it was needed. She loved music and was a dedicated soprano in both choirs at St. Catherine’s for over 40 years.

Kathy is survived by Terry Feulner and his wife, Joy; Judi Kukral and her husband, Bill; her nieces, Wendy Wyatt and Kim Vetter; many great-nieces and -nephews; and one great-great-nephew.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Sienna–St. Lucy Church, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish are appreciated.

Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

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20 Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield will receive sealed proposals for the renovation of the Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department until 3:00 P.M. Central Daylight Savings Time, Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Office of the Village Manager, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, immediately after which time bids will be opened and publicly read aloud. The Project consists of the renovation Brookfield Village Hall, Police Department and Community Development Department located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@ gnrarch.com & lna@gnrarch.com, respectively. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Bid proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all of the requirements for performance of the work. The bidder will be responsible for all errors in its proposal resulting from failure or neglect to conduct an in-depth examination. The Village of Brookfield will, in no case, be responsible for any costs, expenses, losses or changes in anticipated profits resulting from such failure or neglect of the bidder. The bidder shall not take advantage of any error or omission in the plans or proposal. Sealed envelopes or packages containing bids shall be addressed to the Village Manager and plainly marked “BID PROPOSAL FOR THE RENOVATION OF BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT” on the outside of the envelope.

QUESTIONS, CHANGES, CLARIFICATION Any questions that arise must be made in writing and shall be directed by electronic mail to Architect, Charles Grund, the Principal-In-Charge, or Lorena Adame, the Project Manager, at the office of Grund & Riesterer Architects; Voice – 312.372.5353, Fax - 312.372.5367, Email – cjg@gnrarch.com & lna@ gnrarch.com, respectively. The written questions, along with the Village’s responses, shall be circulated to all known potential bidders without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cut-off for receipt of additional questions shall be 3:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration.

Replies and/or addenda will be elec-

PUBLIC NOTICES tronically mailed to all known potential contractors by 4:00 P.M., Central Daylight Savings Time on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the Bidder’s Proposal. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the Bidder of any addenda.

RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield.

PAYMENT OF PREVAILING WAGES The general prevailing rate of wages in Cook County, Illinois, for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract or perform the work, also the general prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work, as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, shall be paid for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract or to perform the work.

AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the village.

In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant.

Village of Brookfield, Illinois Tim Wiberg, Village Manager Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE OF AMENDED BUDGET Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside School District No. 96 in the Cook County, State of Illinois, that an amended budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, will be on file and available for public inspection by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm starting the 15th day of May 2021, at the district’s administrative offices on 3340 South Harlem Avenue in Riverside Illinois. To schedule an appointment please email fittonj@ district96.org.

Notice is further given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m. on the 16th day of June 2021 followed immediately by the scheduled regular board meeting.

Board of Education Riverside School District No. 96 Cook County, Illinois By: Joel Marhoul, Board Secretary Published in RB Landmark May 12, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 9 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss 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 2021-2022 school year. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. The details are listed below.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-524-3030.

Meeting Information: Join Zoom Meeting https://op97-org.zoom.us/ j/87544758528?pwd=bUJwREc3WEhqTzMzSVFzSjVFOG5Cdz09 Meeting ID: 875 4475 8528 Passcode: 505448 One tap mobile +13126266799,,87544758528# US (Chicago) +13017158592,,87544758528# US (Washington DC) Published in Wednesday Journal May 12 and May 19, 2021

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: 2021 Green Alley Improvements This project generally consists of the reconstruction of four alleys, totaling approximately 5,000 square yards of existing concrete alley pavement.

This project includes the installation of approximately 750 square yards of pervious pavers and 4,300 square yards of concrete alley pavement.

A 6” underdrain is also proposed throughout the length of each alley, with a connection to the existing storm water system. In an effort to minimize resident disruption, construction will be completed in 2 phases, with 2 alleys being completed in each phase.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Monday, May 10, 2021 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 May 12, 2021

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The Village of River Forest is accepting bids for the following project: UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SYSTEM UPGRADE WORK PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 45 FOREST AVENUE RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS IES NO. 1020-01 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Scope of Work includes providing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, insurance, and all other services necessary to fully complete the fueling system upgrade work at the Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, as specified in the Bidding Documents. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the following: Removal and replacement of concrete pavement, asphalt pavement removal (replacement by others), fuel island concrete and features, surface equipment and components, the in-place upgrade of existing UST systems (6,000-gallon gasoline and 2,000-gallon diesel fuel), including the replacement of all existing tanktop equipment and product piping, the removal and replacement of existing leak detection system and existing fuel management system, and all other work specified to fully complete the project.

Refer to the Bidding Documents for detailed information relating to the scope of work, the Base Bid requirements, Alternate Bids, and Unit Price requests.

A. Contract will be awarded for the following Work: 1. UST System Upgrade Work, Village of River Forest Public Works Facility, River Forest, Illinois.

PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BIDDING REQUIREMENTS On-site work shall begin in August 2021 (or sooner) and shall continue without interruption until fully complete. It has been estimated that this project will take approximately six (6) weeks (thirty (30) business days (shifts) or less) to complete.

Bidding Documents will be available on or before May 10, 2021 at the offices of the Village’s Environmental Consultant, Integrity Environmental Services, Inc. (IES), 1240 Iroquois Drive, Suite 102, Naperville, Illinois 60563 or in person at the mandatory

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

Pre-Bid Meeting on May 14, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Please call (630) 7189133 or e-mail mravanesi@integrityenvsvs.com in advance to insure the availability of the Bid Documents prior to the Pre-Bid Meeting.

A mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting and site walk-through will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 18, 2021 beginning at the Public Works Facility, 45 Forest Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. Failure to attend this mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be grounds for bid rejection. Note: Although the meeting will be held entirely outdoors, personal face masks/coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced for the duration of the Pre-Bid Meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Bids are due at 10:00 a.m. on May 26, 2021 at Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305.

All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Bid Security in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total Base Bid sum.

The Contractor will be required to furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the full amount of the Contract Sum, including any chosen Alternate Bids. The Contractor must no pay less than the prevailing rate of wages to all laborers, workmen, and mechanics performing the work under this contract, and must comply with all requirements of the Illinois Wages of Employees on Public Works Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12) and all other requirements as described in the Instructions to Bidders and Prevailing Wage sections of the Bidding Documents.

The Village of River Forest will require all bidding Contractors to complete and submit with their bid, the Contractor’s Qualification Statement (AIA A305) included with the Bidding Documents. The Village of River Forest and the Village’s Environmental Consultant will review all Qualification Statements as an integral part of the bid review process.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, reject nonconforming bids, reject conditional bids, waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or to accept any bid that in its sole opinion best serves the interests of the Village.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 12, 2021

Find Help Wanted & Marketplace listings on the next page!

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Little Irene Grace Ryu Case Number 20214001675.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Little Irene Grace Ryu to the new name of: Irene Grace Ryu The court date will be held: On 6/29/2021 at 9:30 a.m. at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 111.

Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006683 on April 22, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of TOP TIER PRINTING with the business located at 6436 18TH STREET 1FL, BERWYN, IL 60402.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LINDA P RICO 6436 18TH STREET 1 FL BERWYN, IL 60402, USA Published in Wednesday Journal May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006745 on April 27, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUELY VICTORIOUS with the business located at 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: URVONNIE FRANKLIN 1021 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA Published in Forest Park Review May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21006706 on April 26, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of UNIQUE NOTARY SERVICES & TRAINING with the business located at: 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: BEVERLY DENISE SINGLETON 1122 N HAYES, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal

You have jobs. We have readers! Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.

PUBLIC NOTICES May 5, May 12, May 19, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN Case Number 2021 CONC 000527 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: VARSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN to the new name of: VERSHAWN CHRISTOPHER HANSEN The court date will be held: on July 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Daley Center, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1704, Calendar 9.

Published in Forest Park Review April 28, May 5, May 12, 2021

RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 TIMELY AND MEANINGFUL CONSULTATION FOR PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATORS OF PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 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 21, 2021, 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 homeschooled within the district boundaries, will be served

by District 208 during the 2021-22 school year.

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

Published in RB Landmark May 5 and May 12, 2021

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

CLASSIFIED

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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking a Part-time (FTE 0.77) Elementary School Physical Education Teacher.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Grade-Appropriate Physical Education Endorsement; successful teaching experience in physical education preferred; Master’s Degree is preferred.

Job Duties: The part-time PE Teacher will work in partnership with the full-time PE teacher to instruct students in Pre-K through 4th grade on how to develop habits of mind and actions that support good health, fitness and enjoyment of sport and play. The PE teacher will facilitate a learning environment that engages students in learning skills for sport and fitness, as well as SEL skills by growing confidence, sportsmanship and team spirit.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e.cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

SENIOR POLICE RECORDS CLERK The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. this employee is responsible for distributing assignments, checking the work of others to ensure compliance with rules, policies, codes or other requirements, and referring matters that require supervisory intervention to the Police Records Supervisor. This employee also performs the full domain of clerical duties in the support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Application deadline May 14, 2021.

DRIVER NEEDED NOW HIRING DRIVERS!!!!

Lucas Medi Car has an opening for a full time wheelchair van driver.

To be considered must have:

SECRETARY/ASSISTANT

CALL (708) 442-7533, MONDAY THRU SUNDAY (10AM TO 4PM)

Part-time, very flexible small law office in Oak Park. Ability to navigate a desktop essential

HOMECARE AIDES Sahara Homecare is hiring Homecare Aides for our Melrose Park location. We are looking for compassionate caregivers to assist elderly clients with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and other errands. Pay starts at $14.00 per hour and flexible hours are available.

Please call our Melrose Park office at (708) 344-2273 if interested or email Nicole Gray at nicoleg@saharahomecare.com and Greyder Martinez at greyderm@saharahomecare.com.

Email resume to: bob@downslaw.com

ALL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

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

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Bartenders Bussers Line Cooks Servers

OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

a current Illinois driver license be friendly and courtoues have a good driving recoed must be 18 years or older in age pass a criminal background check

To schedule an interview

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

We are hiring Relationship Bankers in Oak Park, IL. Visit the link below to check out this opportunity to join a great team! https://wintrust.taleo.net/careersection/2/ jobdetail.ftl?job=2100424&lang=en You can also learn about other career opportunities nearby.

Apply in person after 3pm.

KALAMATA

Greek Cuisine 105 N Marion Street 708-628-3661

MARKETPLACE

R E N TA L S OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT 1040 NORTH BLVD OFFICE Sub-lease, Move right in. Private furnished window office 10×15 @1040 North Boulevard, walk to CTA green line and Metra train. Asking $600m + 1m SD. Includes all utilities and internet. Note: this is a 2nd-story walkup space.

Conference room available.

Call Michael @ 708 383-7900 LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street.

Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean office.

Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-383-8574.

OFFICE SPACE, PROFESSIONAL SHARED Comfortable furnished. AVAILABLE MAY 1: subletting blocks of time, minimum four hours per week at super reasonable hourly rate.

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue.

Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

• • • • •

HELP WANTED

Psychotherapy starter or retiring? Working at home yet need professional setting? It’s a perfect space on border of Oak Park - River Forest in clean building, free street parking, ACCESSIBLE, steps from bus and train. DON’T delay!

INQUIRIES: Please phone/text 708-387-9000 MUST include name & profession for response.

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

ITEMS FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE

SPINET PIANO AND BENCH Baldwin spinet piano and bench. Light brown wood finish. $300 obo.

708-386-0087

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Shovels and ice breaker. $5 each.

708-488-8755

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

708-488-8755 ANTIQUE MUSIC CABINET Antique music cabinet with door and five shelves. Standing on four legs. Mahogany finish. $129.00.

708-488-8755 LADDERS 24 FT EXTENSION LADDER $30 708-488-8755 ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMER $50.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE DRESSER WITH MIRROR 4 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755 BLONDE CHEST OF DRAWERS 5 drawers. Blonde wood. Very old. Excellent condition. $89.00 708-488-8755

GRANDFATHER CLOCK Perfect condition, oak wood, chimes all work. Everything is perfect. $499.00.

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

708-488-8755

GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 1134, 1128, 1114 S CUYLER AVE + MORE SAT 5/15 9AM – 3PM

Treasure trove o’ fun: Star Wars standups, antique furniture: school desk, deco desk; Asstd.clean, ed. toys & crafts, clothes (Tod -Teen) ceiling lights, draft. table, vint. women’s & So Much More! Preview via FB OP Sales

MASK REQUIRED

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

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334

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

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

local employees . . . happy employees!

Hire Local.

Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board.

Go to ForestParkReview.com/classified today!

Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information.

(708) 613-3342 maryellen@oakpark.com

Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

INC., REALTOR

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

SOLD!

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

SOLD!

Property has been owner occupied by the same family for 50+ years. 1st fl has spacious living rm and dining rm, kitchen and 1/2 bath. 2nd floor has three bedrooms and full bath. Stucco exterior and 2 car detached garage.

Great location in south west Oak Park. Needs some updating but livable as-is.

935 Elgin Avenue, Forest Park ........................$489,000 This is a money maker! This early 1970s brick four flat houses two one bedroom apartments on the top floor, a large three bedroom two bath apartment on the first floor, and a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment in the lower level. Tandem parking for 8 cars.

Meticulously maintained by the current owner for several decades.

The numbers work! This one really won't last long.

SOLD!

1117 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park .......................$263,500 What a great opportunity to get into Forest Park at an affordable price! This home offers four total bedrooms, two on the second floor and two on the first floor. The home is in perfect condition!

Living room, dining room, and eat in kitchen, plus a finished basement. Huge deck off the back of the house and a very large two car garage!

SOLD!

1028 Beloit Forest Park ....................$289,000 This 3 BR, 2.1 BA home has not been available in over 55 years.

It has been meticulously maintained within the same family for that time. This home offers two first floor good sized bedrooms and a large second floor master. Each floor has a full updated bathroom. The first floor living room, with it's vaulted ceilings, fill with sunlight pouring from the front foyer windows.

337 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park ......................$275,000 Fantastic location alert!! Just a stones throw from Madison Street shopping, restaurants, and night life makes this a very desirable piece of real estate! This is two flat is ready for some love and attention. Just stuck in time is all. Or a fantastic de-conversion to single family! So bring your decorating ideas, and be prepared to fall in love!

SOLD!

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Forest Park Review, May 12, 2021

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