Issuu

GROWING COMMUNITY WEDNESDAY JOURNAL, INC.

ForestParkReview.com ForestParkReview.com Vol. 103, No. 23 x

$1.00

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW JUNE 3, 2020

Restaurants respond to looting PAGE 5

Village slowly reopens PAGE 8

@FP_Review @ForestParkReview

Forest Park, threatened by looting, incurs little damage Curfew imposed for third night By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Despite significant looting and one gunshot death in nearby North Riverside on May 31 as well as major unrest in Cicero on June 1, Forest Park suffered relatively little damage. The village imposed a curfew on Sunday and Monday nights, from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. and announced it would be in effect Tuesday night as well. On Sunday, Walmart, Portillo’s and Dollar Tree on Roosevelt Road were closed. The Walmart parking lot was blocked off by police cars, and later barriers, to prevent entry. Overnight, the Forest Park Public Works Department blocked entrances to the Forest Park Plaza mall on Roosevelt Road, using large trucks. By midafternoon on Sunday, Melody Winston, an executive at Living Word Christian Center, said they’d made the decision to shut down the mall entirely, including Living Fresh food store. “We want to make sure everyone’s safe,” she said. Walgreens, on the corner of Harlem Avenue and Roosevelt Road, was attacked by See LOOTING on page 16

IN MEMORIAM – NELLO RUBIO

Photo provided

Nello Rubio (right), pictured here with his sons Nello (left) and Nico (center), was known for lighting up a room and making people laugh. He passed away on May 9, a few weeks after testing positive for COVID-19.

Forest Park loses long-time resident to COVID-19 ‘This is real. This is not pretend.’ By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Nello Rubio liked to make people smile. “When he walked into a room, everyone knew it because within minutes they were all laughing,” said Karen Rubio, his wife. Nello, who was infected with COVID-19,

suffered a coronavirus-related stroke on May 4. On May 9, he died. He was 57 years old and in reasonably good health. Although he had Type 2 Diabetes, Nello had been focused on losing weight, reducing the medication he needed to take for the diabetes. In the second half of April, he was advised by his employer to remain at home because several of his coworkers had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The next day, he developed a fever and was told by his em-

IN Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 THIS Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ISSUE Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ployer to go get tested. His test was positive for COVID-19, and thus he believed that he contracted the illness from his coworkers. Thereafter, Karen became sick too, and they quarantined themselves at home. COVID-19 hit them hard. Nello’s fevers were high and hard to control, and he had chills and headaches. Karen was weak. She suffered from pain throughout her body. She lost weight rapidly, unable to eat. Her cough was worse than Nello’s, whose See NELLO RUBIO on page 6

Library begins check-out service

New football coach for Proviso East

PAGE 15

PAGE 17

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020 paid advertisement

These local restaurants are all OPEN during the current shelter-in-place order Check out their menus online, call them for delivery, carryout, curbside pick-up or limited outdoor seating. Barclay’s American Grille

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

Blackout Baking Co.

(office) 842 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Bite-size gourmet cookies Our Menu: Blackoutbakingco.com Order from our website for FREE local delivery or nationwide shipping. Always accepting orders. Delivery and ship day every Tuesday. Call 872-222-9519 Local PERK! 20% OFF our new DIY Cookie Box with code ‘FOOD2GO’

Burger Moovment

7512 W North Ave, Elmwood Park 708-452-7288 Our menu: Burgermoovment.com/ delivery:Grubhub.com

Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com Outdoor dining open For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708-524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week

Counter Coffee Air Roasters

Eastgate Café 102 Harrison, Oak Park American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday

George’s Restaurant

145 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Our Menu: Georgesoakpark.com/menu Serving breakfast and lunch for pick-up. One soup per day. All items won’t be available. Call ahead for availability. For Pick-up call 708-848-4949; Delivery available through Door Dash and Postmates 8am - 3pm Monday - Sunday

Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Postmate. Sunday - Thursday 12-8pm Friday and Saturday 12-9pm

Happy Apple Pie Shop

226 Harrison, Oak Park happyapplepie.com Sweet and savory pies, special orders Our menu is posted on our Facebook page and Instagram, or call us. Call 708-606-0037 to arrange for No touch take-out, Curbside Pick-up, and Free Delivery Wednesday-Friday 11:30am to 6pm, Sat. Noon-5pm.

7324 Madison Street, Forest Park Our menu: Countercoffee.com FRESH Coffee, Eco-Friendly, Air Roasted each day in store, hand crafted beverages, and pastries (gluten free & vegan options available). Whole bean coffee and single use pods roasted for you when you order! Mobile order online at Countercoffee.com, call ahead, and walk-in available. We can ship coffee to all 50 states. 708-689-8896 Open daily from 7am - 4pm

Hemmingway’s Bistro & French Market

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park

Jerusalem Café

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

211 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL French-American: Steaks, Roast Chicken, Burgers, fresh Seafood, Salades, fresh-baked Desserts, Family-Style Dinner Packages, plus Champagne, Fine Wines, & Cocktail kits Our Menu: Hemmingwaysbistro.com Call 708 524-0806 for Contactless Curbside Pick-up & Delivery 11am - 7:30pm, Seven days a week, Sunday till 7pm. 1030 Lake St., Oak Park Our Menu: Jerusalemcafeoakpark.com/menu Middle Eastern cuisine For Pick-up and Deliver call 708-848-7734 Delivery is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDash. 11am – 9pm Daily

Kettlestrings Tavern

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

La Notte Ristorante Italiano 118 N Marion St, Oak Park Fine Authentic Italian Our Menu: LaNotte-op.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-948-7576, or text 773-817-2858 or order online Delivery also available on UberEats and Doordash 2pm - 9pm daily Limited time offer -$100 Gift Certificates for just $80

Mexican Republic Kitchen

7404 Madison St., Forest Park Mexican Cuisine Our Menu: Mexicanrepublickitchen.com/s/order For Curbside Pick-up order online at our website or call 708-689-0850 Delivery available via Uber Eats, Grubhub or Doordash Tuesday- Saturday 3:00pm-9:00pm Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm

Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-3333 Facebook.com/mickeysgyros Casual counter-service restaurant offering American comfort food (burgers, gyros & fries, ribs, BBQ tips) and Greek specialties. Open 10:30am - 9pm Daily - Takeout

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

One Lake Brewing

1 Lake St, Oak Park Contemporary Locally Sourced Food - Craft beer brewed on-site, plus wine & cocktail kits Our Menu: Onelakebrewing.com/eat Curbside pick-up & complementary contact-free delivery. To place an order please call 708-434-5232 (we only have one phone line so please call us back if busy). Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 4 pm - 8 pm

O’Sullivan’s Public House 7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee) Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP Delivery also available on GrubHub O’Sullivan’s is open for Carry-Out and Delivery Friday-Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday-Thursday 3-9pm

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

Q-BBQ 124 N. Marion St, Oak Park BBQ Our menu: Q-bbq.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-628-3421 or order online. Open every day 11am - 8pm Delivery available with ChowNow and DoorDash NOW OFFERING FAMILY PACK SPECIALS! Go online or call for more info

Robinson’s #1 Ribs 848 Madison St, Oak Park Barbecue (vegetarian options available) Our Menu: Rib1.com For Carry-out and Delivery call 708-383-8452 Delivery is available through UberEats, DoorDash , Grubhub Tues – Sun 12pm – 8pm

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

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

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

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

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

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Once over, not so lightly

his space was once occupied by a column called “Once Over Lightly,” penned by publisher Bob Haeger. Like Haeger, I strive to provide readers with an oasis from hard news and critical commentary. I look for uplifting stories, interview inspiring people and find the silver lining during difficult times. I’ve also used humor and whimsy as antidotes to negativity. This week I planned to “interview” the family of robins that built their nest next to our porch. The scary events swirling around us, though, call for comment and, for now, I can’t find a silver lining. It seems ironic that on Saturday night, I felt better about Forest Park than I had in months. When I drove to Madison Street to pick up a curbside meal, I saw it was bustling. Up and down the street, people were eating and drinking, talking and laughing. I realized we could have eaten our meal on Madison, rather than retreating to our kitchen. We finally could dine out and see the business owners and servers we’ve missed. Then the destruction unfolded downtown, dashing our hopes for resuming the life we’ve missed. Our village leaders protected Forest Park

and shut down businesses that were vulnerable to looting. For this I’m thankful, but I feel that our community has been particularly hurt by the measures we’ve taken to stay safe from disease and destruction. Forest Park has long been a vibrant center for socializing. It goes against our DNA to isolate. We didn’t plan to isolate in 2020. It was going to be our year for enjoying life. After losing three siblings in 2019, we planned to relax, recreate and travel this year. Canceling trips and postponing family weddings, though, seems trivial compared to the crises we face. The community events and traditions that make Forest Park such a special place have fallen victim to forces we can’t control. Missing out on these gatherings is painful but it pales compared to the problems others are facing. Seeing students cooped up and missing out on milestones. Watching health-care workers risk their lives. Seeing seniors stuck at home, or worse, in assisted-living facilities, is heartbreaking. My sister, Betty Anne, passed away in such a facility last June. We had moved her from her home in North Carolina because she could no longer live on her own. We placed her in a facility where she enjoyed comfort and was treated with dignity.

JOHN RICE

School’s out for summer It was an unseasonably cool day for the All School Picnic in May 1994. These students from St. Bernardine School gathered together for a group photo at the park.

L O O K

B A C K

I N

My sister and I started a weekly bridge group and did our best to get involved in social activities. So when coronavirus struck, my thoughts went immediately to the residents and staff members who must endure this isolation. Add to that the financial devastation many workers and business owners are facing. Now we have street violence to complete the trifecta of trouble. I recall 1968 being the grimmest year I’ve ever seen, with racial riots followed by a political firestorm. It wasn’t the perfect storm, though, of a health crisis combined with financial depression and political unrest. Bob Haeger would have hated what’s happening to our country and our village. In particular, he would have been saddened by the cancellation of his namesake All School Picnic. He would also be disappointed to see this space he brightened with his breezy column be darkened by grim reality. I hope our robin neighbors will still be available to be interviewed next week. If not, I have some uplifting stories about village residents that will inspire us. Perhaps they can find the silver lining to the dark cloud that has descended on all of us. ■ John Rice is a columnist/private detective, who has seen his business and family thrive in Forest Park. He thoroughly enjoys life in the village and still gets a thrill smelling Red Hots, watching softball and strolling through cemeteries. Jrice1038@aol.com

T I M E . . .

F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW Editor Maria Maxham Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn

Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-366-0600 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 EMAIL forestpark@wjinc.com ONLINE ForestParkReview.com TWITTER @FP_Review Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Forest Park Review,141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No 0205-160) In-county subscriptions: $25 per year. $42 for two years, $58 for three years. Out-of-county subscriptions: $33 per year. Forest Park Review is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP. F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW

— Jill Wagner Photo by Frank Pinc

Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alexa@oakpark.com. All photos become property of Forest Park Review for possible future use in print or digital capacities. @ForestParkReview

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Restaurants and bars open for outdoor service Collaboration between chamber and village paved way for reopening By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

MARIA MAXHAM

Bars and restaurants throughout Forest Park opened up for outdoor seating on May 29 as the governor relaxed restrictions as the state moved into phase three of the Reopen Illinois plan. On Roosevelt Road, Charlie’s Restaurant set up tables and chairs outdoors. “It means the world to us,” said owner Charlie Philippou. “We appreciate all our amazing employees and customers who have supported us throughout. It feels like we just had a grand reopening.” In fact, Charlie’s celebrated a reopening just over a year ago. Previously operating under the name Andrea’s, a fire devastated the restaurant in March 2018. It took over a year to complete renovations, and in April 2019 the restaurant reopened as Charlie’s. Philippou said they’re grateful to have a great space for outdoor dining. “Right now we have 15 tables set up with seating capacity of one to six people at each, obviously all six feet apart,” said Philippou. He said that with a new outdoor paint job on the restaurant and improvements to Roosevelt Road, they’re happy with the outdoor environment and “are excited to get back into the swing of things.” Madison Street was filled with outdoor tables as restaurants and bars, some, like Duffy’s, that hadn’t been open since COVID-19 forced shutdowns, served customers outside. Forest Park resident Alison Buchheit took the opportunity to have dinner outdoors at Mexican Republic. “It was so nice to have things back to normal,” said Buchheit. “It was awesome being out again.” The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce said over 20 restaurants and bars were open

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

DRINKS OUTDOORS: Paul McGraw (left) of Forest Park and Danny Caraeol of Bartlett have drinks at Jimmy’s Place on Madison Street on Friday, May 29, as restaurants and bars opened for outside service. with outdoor seating on May 30, and they reminded customers that masks must be work when not eating and drinking. All the restaurants, as required by state guidelines, have procedures in place to ensure employees and customers are safe. Old School Tavern and Grill announced on their Facebook page that per state rules, customers are asked to wear a mask when they arrive until they are seated. And any

time they come inside, a mask must be donned. Scratch Kitchen’s patios are open, and customers are asked to call to add their names to the wait list. They will be texted when a table is ready. In addition, the restaurant has contact free ordering and payment systems in place, plus sanitizing stations. On Friday evening, Mayor Rory Hoskins, Village Administrator Tim Gillian and Building and Zoning Director Steve Glinke walked Madison Street. Gillian said he and Glinke stopped in every restaurant or bar that was open. “It was so great to see everyone out and about,” said Gillian. “It felt great to see the town come alive again.” The smiles of people gathering (safely) once more after weeks of shutdown didn’t tell the whole story, though. Behind the scenes, the collaborative effort on the parts of the chamber and village to pull everything together intensified on May 24 when Governor J. B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released guidelines dictating the requirements of restaurants and bars upon reopening for outdoor service. According to Glinke, it was a big undertaking to make sure everyone was permit-

ted and ready to go, an effort that included communicating the guidelines to the businesses and multiple virtual meetings between the chamber and village officials. It also involved discussions about how to safely allow restaurants, even those without outdoor dining permits, to participate in reopening. Gillian said that over the past few weeks, several times a week, he and Glinke spoke with the chamber and businesses to figure out how to meet as many of the businesses’ needs as possible. “Steve [Glinke] literally went to every single restaurant and bar in the past week or two to find out how the reopening would work for them and what they needed,” said Gillian. “He worked tirelessly to help with solutions, from setting up seating to moving planters or benches. Whatever they needed, he figured out how to best achieve it while maintaining safety.” Gillian commended the chamber, of which his wife Dorothy Gillian is president, for being such a force behind helping the business community, and he said the efforts by Glinke, Hoskins and the public works department were tremendous. “It was the way it should be,” said Gillian. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Restaurants finally open, suddenly closed Worries over looting shutter patios in Oak Park, Forest Park By MELISSA ESLMO Oak Park Eats Editor

The threat of vandalism and looting related to the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd impacted local restaurants beginning on Sunday evening. The upheaval came days after Illinois entered phase three of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois recovery program allowing patio dining at local restaurants. As violence loomed restauranteurs, fearing property damage, quickly stowed away patio furniture and sent their cooks and waitstaff home to keep their customers and employees safe. Oak Park Il Vicolo Il Vicolo, 116 N. Oak Park Ave, closed at 5:30 on Sunday evening despite having an abundance of patio reservations. The Village of Oak Park recommended business operators should prepare “to close should they feel it necessary.” “I would have liked a little more direction last night,” said manager Andrew Bejlovec. “We checked in with a few other restaurants and we as a block we decided to close up to keep our customers and staff safe.” Il Vicolo, like all local restaurants, has been struggling to survive during the COVID-19 outbreak and welcomed the return of patio dining last Friday to help boost the Italian restaurant’s seating capacity. Just two days later, however, threats of vandalism and violence impacted operating hours. Bejlovec would have like to have seen police in the area communicating with restaurant owners exactly how safe it was to be out and about “It feels like war time,” said Bejlovec, “This is a tough balancing act. It was a difficult decision to close, but we know we did the right thing. We hope the violence doesn’t come to Oak Park.” Il Vicolo is currently taking patio reservations for lunch and dinner. Should the restaurant need to close early because of threats of violence, Bejlovec assures Il Vicolo will clearly communicate changes to customers holding reservations. Scratch on Lake “I didn’t have much information when I closed Scratch on Lake for the day,” said owner Patrick O’Brien. “but I had already closed my Forest Park location, so I decided to do the same at my Oak Park restaurants.” Oak Park had been cooperative in helping Scratch on Lake, 733 Lake St., Oak Park, reopen their patio as swiftly as possible and just days after opening threats of volatile protests forced the burger joint to close early yesterday. As the sun came up the next morning, however, O’Brien, brought the patio back to life on Lake Street. He noted that big box

stores seem to be most targeted by looters and felt comforted by fact the Lake Street construction protected his restaurant from potential vandals. On the flipside, O’Brien opted to keep District Kitchen and Tap and Scratch Kitchen and Lounge open for carry out and delivery only. O’Brien is prepared to pack up the Lake Street patio again if it becomes necessary. “This is all random and people are on high alert,” said O’Brien. “I do feel demoralized. This feels like a gut punch right after we were able to open again.” Forest Park Small Batch Barbecue A college aged cashier working at Small Batch Barbecue, 7441 Madison St., Forest Park, arrived at work at 3 p.m. Sunday and immediately began receiving repeated calls from her mother. Worried she asked her boss, Gregg Stinton, if she could return the call. “Of course, she called her mother back,” said Small Batch Owner Stinton. “She has been hearing rumblings of issues between Forest Park and Berwyn where she and her daughter lived.” The call spurred Stinton and his team to start digging for information about potential threats in the area. After reaching out to other businesses on Madison Stinton was becoming concerned about the possibility of violence. but the danger quickly became apparent when an armed police officer walked into his shop. “The officer told us it would be safer if we closed,” said Stinton, “I didn’t need more information than that. I appreciate that he came in and we responded immediately.” Stinton sent some staff home immediately, but when the bank down the street was broken into Stinton canceled a remaining order, completed a quick clean down and sent everyone home at once. “There is an immediacy to this type of threat that pandemic doesn’t have,” said Stinton. “A global pandemic doesn’t make us feel as immediately vulnerable.” With the 8 p.m. curfew extended in Forest Park Stinton is also facing a food loss predicament that is compounded by COVIDrelated meat shortages and price increases. On Sunday alone, the early closure forced

Stinton to dispose of 14 slabs of uneaten ribs. “We were having a pretty good Sunday before we closed,” said Stinton, “Suddenly we’re looking at $500 to $600 in product loss and that doesn’t even account for profit loss.” Still Stinton remains grateful he can keep doing what he wants to do and feels fortunate he can continue smoking meat during these difficult times. “From my perspective I have to approach violence and looting that same way I approach COVID,” said Stinton. “I cannot control the public, but I can keep my staff safe.” Amy’s Winehouse Mark Callahan, co-owner of Amy’s Winehouse, 7235 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park, lives above his restaurant. When Forest Park police entered the area to close up nearby Walgreens, they stopped by the restaurant to encourage the owner to close for the day. “It all started around 4 p.m.,” said Calla-

han. “They told me I had a constitutional right to stay open but said it would be safer if I closed for the day.” This came as just another blow to Amy’s Winehouse. Business at the Roosevelt Road eatery has been down 80 percent since COVID-19 closed dining rooms in Illinois and the building suffered significant flood damage in mid-May. Now, days after reopening his secluded restaurant patio, volatile circumstances are impacting his business once again. Committed to avoiding potential confrontations with looters, Callahan opted to shutter Amy’s Winehouse for the day. He set the alarm before retreating to his apartment on the second floor. Callahan noted police had strong presence on the corner of Harlem and Roosevelt throughout the night. “I think everyone is wary of what could be next,” said Callahan who is looking into terrorist and flood insurance for his business. “If these people are not held accountable for the death [of George Floyd] this could be restoked all over again.” Callahan looks forward to the day when more people feel ready to venture out into the world again. For those that do, Amy’s Winehouse offers carry-out, delivery and patio seating. “Nothing lasts forever, and we will try our best to outlast this,” said Callahan.

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Come Celebrate early from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Authentic Polish-American Food

Sawa’s Old Warsaw Restaurant • Lounge • Banquet Rooms

DAY

E ’ S Friday & Saturday! N Curbside Pick-Up I T N E ET V A L11am-5pm U F F708-343-9040 S T •BCall A BREAKF Ready Plate Special

 Texas Style French Toast  Apple wood Bacon Breaded Pork Cutlets with Mushroom Gravy,  Scrambled Eggs with Potatoes and Vegetables or Sauerkraut $8.25  Boiled Potato Pancakes  Kiszka (Polish Sausage)  Sliced Ham Potato Pancakes .75 each, $7.50 doz Broasted Chicken  Pork Sausage Links Wings .75 each,  Apple Pierogi .75Crepes each, $7.50 doz  Apricot Crepes 7.50 doz Apple Blintzes .75 each, $7.50 doz  Blueberry Crepes Bloody Mary Pork Chop Steak $2  Cheese Crepes.85 each, $8.50 doz Cheese Blintzes  Fresh Fruit each, $20 doz or Mimosa Potato Dumplings $3.25 pt, $5 qt  Raisin Bread Shrimp Cocktail 1/2 dozen only $6  English$4 Muffins Sauerkraut pt, $6 qt

Serving Tom’s Jambalaya! $6 pint, $11 quart

for $7, $12 Broasted Shrimp 1/2 dozen for $7, Stuffed Cabbage $2 each, $20 doz one dozen $12 Polish Sausage 2”(fresh and smoked) Broasted Cod Fish $1.50 each, $15 doz .75 each, $7.50 doz Lunch ~ Noodles ‘n Ham Dinner ~ BBQ Pork Ribs Beer Battered Cod $2.25 each, 11 a.m. to 3:30Breast p.m. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Broasted Chicken $20 doz $9 per person $13 per person $2 each, $20 doz Cheese Cake $3 each BroastedSmorgasbord Chicken Thigh • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL Kolaczki $4.25 dozen $1.50 each, $15 doz dozen All that plus $3.25 Apple Juice, Orange or Coffee... Chicken Soup pt, $5.50 qtJuice, Milk one

For only $9 per person!

www.SawasOldWarsaw.com

Broasted Chicken Leg $1 each, $10 doz

From the Freezer

6 pack of frozen potato pancakes $2.50 Jambalaya $5 pint, $10 quart

9200 W. Cermak Rd, Broadview • 708-343-9040

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

NELLO RUBIO

Long-time resident from page 1 wasn’t that bad, more of a throatclearing. They both lost their sense of taste and smell. Gradually, after about two weeks, Nello began to improve. He was getting up and walking around. His fever was gone. “He was over the worst of it,” said Karen who, at the time, was still very sick herself. But on May 4, when she went to the bedroom to check on him, something wasn’t right. When Karen spoke to him, his answer didn’t make sense, and he wasn’t moving normally, so she suspected he’d had a stroke. She remembers being overwhelmed by the realization that she needed to get him to the hospital, which meant maneuvering down a narrow staircase. At that moment she thought, “God, please get me through this.” For a second, Karen said, she lost focus. “My whole life went through my head. Everything.” But she had to get her husband down to the first floor, which was a struggle. “I felt like God was with me at that moment, when I needed help to get him down the stairs,” said Karen. But as soon as he got to the bottom of the stairs, he collapsed. And he didn’t speak again. When the ambulance left her house, taking Nello to the hospital, she didn’t know it would be the last time she’d see him.

Without the surgery he would likely die. The doctors wanted to know how to proceed. “I asked my kids if they would hold it against me if I decided against the surgery,” said Karen. The nurses, whom she’d been talking to regularly, said Nello showed no signs of comprehension. But before she had to choose, the doctors called back. They had decided not to operate. It wasn’t safe. “I was grateful that it was no longer my choice,” said Karen. Nello died that Saturday morning at 6:18 a.m. Over Zoom, his family told him they loved him. “The hardest part is nobody was with him when he died,” said Karen. “I hope he didn’t know he was alone.”

‘This is not pretend.’

Karen said that physically, she’s feeling better now. She’s no longer coughing, and she’s moving around. But she’s still weak, and she’s lost weight. Muscle. Strength. “It’s really hard,” said Karen. “I feel so cheated by life sometimes.” She and Nello had an agreement. “His mother is 92. He was supposed to live until he was 100. But that didn’t happen.” There are things Karen wants people to know. First, how loved and loving Nello was. “He had strong family ties, and a great love of his kids and grandkids,” she said. Second, that the COVID-19 crisis is real, and it impacts people in the community – your neighbors, your famPhoto provided ily, your friends. “I want to see people wearing FAMILY: Nello Rubio (second from right) with his children (Michelle, Nico and Nello), grandchildren Long ties in town masks,” said Karen. “This is not preNello moved to Forest Park when (Zakari and Zayvion), wife (Karen) and mother (Sally Rubio) at St. Bernardine Church. tend. This is real. It’s about protecthe was in sixth grade. He attended ing yourself and your loved ones and “He knew how to organize people and pro- with props. He was one of the “dance dads,” Field Stevenson and the Forest Park Middle duction,” said Karen. the people around you.” even though he was a grandfather. School. Then he went to St. Joseph High Those who have lost someone to COV“He was a family man,” said Karen. “And Karen and Nello lived together in a few School. ID-19 understand the risks of not wearing a apartments until they moved to the house we were a very proud Nana and Papa.” He and Karen met in seventh or eighth (They didn’t want to be called “grandma” mask and the importance of being safe, said she’s lived in for 25 years. grade. Karen. “Wearing a mask and protecting “Our family was involved in everything,” and “grandpa,” added Karen, laughing.) “We looked at each other. And then we yourself and others can be the difference be“When I think about the happiest times said Karen. “You name it, we probably did tween life and death.” looked away. We were not interested,” said we had, it was at our kids’ or grandkids’ it.” Their children participated in swimKaren will miss his laugh. The joy he Karen with a laugh. ming at the park. Baseball. Their sons were events,” said Karen. “Baseball games or brought to family and friends. He was a big When she was a sophomore in high school in Boy Scouts. Their daughter in Girl Scouts. dance competitions. We had so much fun.” sports fan, particularly fond of the White at Trinity, they met again at a dance. He The kids went to camp at the park district. Sox, but with such a love for boxing and asked her out. She said no. A difficult decision wrestling that he used to host watch-parties “But the next year, he asked me out again, Attended the public schools in town. Now, their children are grown. Nello, the Nello was taken to the hospital on Mon- at their house. and I said yes,” said Karen. She was a junior And the world, said Karen, will not be the in high school, and he was already working oldest, will turn 34 on June 13. Michelle is day, May 4. The doctors were in regular at Ferrara Pan, the company he worked at 32. Nico is 30. Michelle has two boys of her communication with Karen, who couldn’t same without his accepting attitude, the own, and Karen and Nello have been in- visit because she was still so sick herself, openness with which he greeted everyone for 42 years. volved in their lives as well, helping out at and the hospital was limiting visitors any- he encountered. Karen graduated from Trinity in 1982 and school functions and with Boy Scouts. Their way. “What we had in common,” said Karen, married Nello a year later. “We would have And then on a Thursday in May, they “was that we had love in our hearts for evbeen married 37 years this August,” she own children grew up dancing – Nico has danced all over the world – and this became called with bad news. eryone we met. We always gave people the said. Nello’s brain was swelling. The doctors benefit of the doubt until they gave us a reaAt Ferrara Pan, Nello mostly worked in an important part of their grandchildren’s said they could cut and remove a piece of son not to. When we loved someone, they shipping, but Karen said he took on differ- lives too. “Nello got really involved at the dance his skull to reduce the swelling. But they were part of our life forever.” ent roles there, from making candy for a Contributions to help Karen Rubio and short period of time to helping with person- studio when our grandsons were taking les- told her he would never be the same. He nel issues and smoothing production pro- sons,” said Karen. They both attended trav- wouldn’t be able to walk or talk. He prob- her family can be made at gofundme.com/f/ el competitions with them, and Nello helped ably would lose most of his comprehension. nello-e-rubio039s-funeral-fund. cesses at different company locations.

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

OAK PARK SCHOOL OF MUSIC

2020 SUMM ER CA MPS!

SHAKIN' MOVIN' GROOVIN'

Photos provided

GRADUATION GIFT: District 91 gifted students complimentary graduation photos outside the Performing Arts Center at Dominican University, where graduation for Forest Park Middle School students typically takes place.

Ceremony impossible, but memories captured D91 offers complimentary photos for class of 2020 By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

District 91’s eighth-grade graduation ceremony couldn’t be held where it traditionally is, in the Performing Arts Center at Dominican University. Social distancing requirements due to COVID-19 made it impossible. But the district gifted 2020 graduates with complimentary graduation photos, taken by a professional photographer in front of the arts center where the graduation typically takes place. Forest Park Middle School (FPMS) graduates and their families had their portraits taken outside. They wore caps and gowns and held their diplomas, standing outside ivy-covered walls on May 28 and 29. Each student received a family portrait and an individual photo. “In a small way, we hope these portraits taken at Dominican University will give our class of 2020 graduates a sense of closure as they leave District 91,” said Superintendent Lou Cavallo.

MUSIC, ART, READING, & OUTDOOR RECREATION PIANO OR DRUM LESSON EVERY DAY! K - 6TH GRADE WEEKLY OPTIONS 6/15 - 7/31 To learn more and register, visit: oakparkmusic.com/camps

Father’s Day Sale! 4 -$10 LUSTRE wash for $31 4 - $8 ULTIMATE wash for $23 4 - $7 DELUXE wash for $19

ENDS 6/21/20!

UNDERCARRIAGE SPRAY ON ALL WASHES!!

The Difference is TOUCHLESS! This is the ONLY TOUCHLESS Car Wash in Town! Durashield Total Body Surface Protectant on the Lustre Wash!

Spotless Carwash • 7802 Madison St. & 7343 Roosevelt in Forest Park 708-771-2945 • We Accept All Major Credit Cards

You can purchase tokens from an attendant weekdays from Noon to 5pm or Sat. & Sun. 9-11am & 11:30-4pm. OR YOU CAN BUY THEM ONLINE AT:

spotlessautowash.com

WASH HOURS: 7AM THRU 10PM DAILY!

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Village negotiates cost-saving concessions with unions in response to COVID-19 Novak votes no, objects to numbers provided By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

Concessions were granted by four unions representing Forest Park municipal employees, the result of negotiations between Village Administrator Tim Gillian and the heads of the groups amid seriously reduced tax revenue flow related to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the May 26 village council meeting, Mayor Rory Hoskins and Commissioners Joe Byrnes, Ryan Nero and Jessica Voogd voted to ratify the side letter agreements with the terms of the concessions. Commissioner Dan Novak voted against doing so. Three of the four unions agreed to delay raises due May 1, 2020. The Forest Park firefighters, Local 2753, agreed to postpone their 2.5 percent raise until Aug. 1. In consideration of the delayed wage increase, the village agreed that no member of the bargaining unit would be laid off during the time of the delay. AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), which includes village clerical staff, also agreed that their 2.5 percent raise, due May 1, would be delayed until Aug. 1. The automobile mechanics’ union, which currently only includes one employee, also agreed to postpone the May 1 raise. The police department, however, negotiated a 1.75 percent raise, effective May 1, instead of the 2.75 percent raise their contract promised. The 1.75 percent will be effective until Nov. 1, at which time the additional 1 percent will go into effect. Until that time, the village agreed not to lay off any personnel in the union. Gillian said he had asked the unions for concessions because of the financial situation the village was in.

“We could tell [the pandemic] was going to be much more than just a couple of weeks, and we were going to be in many ways shutting off all the revenue streams,” said Gillian, referring to both village choices to turn off paid parking on Madison Street, for example, as well as state and county funding drying up. “I went to each of the unions and asked them to help. I’m happy to say that all four unions that were due wage increases starting May 1 agreed in one form or another to provide some relief to the village.” “All of the employees are to be commended,” said Gillian. “They didn’t need to do any of this. Frankly, it wasn’t a real hard sell. They by and large were agreeable right from the start.” He also reported that all non-union employees at village hall, including department heads, agreed to no raises through 2020. Novak, however, had questions related to the inconsistency in agreements between the bargaining units, the dollar amount of savings for the village, and the total legal cost of the negotiations. In terms of inconsistency, he questioned why the different units were delaying raises for different amounts of time. “Some people are doing three months. Some are doing six months. Some are doing no raise for 12 months,” said Novak. Village attorney Nick Peppers said each union negotiates independently of one another, so the results will be different. Gillian said getting concessions of any kind is good for the village. “I would have loved to have gotten a year out of all of them, but it just wasn’t to be,” Gillian said, adding that any concessions from the unions is beneficial to the village during this crisis. Another complaint Novak had was not being given an exact number of how much the village will save through these concessions. In a mostly civil back-and-forth filled with underlying tension, Novak repeatedly asked for the dollar savings for the village granted

by the concessions. “But what’s the number, is my question,” said Novak. Gillian said Novak and the other commissioners had been given the number in an email from Letitia Olmsted, the village finance director. The village estimated it will save $171,156 through concessions, furloughs and holds on wage increases for non-union employees. In the May 20 email from Olmsted to the commissioners, forwarded to the Review by Gillian, the breakdown is as follows: - Police Department: 30 full-time employees and two furloughed employees. The fulltime employees will take a six-month raise reduction of 1 percent, resulting in a 1.75 percent raise rather than the planned 2.75 percent raise. The two furloughed employees were being paid full time while attending the police academy when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the academy was suspended. Using six months as the assumed savings on these employees, an estimate based on when the academy might start up again, the total estimated savings in straight wages is $79,760. - Fire Department: 20 full-time employees. The three-month concession to a zero percent wage increase equates to wage savings of $12,131. - AFSCME: 21 fulltime employees and eight part-time employees, most of whom are currently not working. For the full-time employees, three months at a zero percent raise instead of the 2.5 percent planned raise comes out to a savings of $5,120 in wages. Assuming three months before the part-time employees begin work again results in an additional $26,200 in savings, for a combined total of $31,320 in savings for straight wages. - Local 701, the mechanic’s union, has one full-time employee. The six-month reduction from a 2.5 percent increase to 1.5 percent increase will result in a savings of $345 for the year. - Non-union: 20 full-time employees who agreed to taking no raise in 2020, 50 part-

time employees. Currently, the only parttime employees working are part-time police. Assuming the other part-time employees return in three months, a savings of $47,600 is estimated. - Public Works, Local 705: 14 full-time employees whose contract expired on April 30 and is still in discussion. Novak, however, objected to the assumptions made in these estimates, assumptions on when employees might return to work and estimates associated with those guesses. “You have the number there,” said Gillian. “I’m not sure exactly what you’re looking for. Each of these unions gave us something they didn’t have to. Frankly, they could have all said, ‘too bad.’ The reality is that … we could have gotten nothing.” “The number has assumptions written through every point,” said Novak. “Assumption, assumption, assumption!” Additionally, he wanted to know the legal costs associated with the negotiations to ensure they weren’t greater than the savings. Hoskins asked Peppers if it was safe to assume that the savings outweighed the legal fees, which Gillian had explained were minimal since the attorneys weren’t involved in the negotiations, only in writing up the side letters themselves. Peppers replied: “I can categorically tell you that if the savings is $171,000, yes… Our office did not get involved in the meat of the negotiations. We only got involved in the very end to codify the resolution for the side letter approvals.” When Hoskins was about to call for the vote, he said to the commissioners, “So you were given the number…” But he was interrupted by Novak. “I don’t know the number! I have an assumption number! And I’m asking for it tonight before you call my vote.” “Whether or not there’s a number with some assumptions built into it, it seems like a win for the village,” said Hoskins.

Gradual reopening of village Parking meters, village hall and more By MARIA MAXHAM Mayor Rory Hoskins announced at a village council meeting May 26 that in addition to outdoor dining starting on Friday, May 29, the village will begin reopening in other ways as well.

• Village hall reopened to the general public June 1, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff is working on plans to ensure the safety of employees and residents. A plexiglass window has been installed at the clerk’s window. Masks will be required, and hand sanitizer will be available. The lobby door will be locked so staff can monitor the number of people in the lobby.

• Parking meters were reactivated on June 1. • Parking permits will be required for municipal lots for the month of July. Permits can be purchased at village hall. • The overnight parking ban will be enforced again beginning July 6. • The purchase and display of vehicle stickers will be enforced beginning July 6.

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

! o G o T Up!

paid advertisement

s k d c i o Go rbside P Cu

These local businesses are all OPEN! Curbside pick-up is available.

Some are offering Phase 3 limited in-store shopping. Call ahead before you go! Now is the time to support local businesses!

16 Suitcases

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Manouche

Ten Thousand Villages

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

7419 Madison St, Forest Park

146 N Oak Park Ave

Specializing in History, Mystery and Biography Books both hard back and paperback books for adults, young adults, and children.

(New Location - previously at 103 N Oak Park Ave)

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

16suitcases.com

Specializing in contemporary women fashion, accessories and gifts.

You can order online or call 708-628-3677. We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Take 20% off your entire purchase use code SPRING20

Accents by Fred 7519 Madison St., Forest Park 708-366-9850 Facebook.com/accentsbyFred/

Handcrafted one-of-a-kind jewelry, gift items, custom greeting cards, custom face masks. Jewelry repair, watch batteries replaced Call or email us at accentsbyfred38@g-mail.com. Curbside pick-up Hours: Tues - Sat 1-6

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

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

Order on our website or call to schedule a showroom appointment. Curbside pick-up Hours: 11 to 5 pm Extra 20% off everything we carry!

BEAD IN HAND 145 Harrison Street, Oak Park 708-848-1761 Beadinhand.com

An extraordinary selection of beads and beading supplies. Now offering in store shopping by appointment. Visit our website (beadinhand.com) for information about: shop hours, scheduling an appointment, purchasing one of our DIY bead kits or a gift certificate online, or for more information about our safety protocols. You can also call (708-848-1761) or send an email to query@beadinhand.com.

The Book Table 1045 Lake St, Oak Park 708-386-9800 Booktable.net

Books, journals, and puzzles

Order online or over the phone. Curbside pick-up Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, and Sun 11-6

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

Wine, bath and body, jewelry, home goods, kitchen and hostess gifts, puzzles and childrens items, all with a French Flair! Call our shop, direct message us on Facebook or Instagram, or order thru our Shopify website Curbside Pick-up Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30-6, Sun 12-5 Buy a case of wine, even mixed, 15% off! Check out our 25% OFF Daily Peachy Items on our website or social media.

Call or shop online Centuriesandsleuths.com/ E-mail: cns7419@sbcglobal.net 708-771-7243 (Fax 708-771-7412) Curbside Pickup Hours: Tue-Fri 12-7; Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 Make a $15 purchase for books (before sales tax) and choose an ARC* from the books (covers) displayed on easels in the store’s display window.

Divine Consign 1800 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside 708-386-3366 Divineconsign.com

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

Now OPEN for business. Packed with stunning furniture. Strictly following CDC Guidelines. Temporary hours Monday - Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5

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

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

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

Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery

708-505-5546

Manoucheshop.com

Women’s clothing and accessories with a focus on independent designers, organic fibers, and ethical sourcing. Currently open for curbside pick-up and doing local non contact delivery. Flexible hours

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

Jewelry store

Call 708-383-9695 or email info@oakparkjewelers. com to set up a virtual appointment and/or arrange curbside pick-up. Local Delivery is also available. Hours: Tues – Fri 11-4

A Paw Place in Oak Park 708-516-8038

APawPlace@gmail.com • Apawplace.com/ A mom-owned local business delivering biologically appropriate foods, treats & toys for cats & dogs. We also carry artisanal Grounds & Hounds coffees. Help support homeless pets! Shop online or contact us any time by phone or email. We provide FREE Door Drop Delivery!

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

Prescription Medications, Over-the-counter medications, Vitamins

Call ahead with order and payment info. Call when curbside, and we will bring your order out to you. We also offer Delivery Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-2; Sun Closed

111 North Marion Street, Oak Park 708-445-8077

Sugarcup Trading

Greeting Cards, Stationery and Gifts

Sugarcuptrading.com

Fitzgeraldsstationery.com

Call or shop our online store. Complimentary local delivery (Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Forest Park) or Curbside pick-up.

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

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

Order by phone or online Call when you arrive and we will bring your order out to you. We also deliver! Hours: Mon – Sat 9-3

L’Institut Français d’Oak Park 11 Harrison St, Oak Park 217-840-6359 Frenchinstitute.net/

All levels of French classes for adults and mature teens. Register on our site now for Summer Session I or II All classes held via zoom while Coronavirus restrictions are in place.

Tenthousandvilllages.com/oakpark

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

Look online, then call the store to place an order. You can also DM us if you see something you like through our Facebook or Instagram pages. Curbside pick-up is at our side door on Westgate. Call us when you arrive. Hours: Tues, Fri and Sat 10-4pm

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

Women’s clothing & accessories

Shop on our website and through our social media posts. If you have a special request, virtual shopping appointments are also available. Join us for our LIVE shopping parties on Facebook. Tues-Thurs at 8pm. When you have placed an order, you can request curbside pick-up by emailing Amanda@trendsoakpark.com. Curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday starting at noon

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

Floral arrangements and gifts

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

110 N. Marion St, Oak Park 708-524-5336 A whimsical well curated children’s boutique specializing in fashion, accessories, books, specialty toys and gifts.

Offering: Online Shopping, Concierge Service, Virtual Shopping Parties You can order online or call 708-524-5336. We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Delivery and shipping throughout the US. Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5

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

Teamblonde.com Clothing, gifts, jewelry, handbags, bath & body products, hair care products To order, go to our website, email us at blondes@ teamblonde.com, or call. We offer curbside pick-up and delivery. For curbside pick-up, pull up to our front or back door and call to let us know you arrived. Hours almost anytime, by appointment. Mention this ad for 15% off your first curbside purchase

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

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Progress Center on a rescue mission Fighting to protect nursing home residents from COVID-19 By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter

Some warriors like Tammy Duckworth come home from conflicts with disabilities. Other warriors like staff at the Progress Center for Independent Living (PCIL) go into the battle with the disabilities with which they were born. Clark Craig, for example, was born with cerebral palsy and comes off as an easy-going guy with a genial smile as he rides his scooter into his office. But he and his office mate, Larry Biondi, who also was born with cerebral palsy, can become nonviolently aggressive when it comes to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. Craig’s latest battle is to get people with disabilities out of nursing homes. He sent out an email on May 17 that began with “People in nursing homes are dying at a VERY ALARMING rate! It’s time for a Rescue Mission.” One tactic Craig uses in his role as a PCIL community organizer is letter writing. In his email he encouraged allies of his nonprofit and consumers (what PCIL calls their clients) to write to Gov. Pritzker and Dr.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

WARRIORS: Representatives from Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison St., have been fighting to help nursing home residents affected by COVID-19. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH), with the message, “Now that we see nearly half of all COVID deaths are in nursing homes, it’s time to get residents out and relocate them to safer places (e.g. all those empty hotel rooms).” The letter should also include, he wrote, that for those who remain in nursing homes IDPH should limit one person to a room, get ombudsmen and inspectors back in those facilities, provide communication devices to residents, improve PPE and safety procedures, and have consumers be part of the planning for transitions and safety measures. His goal was to flood state leaders with 200 letters. The PCIL community organizer tried to motivate allies, writing, “We do not have

time for half measures. It’s time for a new approach: Get people out! Congregate, institutional living arrangements, whether ‘nursing homes,’ prisons or detention centers, are petri dishes for spread of COVID19.” Craig has an ally in Chicago Adapt, a grass-roots “community” that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. One Chicago Adapt communication underscored the urgency PCIL feels in its rescue mission: “If these nursing facilities were on fire, we would get people out of them immediately. This is a fire and governmental officials are standing around watch-

ing people burn to death!” Congress is another front on which PCIL staffers are fighting the battle against warehousing people with disabilities in nursing homes. Right now there is a bill, introduced last year, called the Disability Integration Act (S117 and HR555). According to congress.gov, it would “prohibit government entities and insurance providers from denying community-based services to individuals with disabilities that require long-term service or support that would enable such individuals to live in the community and an independent life.” Put simply, for decades what PCIL has been advocating for is the right of people with disabilities to live in the community instead of an institution. Their brand, if you will, is independent living, or as independent as possible. As Clark Craig was pushing the government at both the state and federal levels to do more, Kira Meskin, a community reintegration advocate with the Progress Center, sent out an email describing how PCIL was partnering with IDHS to distribute PPE, provided by the state, and in some cases collecting protective equipment that the government was not providing. Many PCIL staff and consumers need the help of PAs (personal assistants) to assist them in activities like bathing and even eating, which temporarily-abled people take for granted. PAs need PPE as well as the people with disabilities they serve. In that email, dated May 17, Meskin reported that 672 fabric masks, 110 KN95/N95 masks, 140 face shields, 400 organic travel-size bars of soap and “a whole bunch” of travel-size hand sanitizers had been collected as of that time. To contact Clark Craig, email him at ccraig@progresscil.org. To get hold of Kira Meskin, email her at kirameskin@gmail.com.

State of emergency extended with questions from council Commissioner seeks explanation on decision-making By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

During a May 26 village council meeting held via Zoom, the commissioners and mayor voted four to one to confirm and extend the state of emergency in Forest Park due to COVID-19 until the next regularly scheduled council meeting. Mayor Rory Hoskins and Commissioners Jessica Voogd, Ryan Nero and Joe Byrnes voted in favor of the extension. Commissioner Dan Novak voted against it. Hoskins began with an update on what the

village has been doing to help restaurants and bars open under the governor’s new phase three reopening guidelines, which allows outdoor but not indoor seating and service, and what expenses that might present to the village. “We’re working with the businesses on creating more outdoor dining space and more outdoor seating space,” said Hoskins during the meeting. “Those measures could require some costs, and it’s likely that those costs will come under the category of COVID-related expenses.” An example would be Jersey barriers leased by the village to provide safety for restaurant patrons and staff if seating is allowed in parking spaces along Madison Street. Additionally, Hoskins said the villages continues to assess its level of PPE. Upcoming purchases might include thermometers for village staff, in anticipation of opening

village hall to the public soon. But, said Hoskins, there would be “no substantial expenditures under the extraordinary spending authority that comes with this ordinance.” He reiterated, when asked by Nero, that the purchases made under the declared state of emergency have the opportunity to be reimbursed by other levels of government. Nero sought clarification on village decision-making under the declared state of emergency, stating that some of the decisions that might be made in the upcoming weeks might be “decisions we should be making collectively.” “If we extend the state of emergency, does that prevent us from making these decisions together?” asked Nero. He said he was thinking in terms of reestablishing revenue streams such as turning on the parking meters and once more charging for the pay lots

and the necessary enforcement if such decisions are made. “Are [these decisions] made by yourself?” asked Nero of Hoskins. Hoskins said that although some decisions are being made outside of council meetings, he doesn’t make them alone. “They’re not made by myself,” said Hoskins. “Decisions are not made in a vacuum.” He said he talks regularly to Village Administrator Tim Gillian, Zoning Director Steve Glinke, and Police Chief Tom Aftanas, among other department heads and staff. Recent discussions have included the details of allowing extra outdoor space for restaurants to use for seating and serving. He also noted that he regularly speaks with commissioners offline. The declared state of emergency is valid until the next village council meeting on June 8.

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Angelina Adamiec

Giovanna Aiuppa*

Paige Alcorn-Priest*

Alyssa Alioto*

Isabella Allegretti*

Kelly Angus*

Alicia Badillo*

Elizabeth Basulto

Alyssa Bennett*

Clare Birmingham*

Jennifer Bowman*

Kathleen Burns*

Catarina Calicdan*

Lauren Considine*

Alexandria Davis*

Grace DeGroff*

Ella Eisman*

Erika Estrada*

Maria Estrada*

Jillian Fahey*

Julia Faryjewicz*

Gemma Fonseca

Lena Foster*

Valeria Fuentes*

Congratulations to Trinityâ€™s Class of 2020 100% College Acceptance Isabella Girjikian*

Trinity High School

$33.8 Million

Awarded in College Scholarships 7574 West Division, River Forest, IL 60305 www.trinityhs.org

A Sinsinawa Dominican College Preparatory School for Young Women

* Indicates Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate or International Baccalaureate Certificate Student

Nadia Gonzalez ÂŠEbert Studio, Oak Park

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Jocelyn Guerra*

Natalia Guerra*

Claire Hanley*

Madeline Healy*

Kara Heisler*

Heather Hellquist*

Carina Huerta*

Emma Jacobs*

Jillian Johnson*

Kyra Josephs

Nyah Joubert*

Megan Kazmierowicz*

Megan Kearns*

Fei Kirchen*

Emily Kowal*

Arianna Lebab*

Erin Lewandowski*

Bianca Little

Natalie Maite*

Jacqueline Martinez

Liliana Matias*

GrĂĄinne McDonagh*

Rose McGowan

Sarah Mendelson*

Madeline Mercado*

Mary Mintz*

100% College Acceptance For a full listing of college acceptances and scholarships, go to www.trinityhs.org/classof2020.

Valeria Mendoza*

Trinity High School 7574 West Division, River Forest, IL 60305 708.771.8383 www.trinityhs.org

* Indicates Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate or International Baccalaureate Certificate Student

ÂŠEbert Studio, Oak Park

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Liza Montgomery*

Taylor Moore

Lorena Mora*

Miranda Morado

Alexandra Morelli*

Vipalin Morelli*

Isabella Morini

Natalie Navratil

Khadedra Neals*

Teresa Ochoa*

Olivia Ochoa*

Cristina Olmos*

Daniela Olmos*

Isabella Ostiguin*

Vanisa Oupokin*

Katherine Pancotto*

Isabella Parravicini

Jada Patterson*

Brianna Perez

Grace Perschke*

Parker Phillips*

Kaitlyn Poulsen*

Arianna Raimonde*

Maureen Riley*

$33.8 Million Awarded in College Scholarships

Average of over $315K in scholarships per student.

Angelica Rivera*

Ariel Rodriguez*

Trinity High School 7574 West Division, River Forest, IL 60305 708.771.8383 www.trinityhs.org

* Indicates Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate or International Baccalaureate Certificate Student

Nicole Romano* ÂŠEbert Studio, Oak Park

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Mia Ruggiero*

Scarlett Saenz*

Kelly Saleh*

Lauren Saleh*

Dejah Santiago*

Madison Schultz*

Heather Shortall*

Annaliese Siriano

Nia Smart*

Kendal Spears*

Zyerra Stafford*

Alyssa Suarez*

Brianna Sullivan*

Ashanti Teruel*

Mary Therese Thavis*

Molly Tomzik*

Allison Urso*

Madeline Vargas*

Kimberly Verceles*

Milany Villa*

Alessandra Weber*

Meghan Weidel*

Caitlyn Wirkiowski*

Jennifer Yaccino

Celebrating 26 Years as an International Baccalaureate World School Thereâ€™s still time to be a Blazer! Visit trinityhs.org/beablazer

Hillary Yousif*

Frances Zaloudek*

Trinity High School 7574 West Division, River Forest, IL 60305 708.771.8383 www.trinityhs.org

* Indicates Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate or International Baccalaureate Certificate Student

Amanda Zobel ÂŠEbert Studio, Oak Park

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Library will start lending Partygoers display ‘blatant disregard books and media again for social distancing’ Materials will be C R I M E

In what the police report calls “a blatant disregard for social distancing,” an estimated 100 partygoers, only around five wearing face coverings, left a party that officers broke up on the 1100 block of Thomas Avenue on May 24 at 1:12 a.m. The residence has been previously declared a “chronic nuisance property,” with multiple previous reports of loud parties, drug complaints, shots fired and other noise complaints. Multiple citations have been issued to the property owner. Another was issued for the party.

Cash and over 240 packs of cigarettes stolen Two men entered 7-Eleven at 205 Harlem Ave. and stole cash and cigarettes on May 31 at 1:21 p.m. According to the clerk, one of the men stood in front of the register and asked for a pack of Newport 100s. The other walked to the storeroom in back, where he took multiple cartons of cigarettes. He then walked behind the counter and demanded the clerk give him all the money in the registers. He used the garbage bag from the trash can behind the counter to take packs of cigarettes. He also forced the clerk to hand over his cell phone and wallet. The subjects then fled the scene in a black Honda CR-V, the same vehicle that had been stolen earlier in an Oak Park vehicular hijacking. The suspects stole approximately $100 in cash from the register, approximately 240 packs of Newport cigarettes, and about six to seven cartons of an unknown cigarette brand. They also took the clerk’s cellphone and around $90 from his wallet. The car was spotted later by Elmwood Park police who pursued the vehicle until they lost sight of it traveling southbound on Austin Boulevard.

Currency Exchange window smashed A window at the Currency Exchange, 7207 Roosevelt Rd., was smashed on May 31 at 10:42 p.m. While on patrol, an officer witnessed a man using an unknown object to shatter the south end window of the store. The officer attempted to apprehend the suspect, who entered the passenger side of a dark green GMC with a Wisconsin license plate. The vehicle fled northbound on Harlem Avenue at a high rate of speed. Assisting units witnessed the vehicle traveling into Oak Park. The outer glass of the store was broken, but the inner glass was intact.

Catalytic converter thefts continue • A man on the 200 block of Elgin, starting his car after three weeks recovering from COVID-19, attempted to turn on his vehicle only to hear unfamiliar sounds. He looked under the car and discovered his catalytic converter was missing. • A catalytic converter was cut from the underside of a car and stolen on the 900 block of Thomas Avenue during the overnight hours between May 21 and 22.

• The catalytic converter from a gold Honda Accord was stolen between May 21 and 22 from the 7200 block of 13th Street. • On May 22, a catalytic converter was stolen from a car on the 7300 block of 14th Street between 3 and 9 a.m. on May 20.

Vodka stolen A young man in his early 20s stole two bottles of Ciroc vodka from Famous Liquors, 7441 Madison St., on May 27 at 4:52 p.m. The bottles were valued at $59.98 pre-tax.

Man threatened with knife for rapping A man was charged with assault for threatening another man with a knife on May 24 at 1:22 a.m. at the Desplaines Avenue Blue Line station. The victim said he was rapping when the offender told him to “shut the f*ck up” and displayed a switchblade. The reporting officer spoke with the offender, who denied threatening the victim and also denied having a knife on him. When searched, a razor blade was discovered, which the offender said he uses for construction work. He was given a local ordinance citation for assault.

Uber driver attacked by passenger An Uber driver was attacked by a passenger on May 25 at 3:09 a.m. He picked up the offender in Maywood and was transporting him to the Blue Line station at 711 Desplaines Avenue. The offender was not wearing a face mask, and the driver asked him to put one on before entering the vehicle. Eventually the passenger complied, but once inside, pulled the mask down to his chin and began smoking pot inside the car. The driver became upset, telling the passenger that he wasn’t going to take him to the planned destination; rather, he was going to take him back to Maywood. The passenger said he would stop smoking. He put his mask back on. When they pulled up at the train station, the passenger said, “Thanks for the ride,” and hit the driver on the side of the head with an unknown object, then fled the scene. When police arrived, the driver was bleeding from the right side of his head. He had a laceration above his right eye, which was swelling, a large bump forming above his eye. Police requested CTA to hold the train, but a search of the train and surrounding area yielded negative results. The driver was unable to obtain information about the passenger because he said that once a ride has been completed, the passenger information and address of pick-up can no longer be retrieved. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, May 22-31, 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.

quarantined when returned; fine-free program instituted By MARIA MAXHAM

Library patrons can once again borrow books and media from the Forest Park Public Library as vestibule pick up begins June 3. It’s part of the library’s response to the state’s progression into phase three of the Reopen Illinois statewide plan. “We are happy to offer this service, but it will be different from our regular hold pick up system in order to provide safety measures for staff and the community,” reads a message on the library’s website.

How to place holds and pick up books Patrons can put items on hold online at fppl.org or by phone at 708-366-7171. If items are on-shelf in the library, they will be ready for pickup within one to two days. Patrons are asked not to come to pick up items until they have received a call from the library notifying them that their items are ready. Items will be on hold for a week following the notification call. Pick up will be available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For now, patrons can only access items from the Forest Park library collection; interlibrary loan services won’t be available right away. Additionally, browsing through the shelves won’t be offered until further notice, and using computers, printers, restrooms or entering the library beyond the vestibule won’t be allowed.

Book quarantine The library has developed a quarantine plan for books that are returned. All materials must be returned in the drop box outside the building. No items will be returned directly to staff members. Staff members will wear masks and gloves to place items from the drop box onto carts, which will be

organized by date and quarantined for seven days. After seven days, the items will either fulfill holds of other patrons or be reshelved.

No new fines Fines incurred up until now must be paid (online only, not in person). But for the time being, the library is participating in the Fines Free for Now program, during which no fines will be charged for any material that is checked out at the Forest Park Public Library. No fines. This is good news for the patrons who, though well intentioned, never get their books back on time. Now, when an item becomes more than 14 days overdue, instead of charging a fine the library will block the user’s card. As soon as the item is returned to the library, the block is removed. The library says they plan to run the Fines Free for Now program for the “foreseeable future,” and will give patrons plenty of warning if they decide to end it.

Guidelines for placing holds, picking up books • Patrons are asked to wait for a phone call from the library letting them know their books are ready. • Patrons will be asked to wait in a socially distant line with designated marks and enter the vestibule one at a time at the direction of the staff. • Patrons must wear a mask. • Visitors are asked to have their ID or library card ready. • The library will not be supplying bags and cannot assist patrons in bagging items. • All cards will have unlimited holds and check-outs. • No in-person services will be offered other than picking up items in the vestibule. • Previous fines must be paid online at fppl.org. • Families should use one card for placing holds, if possible. • Restrooms, computers and printers will not be available to patrons. The library will continue to take directives from the state of Illinois and the CDC on further reopening of services. For more information, visit fppl. org, email askus@fppl.org or call the library at 708-366-7171.

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Forest Park’s sixth COVID-19 death is Aperion’s third COVID-19 recovery unit celebrates recoveries too By MARIA MAXHAM Editor

On May 19 and 22, COVID-19 patients died at Aperion Forest Park, 8200 Roosevelt Rd. A 65-year-old black male died May 19. His underlying conditions included hypertension and chronic substance abuse, according to the medical examiner’s report. On May 22, a 74-year-old black male succumbed to COVID-19. Comorbidities included congestive heart failure, hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Earlier in the pandemic, another black male died at Aperion on March 30 from COVID-19. He was Forest Park’s first resident to die from the illness. Since early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, Aperion has been caring for COVID-19 patients in its COVID-19 Recovery Unit, which can hold up to 34 patients at a time. According to Heather Levine, who handles public relations for Aperion, “We are assisting local hospitals to ease their bed capacity for patients who no longer qualify for hospital stays but are not yet well enough to go home.” As of May 26, the unit had cared for 41 patients from local hospitals, 22 who had already gone home or had decided to stay as residents, said Levine. The unit has celebrated recoveries with photos and stories on the center’s Facebook page, facebook.com/AperionCareForestPark/. They recently posted a video of Del Ray Henderson as he said goodbye to caregivers at the facility. Henderson contracted COVID-19 while attending the funeral of a relative in Mississippi, and since February had been hospitalized and on a ventilator two separate times at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood. He was told by his family DEL RAY that he would probably HENDERSON not make it off the ventilator. He improved, however, and was discharged from the hospital to Aperion’s COVID-19 Recovery Unit, where he gained strength and, ultimately, returned home. Aperion’s Facebook page shows other individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, including a husband and wife team who beat COVID-19 together in the recovery unit.

MARIA MAXHAM

HOT PURSUIT: A police officer runs across Madison Street immediately following a robbery at U.S. Bank on May 31.

LOOTING

Relatively little damage from page 1 looters on Sunday afternoon. According to Police Chief Tom Aftanas, the suspects briefly got inside the store via the back entrance but were stopped before too much damage was done. By later afternoon, most of the restaurants and bars that had earlier been open for outdoor dining and drinks on Madison Street had closed, bringing their tables and chairs inside. Brown Cow taped a sign next to their take-out window. “George Floyd matters. Black lives matter,” reads the sign. U.S. Bank, on the corner of Madison Street and Desplaines Avenue, was broken into around 5:10 p.m. on May 31, reportedly by four suspects in an SUV. One broke a window on the bank’s Desplaines Avenue side to gain entry. That suspect was caught but couldn’t be identified and had nothing stolen on his person, so he could not be detained. The other three in the SUV were not apprehended. A window at U.S.A. Beverage, 7200 Madison St., was broken, but the perpetrators did not gain entry. They took off in a car and were pursued by police to Harlem Avenue and I-290. On May 31, Aftanas reported that looters in the Forest Park area appeared to be a convoy of cars driving around together,

looking for businesses without a police presence to target. “We are being as visible as possible to deter looting,” said Aftanas. He said multiple shifts were working to ensure coverage. Aftanas said, “It is unbelievable what is happening.” He said he watched the video of George Floyd and wanted to see if in any way what the officer did could be understood. “Why would the officer do that?” asked Aftanas. “Is there any justification at all?” The answer, he said, is no. “There is no justification for what happened, and there is no cop in Forest Park who thinks so,” said Aftanas. Aftanas said officers will continue to be vigilant, especially during the overnight hours. Village Administrator Tim Gillian, who was seen by the Review throughout Sunday afternoon on Madison Street and around town, said he’d been in contact with the businesses on Madison Street to make sure they were aware of the conditions in neighboring towns and the threats in Forest Park. He reiterated what Aftanas had said, that the looters appeared to be “very mobile” and in cars, driving around looking for targets. On Sunday, Hoskins said he’d spent hours stationed outside a local liquor store, since liquor stores seemed to be a prime target for criminal activity. “The more eyes on the street the better,” said Hoskins, who was ready to call

Forest Park police if anything suspicious happened. He said he’d been in contact with Aftanas, Gillian and other village officials through the day and that Forest Park had been coordinating well with neighboring police departments. Hoskins said the biggest targets appeared to be the big stores, like Walmart, Walgreens and CVS, and extra police presence was maintained in those areas and all areas in town. “This situation is disturbing,” said Hoskins on Sunday. “We have a pandemic and now we have unrest. I urge people stay indoors.” On Monday, June 1, Walmart was still closed, the parking lot still blocked off. Dollar Tree was also closed, though Portillo’s once more sported a long line of cars in its drive-thru. In the interest of safety, District 91 did not offer bagged lunches for students, though food was provided at both Proviso Math and Science Academy and at Proviso East. Famous Liquors, 7714 Madison St., Cardinal Wine and Spirits, 7533 Roosevelt Road, and Forest Park Auto, 7535 Roosevelt Road have boarded up their windows and closed early as a precautionary measure, but no looting has happened at any of these locations. Walmart, 1300 Desplaines Ave., was closed again on Tuesday, June 2. Curfew was announced Tuesday morning, in effect from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. on June 3.

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

For Proviso East football coach, second time’s the charm D209 board hires former coach Aaron Peppers, new AD By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Proviso East football program is looking to turn a fresh page in the program’s history after a historic playoff run last season turned into tragedy when the team was eliminated from contention after allegedly fielding ineligible players. Earlier this month, the D209 school board voted to appoint retired Maywood police officer and former East head football coach Aaron Peppers as the new head varsity football coach to replace Oliver Speller. The board also appointed Nicholas Browder as athletics and activities director, a new position created as part of an administrative reshuffling that’s designed to address some of the problems that caused last season’s football controversy, Supt. Jesse Rodriguez said in February. During an interview on May 28, Peppers said he’s looking forward to helping author a new chapter at East. “We’re going to implement different program-building schematics and will kind of go off what we had last year, but bringing in different flavors of coaching, different coaching philosophies, more community guys, more Maywood-based guys,” Peppers said. “We’ve also got former players who will support the program like Marcus Dunlop, who played at Illinois Wesleyan, is a Division 3 All-American, and is now an investment banker in New York City,” Peppers said. “I’m so proud of him.” Peppers said he was Dunlop’s Pop Warner coach before joining Proviso East as an assistant coach with the varsity football program. Peppers was head coach when Sergio Brown, a former NFL safety, played at the school. “Players like Marcus and Sergio are ready to roll,” Peppers said. “We’re ready to do whatever is necessary for our team to be successful on and off the field. Our program will be here to help them use their tools for their future, whether it’s off the field like Marcus in investment banking or on the field like Sergio. We also want to bridge the gap between the program and the community and build trust by making this a family atmosphere and making football fun.” Peppers coached the Proviso East varsity football team from 2005 until 2010. He was 23-33 during that period, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. During his tenure, he gained some attention for bringing in police officers to coach the team. Peppers has brought on at least two new assistant coaches. Carlos Patterson, a Maywood police officer, was an assistant

Submitted

HOME: Aaron Peppers, an avid runner, is back as head varsity football coach at Proviso East. Peppers shows some of his running medals inside of his Maywood home in 2018. under Peppers during his previous tenure as head coach. Patterson is the son of D209 board member Della Patterson. During a special board meeting on March 26, things got heated between Della Patterson and board member Claudia Medina after Medina suggested that hiring Carlos Patterson in the assistant football position was inappropriate, given his mother’s position on the board. But Patterson’s hiring is in compliance with the board’s nepotism policy, which was approved in 2017, said D209 Board President Rodney Alexander. “Della’s son has been employed with us since 2015 as an SRO [school resource officer],” said Alexander. “The policy shut the door on future hires, but anyone who was hired before that point and who may have family in the district, we grandfathered those people in. “And besides, we were not actually hiring him. He was just going from one position to another, which you’re able to do. We can’t stop him from moving around — that would be almost illegal and very unethical. He’s from the community, he went to East, he’s a Maywood police officer, and we’re rebuilding our football program at East. Who better than someone from the community? And it all fits within the policy.” Peppers has also brought on Ryan Humphrey as an assistant, rounding out a team that also includes newer coaches. “They’re all part of the Pirate family with me,” Peppers said of the coaching staff. Last October, the varsity football Pirates appeared to have made the state playoffs for the first time in more than a decade after beating intra-district rival Proviso

West 14-8. In a letter, Illinois High School Association officials said that, based on the information they found, the team had to forfeit four wins. “The ruling is that there were two students who were in violation of IHSA bylaws,” Cynthia Moreno, the district’s former communications director, said at the time. “One student’s residency cannot be verified and the other student was ineligible to play due to being beyond the eight consecutive semesters allowed for students to participate in IHSA activities.” District officials terminated at least one assistant football coach, and Speller has since resigned. Brian Colbert, former athletic director and assistant principal at East, also resigned. Rodriguez said earlier this year that Colbert’s resignation was not related to the controversy.

We are Open!

Rodriguez said in February that the violations may have happened due to a range of systemic issues, such as the fact that Colbert had two roles as assistant principal and athletic director, which required him to be at school during the day, resulting in a lack of administrative oversight during evening activities. “Right now, when the AP/AD leaves, there’s inadequate administrative oversight,” Rodriguez said then. “You need something more structured.” Hiring Browder as athletic director should prevent future scandals, according to Rodriguez’s explanation. Before coming to East, Browder was athletic director at Argo Community High School District 217. The board also voted to appoint Daniel Savage to serve as athletic and activities director at Proviso West. Savage comes to West from Rich Township High School District 227. Peppers said now that he’s a retired police officer, he’ll have more time to devote to coaching — unlike his prior tenure, when he had to juggle the demands of a full-time job. “Back in the day, this was my dream job,” he said, adding that police work cut into the dream. “Now the dream is back.” Peppers, an avid runner who has also been a substitute teacher in D209, said the program will adjust to the current COVID-19 pandemic. “If next season is postponed, it’s postponed,” Peppers said. “But we’re preparing like we’ll have a season. We’ll have to wait and see. Safety is first.” Meanwhile, Peppers spends his time prepping, reveling in the rare opportunity to live a dream again. “This is truly a blessing,” he said. “I was looking at some comments on social media and people were congratulating me and saying nice things. One person said, ‘Proviso East is blessed to have you.’ I said, ‘I’m blessed East will have me back.’ It’s a win-win. Let’s get it rolling and do it right. Let’s help get these kids recruited, make sure they’re NCAA Clearinghouse registered, they have ACT prep, and let’s roll.”

Your Hometown Podiatrist for 30 Years CONSERVATIVE MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF:

Orthopedic, Geriatric and Pediatric Foot Problems Diabetic and Vascular Foot Disorders Painful Bunions and Hammertoes Skin and Nail Disorders and Infections DR. LORI LIPKIN Heel and Arch Pain

Forest Foot Care

Board Certified ABPOPPM Medicare & most Insurance Accepted House Calls Accepted Weekend and Evening Hours

7503 W. Madison, Forest Park

708/366-3770

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

OPINION O U R

V I E W

Building a team

n a time of endless crisis teams can coalesce or they can fracture. So far, as Forest Park rolls from the COVID-19 pandemic and blends it with righteous protests and criminal looting related to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, it feels as if the team is gathering strength. There is something powerful and endearing in observing the constant presence of Mayor Rory Hoskins, Village Administrator Tim Gillian, Director of Public Health and Safety Steve Glinke, Police Chief Tom Aftanas and others in public works, the fire department, community center as they pull against this monumental moment. Pragmatic decisions are made and executed as Walmart and Forest Park Plaza are barricaded by public works against intruders. Personal connections are made as officials visit with shell-shocked restaurant owners who, with strong village action, just had successful patio reopenings and are now being asked to close quickly to avoid possible violence. Then there was Hoskins standing watch for hours Sunday outside Cardinal Liquors on Roosevelt Road as liquor stores are prime looting targets. These are moments when tight small towns can be at their best. And Forest Park is proving it.

Unions pitch in

n another sign of shared sacrifice, we reported this week on agreements between Forest Park village hall, its employee unions and its non-unionized staff to delay pay raises already bargained for as the village reels under COVID-19s financial pressures. Union and non-union staff did not have to do this. Contracts, of course, are legally binding. That discussions could be opened faceto-face between reps and the village administrator with lawyers only added to write up the revisions is a testament to trust, relationships and, it doesn’t hurt that the immensity of the financial woes are plain to see. It is a healthful sign of respect even as it is rightly a bargaining chip for the unions if times ever get better. What we don’t get is why Commissioner Dan Novak would vote against this measure. And his reasoning, that the savings presented to the board are just estimates not hard numbers, is nonsense. Yes, the number is an estimate. But it is a good faith estimate made by a staff that has earned trust. Novak has gone from playing an invisible role in his first term and has morphed into a near total contrarian in the first year of his second term. Neither role is productive. Neither role sets him on a course to become mayor.

‘This is not pretend’

oday on page 1 we tell the life story, the love story of Nello Rubio and Karen Rubio. They would have been married 37 years come August. Nello died of COVID-19 in May. Karen also contracted the virus but has slowly recovered. It is an important story because this is our real neighbor. And Mrs. Rubio is emphatic that COVID-19 “is not pretend.” Wear masks. Maintain social distance. Get tested. We are grateful to Mrs. Rubio for sharing the story of her husband’s death but also of his joyful life.

In search of a symbol that unites us

he Poplar Park Community Church council meeting held Monday evening was going so smoothly that Pastor Walter Mitty was hoping it would be over in five more minutes and he’d be able to get back to finishing the latest issue of National Geographic. He was all set to hear “let’s adjourn” when Asch moved that the congregation buy a large 20-by-30foot American flag and hang it over the front doors of the church from June 28 until July 5. Hilda Hossenbrenner quickly seconded Asch’s motion, and the meeting instantly turned from boring to contentious. “What?” Asch exclaimed when he saw both Carla Hernandez and Sharissa Hawkins roll their eyes. “We’re going to be celebrating the Fourth of July in a month, for Pete’s sake. Can’t we set aside our political differences for a week and just be the United States?” Everyone else fidgeted in their seats at home. The memory of the tension that had surfaced at a coffee hour over Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem was still raw even after four years. Everyone, it seems, felt misunderstood. Most of the members in the usually easy-going congregation were caught off balance by the intensity of the emotions being expressed over what one football player had decided to do. Back to Monday evening, Eric Anderson thought he was being conciliatory when he engaged in the discussion, saying, “I like your idea, Asch, but I think we could express our unity in Christ even better by hanging a smaller American flag over one door and a rainbow flag over the other.” “So much for reading the National Geographic,” thought Mitty as he desperately tried to stay focused on the discussion that ensued. The contentious debate bothered him enough that he had trouble sleeping after he got back to the parsonage. So when he and his friend Michael hooked up for their daily “coffee break” at 10 the next morning, Pastor Walt launched into venting his inner turmoil before even asking his friend if he had enjoyed the weekend. “Walt, what bothered you so much about it?” Michael asked his neighbor after listening to him for five minutes. “Well, Michael, part of it was how heated people became. Words like patriotic and prejudiced and closed-minded and ungrateful flew around like roof shingles in a tornado.” “Reminds me of back in 2008 when President Obama was asked why he wasn’t wearing an American flag lapel pin.” “I hadn’t thought of that, Michael. Would you Google what Obama said while I get more coffee?”

“It came up right away,” said Michael after his neighbor picked up the phone again. “This is what he said about it while he was on the campaign trail.” My attitude is that I’m less concerned about what you’re wearing on your lapel than what’s in your heart. You show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who serve. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and ideals. That’s what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals. “The irony,” Michael added, “is the town he said that in was Independence, Missouri.” Pastor Mitty remembered how Obama’s comment had upset both Asch and Dominique at the time. Both tended to vote Republican, and their candidate 12 years ago was John McCain who not only had served in the military but was almost worshiped by some as an American war hero. “What gets me,” Asch had explained, “is that candidate Obama, who never served in the military, couldn’t make a symbolic bow to those who wear the pin as proudly as Dorothy and I wear our wedding rings.” At the council meeting, Dominique remembered the lapel pin controversy and added, “Obviously as a black man I am well aware of America’s original sin, if you’ll allow me to call it that, and I could spend my whole life with resentment boiling right under the surface of my dark skin. But I need to let that anger fuel me and not rule me — not even the lynching of George Floyd, which we watch night after night on the news. “God knows we need to come together in this country and not keep old wounds alive. The flag should be a symbol of what unites us, a symbol of what we are striving for.” Michael interrupted Mitty’s journey into the past. “A penny for your thoughts. What I want to know is what did the council members decide.” “They kicked the can down the road and decided to postpone the vote until June 15,” Mitty replied. “More important, what do you think, Walt?” “I’m not sure,” he answered. “I have mixed feelings. I think the flag should be a unifying symbol but somehow it doesn’t feel that way.” Michael probed. “Is it because those ‘liberate Michigan’ people wave the American flag right along with the Confederate flag while they carry assault rifles and don’t keep social distance and defiantly refuse to wear face masks?” “Like they’re using it as a symbol of something very different from what Asch wants it to represent?”

TOM HOLMES

See HOLMES on page 20

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

Thank You Moms of Forest Park, Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding areas!

We have missed you! GRAND REOPENING! Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner $11.99 • Full Slab Dinner $17.99 includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99

Every day Special!

Come try our Big Mickey! $2.99

Gyros with fries $7.99

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 10:30am - 9pm Daily

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

O B I T U A R Y

Bill Sharp, 89

Our Community Needs Community Journalism

Forest Park resident William Henry Sharp, 89, of Forest Park has died. Bill was a big man, with a big heart. He was a great friend and a member of many community and religious organizations. He had a life full of fascinating moments that touched many people. He enriched the life of everyone who knew him. Due to Covid-19 regulations the family has elected to keep the interment private at Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst. Services will be conducted at a future date. Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Brookfield. For more information, call 708485-2000. For those who would like to express condolences to the family, visit www.HitzemanFuneral.com. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the Family, send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o The William H. Sharp Family.

It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.

Let's build community!

Read and Support the Forest Park Review.

TOM HOLMES Pastor Mitty from page 20 “I think so,” said Michael. “I’m sensing a lot of ambivalence right in my synagogue. You’re aware, aren’t you, that we have an Israeli flag standing on the bimah along with the American flag. I never liked that.” “You mean because it signals that to be Jewish means you have to support settlements in the West Bank?” Michael nodded. “For some in our congregation that is what it symbolizes.” “So my mixed feelings stem from opposing political groups using it as a symbol for their particular ideology rather than as something that encourages ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ if you will?” “I think so, and others just stop using it, let alone revering it, in reaction.” “So, Michael,” asked Pastor Mitty, “what can we claim as a symbol that unites us?”

Visit us online at www.ForestParkReview.com

Partner with us. Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

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

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â€“ 5:00 P.M. MONâ€“FRI

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.ForestParkReview.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

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

HELP WANTED

River Forest Public Schools District 90 Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 2020-2021 School Year District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: â€˘ Special Education Multi Needs Instructional Teacher (Roosevelt Middle School) â€˘ Special Education Support Teacher (Willard Elementary School) â€˘ Special Education Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator (All D90 Schools) â€˘ English Language Learners Teacher â€“ Part-time (Roosevelt Middle School) â€˘ Speech and Language Pathologist (Roosevelt Middle School) â€˘ Social Worker - Part-time (Willard Elementary School) For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

General Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Masterâ€™s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred. General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student. Application: Apply online at www. district90.org. 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.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

FOREST PARK 1BR 1 BR in Forest Park in quiet 4 ďŹ‚at. Heat, gas, parking included. Laundry facilities. Available 6/15. $950/ mo. Call Henry 708-436-3644

OAK PARK 1ST FLOOR 2BR 1185 S OAK PARK AVE $1300/mo plus security deposit. Incl. garage parking. You control heat/ac. Available 6/15. No pets. 708-246-2579

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â€˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park

CITY RENTALS BASEMENT APT FOR RENT 1BR Furnished apt near Thomas & Lavergne. Available June 1. $675. Tenant pays utilities. Call 773-626-0365

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofďŹ ces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiďŹ ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

ITEMS FOR SALE LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern IRISH CARDIGAN Menâ€™s size large. WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old-fashioned glasses 708-386-6160

ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY

Apartment listings updated daily at:

HOSPITAL BED We will deliver. 708-485-0929

WANTED TO BUY Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â€“ 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ‚ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers â€“ lead, plastic â€“ 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 708-613-3342

PARKING SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK PARKING SPACE FOR RENT Safe parking space (uncovered) off one-way alley on 200 block, South Kenilworth, Oak Park. 60302. Great centerof-town location near Metra, green line, Oak Park library, Scoville Park, Lake theater, shopping and restaurants. Only $95 per month for your space. 847-814-5741

CLOSET ORGANIZATION ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSETS! We can offer safe, creative, professional, and affordable solutions to address the need of your cluttered, unorganized closets. Using either wire shelving components, or more attractive wood grain laminated particle board, we successfully work closely with our clients to help them with their organizing challenges. We also offer assembly services for and Ikea products. Contact us for a free quote today! Brian@bkedesigns.com (312) 504-6149

PETS While youâ€™re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Parkâ€™s Original Pet Care Service â€“ Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

524-1030

AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges â€˘ Ovens Washer â€˘ Dryers Hot Water Heaters Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000 www.ForestParkReview.com

CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates Âˇ Veteran Owned

Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters GarageÂ Floors Foundations Parking Lots Water Control

devegaconcrete.com Âˇ 708-945-9001

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N â€œQUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATIONâ€? ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL Â˜ INDUSTRIAL Â˜ RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 Â‡ )281'$7,216 Â‡ 3$7,26 67(36 Â‡ &85% *877(56 Â‡ 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â‡ 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

You have jobs. We have readers!

Find the best employees with WednesdayÂ Classified! Call 708-613-3342.

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors â€˘ Home Re-wiring â€˘ New Plugs & Switches Added â€˘ New circuit breaker boxes â€˘ Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp â€˘ Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential â€˘ Commercial â€˘ Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. â€˘ Bonded â€˘ Ins. â€˘ Low Rates â€˘ Free Est.

708-409-0988 â€˘ 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts â€˘ 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park â€˘ All surrounding suburbs â€˘ Chicago area

ELECTRICAL

HANDYMAN

FOUR SEASONS ELECTRIC

Mikeâ€™s Home Repair

â˜…Cool your Homeâ˜… with Ceiling Fans! Installing Ceiling Fans Rewiring Old Houses Service Upgrades

Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates

â€˘ No Job Too Big or Too Small â€˘ Lic * Bonded * Ins * 24 hrs

708-445-0447

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ€™t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â€˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

FLOORS

773-637-0692

KLIS FLOORING INC.

HAULING

New hardwood ďŹ‚ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

GARAGE DOORS Our 73rd Year

Garage Doors &

Smart Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â€˘ Painting Fans Installed â€˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â€˘ Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

Ask for John

BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more. Hand weed removal. Clean-ups. Call 24 hrs.

708-447-1762

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

708-488-9411

ď ž email us: Classifieds@ForestParkReview.com

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

FORESTPARKREVIEW.COM

CLASSIFIED PLASTERING

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

Let the sun shine in...

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Public Notice: Your right to know

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME

ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

ROOFING

MIDWEST ROOFING All Types of Roofing Repairs Shingles, Hot Mop, Torchdown • Free Estimates

773-637-0692

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF 2020-2021 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING DATES FOR RIVERSIDE BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 208 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 12, 2020, a resolution was passed establishing that the 20202021 meetings of the Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, will be held in Room 201 at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Riverside Brookfield High School building, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The Regular Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month with the exception of the May 1, 2021, meeting (first Tuesday). The Committee of the Whole Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month with the exception of June, July, August, November, December, and March. Meeting dates can be found on the Riverside Brookfield High School website (www.rbhs208.net). Published in RB Landmark 06/03/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. LORNA J. RANKER; CHARLES K. RANKER; CITIZENS BANK NA; Defendants, 18 CH 2459 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-327-034-0000. Commonly known as 1185 S. LOMBARD AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds,

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS AND INVITATION FOR BIDS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD 2020 PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT RECEIPT OF BIDS The Village of Brookfield will receive sealed proposals for the 2020 Public Works Building Improvements Project until 11:00 A.M. Central Time, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at the Office of the Village Manager. Bids will be opened and read in the Edward Barcall Hall in the Municipal Building, located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 11:00 A.M., Central Time. The Project includes the improvements to the Village of Brookfield Public Works Building located at 4545 Eberly Avenue consisting of the removal and replacement of the asphalt shingle roof, reinforcement of an existing bar truss, and the masonry work around all window and overhead doors. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company at 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154, upon payment of a non-refundable charge of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per set of bidding documents. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, June 12, 2020. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on site on Wednesday June 17, 2020 at 11;00 A.M. for all potential bidders interested in submitting a proposal for the work. Bid proposals must be submitted on the forms provided. Submission of a bid shall be conclusive assurance and warranty that the bidder has examined the plans, the site of the work and the local conditions affecting the contract and understands all 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 “Village of Brookfield - 2020 Public Works Building Improvements Project” on the outside of the envelope. QUESTIONS, CHANGES, CLARIFICATION Any questions that arise must be made in writing and shall be directed by electronic mail to Timothy C. Wiberg, Village Manager, Village of Brookfield at twiberg@brookfieldil. gov. The written questions, along with the Village’s response, shall be circulated to all known potential bidders without identifying the party submitting the questions. The cutoff for receipt of additional questions shall be 12:00 Noon, Central Time on Friday, June 19, 2020, in order to facilitate preparation of any addenda. No inquiry received after that time will be given consideration. Replies and/or addenda will be mailed and faxed to all known potential contractors by 4:00 P.M., Central Time on June 23, 2020. Receipt of any addenda must be acknowledged in writing as part of the Bidder’s Proposal. Bidders shall be responsible for ensuring that they have received any and all addenda. The Village of Brookfield shall not assume responsibility for the receipt by the Bidder of any addenda. BID SECURITY Each proposal shall be accompanied by a proposal guaranty in the form of a bid bond, executed by a corporate surety company, a bank cashier’s check or a certified check payable to the “Village of Brookfield” for not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the proposal. The proposal guaranty checks of all, except the two responsive, responsible proposers which the Village determines in its sole discretion to be the proposers with whom the Village desires to commence negotiations for a contract,

will be returned after the proposals have been checked and tabulated. The proposal guaranty checks of the two responsive, responsible proposers will be returned after the contract and the contract bond of the successful proposer have been properly executed and approved. Bid bonds will not be returned. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS The Village of Brookfield reserves the right to waive technicalities and to reject any and all proposals for any reason deemed in the best interest of the Village of Brookfield. AWARD OF CONTRACT Unless all bids are rejected, the contract award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder that the Village of Brookfield in its sole discretion determines to be in the best interest of the Village. In determining who the lowest responsive, responsible bidder is, the Village of Brookfield will consider all factors that it, in its discretion, deems relevant in determining who the lowest responsive responsible bidder is. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS The general prevailing rate of wages in Cook County, Illinois, for each craft or type of worker or mechanic needed to execute the contract or perform the work, also the general prevailing rate for legal holiday and overtime work, as ascertained by the Illinois Department of Labor, shall be paid for each craft or type of worker needed to execute the contract or to perform the work. Work performed under this contract shall be in accordance with Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 820, Act 130, Sections 1-12), Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 30, Act 570, Sections 1-7), Drug Free Workplace Act (Illinois Compiled Statutes, Ch. 30, Act 580, Sections 1-11). Village of Brookfield, Illinois Timothy C. Wiberg, Village Manager

Published in Landmark 6/3/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-04613 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3150861

the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-431-012-0000. Commonly known as 830 South 16th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

(312) 360-9455. W19-0247 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3150866

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION AM SOLUTIONS LLC; Plaintiff, vs. ARIEL CHAPMON; TAJ CHAPMON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 7196 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR TOWD POINT MASTER FUNDING TRUST 2018-PM16 Plaintiff, vs. GRADY RIVERS AKA GRADY A. RIVERS, JR.; GLENDA L. RIVERS AKA GLENDA RIVERS; Defendants, 18 CH 11332 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120

Starting a New Business? Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-11-317-010-0000. Commonly known as 406 South 7th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 18-034750 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3150870

Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR

(HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 267501 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 12736 TJSC#: 39-8007 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12736 I3150458

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION SELENE FINANCE LP Plaintiff, -v.LARSENIA HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUCTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 12736 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 9, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-0480000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse with an attached one car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential

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. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

INC., REALTOR

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

9346 LANDINGS LN

317 ELGIN

1338 MARENGO

Bright two bed two bath on 4th. fl. with balcony in gated community w 24 hr. security guard. Ceramic tile fl. in kit and dinette. Complex offers outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and clubhouse. Elevator building w/inside heated garage. coin laundry on 1st.fl. In Des Plaines, close to shopping, schools and highway.....................$149,900

2,450 S.F. OF LUXURY! Center unit! 4 floors of living! Enormous master with a soaking tub and enclosed shower, walk in closet, and a private balcony. 2nd fl. offers 2 additional large bedrooms, walk in closet, storage, and full bath. 1st fl is all oak flooring, living room with a fireplace and eating area, and an eat in kitchen. Bedroom #4 is located in the fully finished basement with a family room area, and full bathroom. 1 space garage. This is the LARGEST TOWNHOME on the market IN FOREST PARK!! ....................................................................................................$389,000

First floor apartment completely remodeled with 2 bedrooms and duplex 3rd. bedroom and half bath and family room in the basement. Second floor is two bedrooms and one bath. Outside parking for 4 cars. Projected rent for 1st floor between ...............................$1375 & $1450

D L SO

Hiring Online Account Specialists! • We are a local US essentials manufacturing company • Work remotely from your own home office • Bonus & benefits package

Call Claudia Eichelberger for a phone interview. 815-739-8294

Forest Park Review, June 3, 2020

presents

A Wednesday Journal & A Tribe Called Aging Production

wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L

Our Covid-19 free gift to the community watch it free on ZOOM in your own home

Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.

Alive

Inside

Friday, June 19th • 10am

A joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and

uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short. A FILM ABOUT DEMENTIA FOR ALL OF US TO SEE. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett is the Writer, Director and Producer of ALIVE INSIDE – winner of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for U.S. Documentary MICHAEL WILL BE JOINING US LIVE ON ZOOM FOLLOWING THE MOVIE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOU ABOUT THE FILM

Signature Sponsors

Non Profit Patron Sponsors

Oak Park Township/River Forest Township

Learn more and register at: wabi-sabi-alive-inside.eventbrite.com